Jewelry Making

[lonelypilgrim]

I have recently been looking at getting into making jewelry. I was wondering if anyone else makes their own jewelry and if so, what should a beginner know? Also, what are some of the basics needed to start?

 

[Daily Miracle]

There are a lot of books that offer enough of the basics to get you started. My favorite subscription is Bead & Button, which you can get at most craft stores and book stores. The magazine is filled with suppliers and "how to's". I usually order my supplies and beads from Fire Mountain Gems because the pricing and selections are better than craft stores.

 

[lonelypilgrim]

I had recently got a catalog from Fire Mountain Gems and that pushed me over the edge to think about getting into this hobby. There items are just so beautiful. How long have you been making jewelry?

 

[Daily Miracle]

I've been making jewelry for about 10 years, moreso in the last 5 years. I've dabbled with a lot of different mediums (clay, precious metals, paper, lampworking, beading, wood, etc.) and decided it's too expensive to try to do it all. Now I try to focus my attention to lampworking (glass beads) and making trendy things with basic techniques.

 

[kellyalder]

I've been making jewelry for about 10 years, moreso in the last 5 years. I've dabbled with a lot of different mediums (clay, precious metals, paper, lampworking, beading, wood, etc.) and decided it's too expensive to try to do it all. Now I try to focus my attention to lampworking (glass beads) and making trendy things with basic techniques.

I too have been nthinking about this recently, thanks for the tip

 

[lonelypilgrim]

I am really interested in making jewelry with metals and stones. I appreciate the tip on finding a niche and sticking to it. Any hobby can get way out of control and expensive when you want to dabble in a little of everything.
Thanks for the tip Daily Miracle!

 

[Daily Miracle]

For inspiration on the trends, I flip through InStyle magazine because it has a section of the hot jewelry on a few pages...like the hoop earrings, beaded bracelets, Y-necklaces, etc. I don't always buy the magazine, but I always look at the section at the store. I also look at Ebay, to see what people are making and buying...there are beads and supplies there too.

 

[lonelypilgrim]

Thanks, that is a wonderful way to save money and see the latest trends. My local library will let me check out magazines, while they don't have beading or jewelry magazines they have tons of fashion mags like you suggested. I checked out ebay and they are loaded with goodies. Thanks for the tip!

 

[cwr89]

Hey I have been makeing jewlery for some time,

I started with an obsession of metal, then into armour of the middle ages. (I still make lots of armour and love it) but I got into chain maille. I have weaved shirts, braclets. neclaces ear rings, finger rings, and now I am working on pendants!

I do all my stuff in sterling silver, Nikkel Silver, or stainless steel.

here is a pic of one I just recently finished:

http://www.chainmailstore.com/uploads/crossgood.JPG

~Casey

 

[Stormi]

If time permitted, I'd like to get into jewelry making. We have classes at the local community college here in this art.

 

[lonelypilgrim]

Casey, the link led me to several wonderful pieces. You do excellent work!

 

[lonelypilgrim]

I had never thought about looking for classes; that is an excellent idea! Thank you Stormi.

 

[cwr89]

Casey, the link led me to several wonderful pieces. You do excellent work!

if you look into metal arts and jewlery, I would definantly say look into chainmaille.

there are many different things you can do with it.

there are also great tutorials on the internet that can get you set for anything.

I am working on a 22 inch Sterling silver neclace for my aunt, it is in the byzantine (sp?) weave. but there is deffinantly lots of money that could be made. and on top of that, it is fun!

and once you learn the basic weaves, you could also make suites of armour!!!

(and then the next step, makeing armour out of sheet metal, not wire.)

here are some of the resorces I use:

best suply place out there for maille supply: www.theringlord.com they also have a great gallery of user art. also check out www.theringlord.com/forum for an extencive forum with many people that are very knowledgeble! next is www.dcwireworks.com they are also good supplyers of maille products.
www.mailleartisans.org is the place to go to find 3d tutorials for any and pretty much all weaves. and finally if your looking for the odd ball dimand, stud, bead, stone, or what ever, www.riogrande.com is the place to get that.

I am gonna send you a PM with some more photo links of stuff I have done. and if you have any questions give me a holler!
~Casey

 

[lonelypilgrim]

Thank you for the pictures and links Casey, I really enjoy your work!

 

[rachewil15]

My aunt recently started a business in jewelry making. Not my style, but I know a lot of people like the things she makes.