If you are a creative person looking for a new hobby, you may have considered making your own jewelry. The sparkling gemstones, beads, charms, and chains have probably captured your attention, and your mind is whirling with ideas of what to make.
However, with so many different styles of jewelry, and tons of resources and techniques out there, how do you even get started? In this article, we will provide some top tips to help you get stuck.
Read a Few Books
If you head out to the local hobby store without first having some idea of what you are going to make, you will simply end up so overwhelmed by the sheer volume of supplies and tools that you will be tempted to give up there and then.
So, before this happens, borrow a few books from your local library and read up on the different terms and types of jewelry you can make. For example, you may like the look of beaded tiaras, which require you to learn wire wrapping, or you may want to become an expert at soldering and stone setting.
Start with a Jewelry Making Kit
Once you have decided on a technique, whether that is resin jewelry, clay beads, or fine jewelry, the best thing to do is buy a kit so that you have all the supplies you need in one go.
It’s better to go with a kit as a beginner so that you don’t make the mistake of buying the wrong tools or accessories. It also gives you a chance to practice one specific design before you start experimenting and creating your own designs from scratch.
Create a Workspace
It might surprise you to know that jewelry-making can take up quite a bit of room once it becomes a hobby. You don’t want to have all your supplies laid out on the kitchen table only to have to clean it up at mealtimes, losing all your beads and other tiny pieces in the process.
Instead, consider finding a dedicated workspace where you can dip in and out of your craft as you please. A simple craft trolley may be all that is required.
Find a Good Quality Supplier
If you are making jewelry with the intent to sell it, you want to make sure you buy good quality supplies from a reputable store. It’s easy enough to buy a packet of cheap plastic beads online, but these will chip and scratch in no time, and it won’t do your brand image any good.
Instead, find a wholesaler that focuses on quality and affordability, and who specializes in the type of supplies you need. For example, if you are looking for genuine gems and pearls, check out The Bead Traders.
Follow a Few Tutorials
Lastly, it’s always good to refine your skills or learn new ones by watching a few tutorials online. You can either use YouTube for this or check out a few blogs from experts who started out as a hobbyist just like you. Happy crafting!
