7 Simple Steps to Making Jewelry at Home

I began beading several years ago at Fred Segal in Santa Monica. They had a really cool bead shop where you could sit down, design and make your piece. It was a bit pricey but worth the finished product and the lack of hassle.

I took this theory and began designing jewelry from my home and selling it to boutiques. Here is a quick and easy way to make a beautiful necklace.

1. FIND A PENDANT

This is usually the most important part of the design as it is going to be the main attraction. It is the largest part of the necklace and is centered to gain the attention of the eye. I look for unusual and unique pendants that are already wire wrapped and/or have a loop to slide onto a chain or bead onto flexwire.

The pendants I use range from stones like amethyst, citrine, turquoise etc to beautiful crosses and cameos. It doesn't matter what the pendant is, just make sure it stays within your budget. You also want to make sure it is made well and will not fall apart after 2 wears.

2. MATCH THE PENDANT TO THE BEADS

Once I chose a pendant, I then advance to the bead section. I always choose something that compliments that pendant in color, texture and size. For example, if I was going to choose a Indian coral and turquoise pendant, most likely I would use a similar stone for the beading that matched in color and size. Maybe a small nugget torquise or round coral bead. Another example would be a black and white cameo pendant. Most likely I would pair it with a round onyx stone that was smaller than the pendant and accented the cameo. You can also be creative and a bit funky and try mixing a black and white cameo with some cool stone as well. It just depends on how traditional you want to be and who you are making the necklace for.

3. ADD SOMETHING THAT SPARKLES

Once I have my pendant and beads chosen, I always like to add a bit of sparkle to the piece. I personally like Swarovski crystals scattered throughout. They add a bit of glimmer and make the piece pop. It also adds value to the piece if your end goal is to sell it.

4. SPACERS TO ADD BLING

In some pieces, I like to add some silver or gold spacers. Even if it is just a plain tiny round one that separates the beads from the crystals. It also adds bling and makes the crystals pop. However if you are going to use silver, be prepared to clean it regularly as it can tarnish.

5. NOW THE TOOLS AND FINDINGS

Now you are ready to actually put the necklace together. If you are beginner, this should take no more than and hour. I can usually make about one piece every 15 minutes. Make sure you have the necessary tools and findings. For a basic necklace you will need the following :

-Wire, Thread or Stretch Cord (I prefer Accuflex wire)

-Crimp beads (2 beads - One for each end)

-Small Jewelry Scissors (or manicure scissors will work)

-Clasp (I prefer a large lobster clasp with matching jump ring)

-Flat Nosed Pliers (I use two pairs when making pieces but you can use just one or substitute tweezers)

6. PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

Wire:

You start with the piece of wire and measure it to the length you want. You can also use a beading board but I do the easy way of just measuring. Cut the wire to desired length.

Fasten the end:

Place the jumpring and crimp bead on the end of the wire, so the beads won't slip.

String the beads:

Begin stringing the beads along the wire. Use whatever pattern you chose above. For example: 3 beads, 1 silver spacer, 1 crystal, 1 silver spacer, 3 beads....and keep repeating.

Add the pendant:

Once you get to the middle, slide the pendant onto the wire.

Even it out:

Repeat the beading until you get to the end.

Fasten the end:

Add the crimp bead and the lobster clasp.

7. WEAR IT AND TEST IT

I always like to try the piece on and make sure it hangs well and doesn't do anything funny. Sometimes when you use a thicker Accuflex with heavy beads it can become too tight or too loose or hang weird. I like to try it on several times throughout the process to make sure I'm happy with the length etc.

Good luck!

My name is Kameron Kay, marketing expert and jewelry designer. Please visit my newly released "Jewelry Selling Secrets" ebook and audio program at: http://www.kameronkay.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kameron_Kay

Jewellery Making For Beginners - More Complicated Designs

Once you have practiced with a few simple designs you will no doubt want to tackle some more complicated designs.

One of the most effective designs is adding a pendant to a necklace, either a single pendant in a Y shape, or one longer and two shorter pendants at either side. Pendants may be added by using a head pin in the same way I described making earrings in the previous article. Or pendants can be purchased specially if you would like to use a certain charm like a butterfly or angel. Again be careful of the weight of the finished piece. I find 16 inches with a 1.5 or 2 inch pendant looks very nice.

You could make an extra long necklace or a necklace with many strands. Maybe use invisible wire to make your necklace. Use rougher thread and tie a knot either side of the bead to make it stay and leave gaps between the beads.

You can add two or three head pins with beads on to the fish hooks, making them various lengths. Maybe you could use an eye pin (which has a loop instead of a head on it) to add a larger bead at the top and hang other beads from that. Or use eye pins to make a string of beads to attach to the fish hook.

You can buy the findings for chandelier earrings and add your own beads. Or buy cages for beads to make earrings or necklaces (though it is possible to make these yourself with wire work.)

Have I confused you will too many suggestions, or are you getting excited by the possibilities? Because there's more...

Discover more jewellery making tips here:
http://www.squidoo.com/jewellery-making-for-beginners/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kirsty_Semple

Beading Patterns Free Peyote Stitch

The peyote stitch is an easy and enjoyable bead stitch to learn. Beginner beaders to advanced fall in love with the peyote stitch because of its versatility, flexiblity and beauty. The peyote stitch almost feels like fabric and can be use to make chokers, beaded purses... and endless bead designs.

Supplies

40" (60cm) Nylon beading thread

Beading needle

Size 11 seed beads

How To Bead A Peyote Stitch...

Step 1. Thread on a top bead

Step 2. Thread on 7 more beads

Step 3. Thread another bead and then thread your needle through the 3rd bead from the end.
Pull the thread so that the new bead sits on top of the 8th bead of the first row.

Step 4. Thread another bead and then thread your needle through the 4th bead from the end of the first row.

Step 5. Repeat Step 4, 2 more times, weaving the thread through every other bead on the first row.
You will end the second row with the thread going through the stop bead. (your first bead).
You should have added 4 new beads.

Step 6. Now, lets continue with a third row...
Thread another bead and then thread your needle through the first bead on the second row.
Pull the thread so that the new bead sits on top of the stop bead

Step 7. Thread another bead and then thread your needle through the next bead on the second row.

Step 8. Continue like this until you have 4 new beads threaded for the third row.

Keep going! The peyote stitch takes a bit of practice at first. The trick is to keep the thread tension tight, and still allow the weave to lay flat. Practice with larger seed beads at first to get the hang of the stitch. Once you learn the peyote stitch, you will be hooked! Bead long strips of seed beads to make a choker!

Happy Beading!

Jennifer Thoden

Discover free bead patterns, beading instructions and an online bead store directory. Visit http://www.beadpatternsonline.com to enjoy free designer bead patterns, detailed step by step bead instructions, dozens of beading related articles and a growing online bead store directory to help you find the beading supplies you need.

http://www.beadpatternsonline.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Thoden

Bracelet Bead Pattern - Pearls, Crystal and Silver

Have fun with this 3 strand bracelet made with crystal pearl, crystal bicones and silver beads. It sparkles, it shines... fancy enough to wear out on the town... yet you can wear it with any color sweater or t-shirt and look great! And best of all, this bracelet is easy to make!

Skills required:

Crimping
Stringing Beads

Beading Supplies

* Crimping pliers
* Needlenose pliers
* Flat nose pliers
* (24") .014mm Stringing Wire
* (6) 2mm Crimp Tubes Sterling Silver
* (6) Crimp Covers Silver
* (1) 16mm Toggle Clasp Sterling Silver
* (48) 3mm Silver Bead Sterling Silver
* (31) 6mm Glass Pearl White
* (20) 4mm Spacer Bead Antique Silver Plated
* (18) 4mm Cystal Bicone Clear
* (77) Size 11 Seed Beads

Stringing the first strand of beads

Step 1. Cut off 8" of stringing wire.

Step 2. String one end through a crimp tube, through the hole of of one side of the clasp, back through the same crimp tube.

Step 3. Crimp the crimp tube with crimping pliers.

Step 4. Cover the crimp tube with a crimp cover using your flat-nose pliers.

Step 5. String beads on in the following order:

Vist http://www.beadpatternsonline.com to see this bead pattern and to read the rest of this article with detailed photos and diagrams.

Happy Beading!

Jennifer Thoden

Discover free bead patterns, beading instructions and an online bead store directory. Visit http://www.beadpatternsonline.com to enjoy free designer bead patterns, detailed step by step bead instructions, dozens of beading related articles and a growing online bead store directory to help you find the beading supplies you need.

http://www.beadpatternsonline.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Thoden

Bracelet Bead Pattern - Pearls and Sea Foam Seed Beads

This 3 strand beaded bracelet is elegant with it's cool, translucent sea foam strands... and dangles of glass pearls... sparkling with silver beads and spacers. Wear this bracelet with an elegant white blouse or dress up your casual t-shirts... or wear it with a green sweater to pull out the green. Beautiful!

Skills required:

Crimping
Stringing Beads
Wire Working

Beading Supplies

* Crimping pliers
* Needlenose pliers
* Flat nose pliers
* (24") .014mm Stringing Wire
* (14) Silver Plated 2" Head Pins
* (6) 2mm Crimp Tubes Sterling Silver
* (6) Crimp Covers Silver
* (1) 24mm 3 Strand Hook and Eye Clasp Sterling Silver
* (257) Size 11 Seed Beads Transparent -Sea Foam
* (20) 6mm Glass Pearl White
* (26) 4mm Spacer Bead Antique Silver Plated
* (12) 3mm Silver Bead Sterling Silver
* (7) 4mm Jump Rings Silver

Creating the dangles

Step 1. String onto a head pin, 1 pearl, 1 spacer bead.

Step 2. Form a wrapped loop close to the spacer bead. Trim off excess wire.

Step 3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for a total of 14 pearl dangles.

Step 4. Hook 2 pearl dangles together with a jump ring... create 7 sets.

Vist http://www.beadpatternsonline.com to read the rest of this article with detailed photos and diagrams.

Happy Beading!

Jennifer Thoden

Discover free bead patterns, beading instructions and an online bead store directory. Visit http://www.beadpatternsonline.com to enjoy free designer bead patterns, detailed step by step bead instructions, dozens of beading related articles and a growing online bead store directory to help you find the beading supplies you need.

http://www.beadpatternsonline.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Thoden

Beading Crimping Instructions

Crimping is the process of securing your wire to a clasp or creating a stop for a bead on wire. When beading jewelry you will use the crimping skill all the time. The best part about this beading skill is that it is very easy to learn.

You will need:

Crimp tube

Stringing wire

Crimping Pliers

Step 1. Thread the wire through the crimp tube, through the ring on the clasp

Step 2. Thread the wire back through the crimp tube

Step 3. Lay the crimp tube on the back portion of the crimping pliers

Step 4. Close the crimping pliers to squeeze the crimp tube flat

Step 5. Lay the flattened crimp tube on its side in the front space of the pliers

Step 6. Close the crimping pliers again to squeeze the crimp tube in half again

-----------------------------

Visit http://www.beadpatternsonline.com to read this article with easy to follow diagrams.
-----------------------------
You can cover a crimped bead with a crimp cover. This gives the illusion of another bead instead of seeing flattened metal. You can also find crimp beads that have a loop already on them. So instead of looping the wire through the clasp, you would crimp you wire, and cover the crimp bead with the crimp cover. Use a jump ring to hook the crimp cover and clasp together.

Happy Beading!

Jennifer Thoden

Discover free bead patterns, beading instructions and an online bead store directory. Visit http://www.beadpatternsonline.com to enjoy free designer bead patterns, detailed step by step bead instructions, dozens of beading related articles and a growing online bead store directory to help you find the beading supplies you need.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Thoden

How To Make A Wrapped Wire Loop

For many of your bead patterns, you will need to know how to make a wrapped wire loop.

A wrapped wire loop is medium thick wire wrapped to form an enclosed loop that you use to string beads and dangles.

To create a wrapped loop you should use 20 guage wire or a head pin. You would use a head pin if you only need one side of your bead(s) to have a loop. You would use the wire if you need to create loops on both ends of the bead. As you can see, a head pin is perfect for creating dangles for earrings and for dangles to hang off your necklace. A loop on each end of a bead allows that bead to be hooked on both ends for creative design purposes.

The instructions here for a wrapped loop will show a 2" head pin... but you can use this method on your wire of choice.

Step 1. With your flat-nose pliers, grasp the wire at least 1" from the end.

Step 2. Using your finger, press the wire over the pliers creating a 90 degree angle

Step 3. With your round-nose pliers, grasp the wire close to the bend, with the wire close to tips of the pliers. (Where the wire is located on the round-nose pliers will determine the diameter of the loop. You should have the wire where the arrow is pointing in the photo.)
Step 4. Roll the pliers toward the bend... use your finger to press the wire around the pliers to form a loop... with the tail of the wire laying at a 90 degree angle across the bend.

Step 5. Grasp the loop with your flat-nose pliers, so that the intersection of the wire on the bend is inside the pliers... and the nose of the pliers is pointing in the same direction as the tail.

Step 6. Using your finger, bend the tail tightly around the wire.

Vist http://www.beadpatternsonline.com to read this article with detailed photos and diagrams.

Happy Beading!

Jennifer Thoden

Discover free bead patterns, beading instructions and an online bead store directory. Visit http://www.beadpatternsonline.com to enjoy free designer bead patterns, detailed step by step bead instructions, dozens of beading related articles and a growing online bead store directory to help you find the beading supplies you need.

http://www.beadpatternsonline.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Thoden

Taking Up Beading? An Amazing Variety Of Books And Beading Kits Will Help You Get Started

Beading looms, Russian coraling techniques, crocheted bead jewelry, beading incorporated into purses and quilts … there are so many ways to create beaded items that it's hard to know where to start. Luckily, the Internet can bring an entire world of beading information, materials and supplies into your home. A quick search using the keyword "beading" results in hundreds of websites offering beading materials and supplies, free beading patterns, and a wealth of books for students of beading, both beginning and advanced.

For the beginner, the book Simply Beautiful Beading: 53 Quick and Easy Projects, by Heidi Boyd, offers a variety of attractive designs for jewelry and accessories, as well as projects for home décor. She teaches thirteen basic beading techniques, all easy to do and all of which result in beautifully made items for personal use. Another book, Bead Fantasies, by Takako Samejima, teaches easy techniques which result in wonderfully delicate and feminine jewelry and other crafted items.

If you're interested in the intricate designs possible with the use of a bead weaving loom, explore the Dover Needlework series volume, Big Book of Indian Beadwork Designs, by Kay Doherty Bennett. One of many excellent beading books with a Native American theme, this particular book has a wealth of authentic Native American designs to copy or adapt to your own projects, for jewelry and to add to clothing, bags, and other crafted items.

You can also find information, both in these books and on the Internet, about the materials and supplies you need to start beading: bead boards, bead crimping tools, stringing wire, tweezers, a variety of beading looms - and, of course, beads and findings, thousands of them, from all around the world. From the tiniest seed beads to large, colorful ceramic or glass beads, to intricately designed silver beads, bells, and pendants, they are available from virtually anywhere in the world. If you want to make it easy on yourself, order a beading kit: many are available for all skill levels, and will get you set up with the basic tools needed for the craft, in addition to supplying you with the beads necessary for the specific project.

Beaders are a passionate lot, and many websites available on the Internet offer galleries of personal work for your inspiration; many also offer free beading patterns, as well as free instruction, even free online courses in beading. Pick a project that attracts you, and try to copy it using the techniques you know. Play with it; choose different color combinations, incorporate the design into a different application from the one shown, explore using beads of different sizes and shapes to see what results. Pick up a book on color or basic design and incorporate those principles into your work. You may find that you move very quickly from simply copying the designs of other artists to creating your own designs, and from there you'll very quickly develop your own personal style.

Beading For Beginners

Beading For Beginners

How many of you have gone to a party and seen some other women with stunning beaded jewelleries and accessories that you so much wanted? And when you ask where they got them from, the reply was that they made it themselves?

Wow! I can still remember the first time in university when I checked into a hostel and met my room mate. She came from China and had this collection of tibetan beaded accessories, strings and strings of them! She almost had a necklace, bracelet, earrings and more for every imaginable occasion. I practically had to beg her for some pieces when I'm off for parties! Not only that, she had a beaded coaster, beaded bags, and even beaded shoes! So one day I asked her: how did you do all these?

It turned out she had an aunt who was into the DIY business of sewing, beading and embroidery, and it was this aunt who taught her all the basics of beading which she eventually made a habit out of. I got her to teach me some basics, and from then on I simply couldn't stop beading!

Every start is difficult, I know, and without someone beside you correcting your every mistake, precious time will be wasted exploring all the possibilities and precious money will be wasted buying the wrong materials for your project.

This book I'm going to introduce to you - "Beading For Beginners", has everything you need to know about starting to bead. It contains very detailed explanations of the kinds of string, wire, thread, beads, colours, everything! that you will find yourself asking about.

I showed it to my room mate one day. It was in English, her second language. Yet she could explain to me everything that was in there, because the pictures were so clear! I have been practising my beading for two years, and now when I go for parties I am able to proudly wear matching necklaces and bracelets, all carefully beaded by me. If I can do it, with this book you will be an amateur beader in no time too.