Jewelry making today is much simpler than most people think. Anyone can do it. This is a hobby where you can use your creativity to create unique and one of a kind pieces of jewelry you can wear and showcase daily.

There are many types of jewelry making techniques that don’t require welding or other advanced techniques. You can make beautiful, one of a kind pieces through assembling beads, stones, pearls and crystals with basic jewelry materials known as “findings”. Pliers are used extensively to cut, bend, and manipulate the findings to assemble a piece of jewelry. Findings include clasps, connectors, ear wires, jump rings, and many others. Jewelry can be made from specific designs or from custom layouts of beads and other elements.

Some of the basic techniques include stringing and knotting, bead weaving, and wire wrapping.

· Stringing is the most basic technique where beads, pendants, crystals or stones are threaded onto a thread or cord. Knot or crimps are typically placed between them to separate the pieces.

· Bead weaving is where smaller beads are threaded and interlaced to make intricate designs.

· Wire wrapping is where wire itself is wrapped to become the jewelry elements. Wire can also be combined with beads and other elements to form unique pieces. You can even make your own findings with wire.

A variety of different threads/wires/cords, findings and stringing elements (beads, pearls, stones, or crystals) are made from different materials and come in different shapes, sizes, and colors. These variations and the way in which they are used within the piece make up the basic elements of a piece design. Materials range in prices due to their materials and their quality. Most simple findings are a base metal and dipped in silver, gold, or nickel. More expensive ones may be pure gold or other metals. The threads/wires/cords, findings and stringing elements are typically included with different project ideas; you can also experiment with different items to create your unique jewelry designs.

Most hobby and craft stores carry all the supplies and tools you will need to get started in this fun filled craft. Spend a little time researching the type of jewelry you would like make and then purchase the tools you need to complete the task.

Do not skimp on the tools. The tools used by crafters of jewelry make completing your project much easier and the finished project looks professional. Have fun and enjoy making jewelry.

It is always a great feeling when someone asks “where did you get those earrings?” and you can say ” I made them myself.”

Approx. equipment costs: About $20-$50 for basic equipment

Approx. costs per project: $10 and up for basic beading projects - depends on size, types of materials, and quality of findings

Difficulty for beginners: Easy

Approx. time to complete project: basic projects take less than an hour

Types of Projects: Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, anklets, eyeglass cords, etc.

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