I have been making jewelry for nearly 4 years now, and have found it very rewarding. Being able to take pieces of bead or crystal and create something that is beautiful and attractive is very satisfying. Being able to earn an income from making jewelry is even more fun! Whether you are a home crafter looking for an interesting hobby or you are looking to start a lucrative, home based business, this is the article for you. This article will guide you through how to make some of the most sought after jewelry, where to find suppliers, and most importantly where to sell your finished product. I will take you through projects from start to finish so you gain an understanding of how to create your masterpiece!
At the end of the article, I will provide you with tutorials on making two types of jewelry that you can start making and selling right away. One is an easy project, and the other a more advanced project. I am including them to give you an understanding of what can be involved, as well as what sells.
Definitions
There are certain terms you are bound to run across, and knowing what they mean can make a difference in not only buying supplies, but also selling to a savvy buyer. I have included the most common terms you will run across as you start your hobby.
Catch: This is the mechanism used to join ends of jewelry together, or to hold a piece of jewelry in place, as with a brooch.
Duette: A combination of two clips on a pin back. Duette was a registered design by Coro, but is now used generically for this design.
Findings: All types of construction components used in jewelry making such as clasps, pins, hooks, tabs, etc.
Fob: A short chain or ribbon attached to a pocket watch, often with an ornament or decorative seal attached to the end.
French wire: A curved wire resembling a fish hook, which passes through the pierced earlobe and has a catch closure. It is mostly used with dangling earrings due to their extra weight.
Jump Ring: A small oval or round wire ring used to link charms or pendants onto a chain. It is not usually soldered shut.
Mounting: A piece of metal that holds a gem in place.
Safety Catch: One of several means of securing a brooch to a garment.
Screw Back: A type of earring attachment for non-pierced ears.
Toggle clasp: A means of fastening two ends of a chain together consisting of a ring on one end and a short bar on the other. The bar is slid through the ring and sits across it so it does not slide or pull.
While this is not a comprehensive list of definitions, it is the most common you will see. Of these definitions, Jump Ring, Catch and Findings are the most common you will see and use. Next I will show you the tools you will need to start making jewelry.
Tools
These are basic tools, and are recommended for beginners. As you advance, and the type of jewelry you want to make changes, so will the tools you will need to make them. The tools I am recommending are starter tools and most standard jewelry such as earrings, bracelets and necklaces will require these tools. As with any hobby, you want to start with the simplest items and master the techniques to make them. Once you master one, you then move to the next level and so forth.
You will need to visit your local craft store or online retailer to obtain these tools. Some craft stores will sell them as a kit, and they are relatively cheap.
- Flush Cutters
- Rosary Pliers
- Nylon Jawed Plyer
- Beaders Plier
- Crimping Pliers
- Flat nose Pliers
These are the tools commonly referred to as Beading Tools. Most of the beginner jewelry is made using beads or crystals. These tools will make it easier for you to make your jewelry, and also to give them a professional finished look.
Supplies
The following list of supplies will give you a start with minimal cost. As you will discover, most jewelry making supplies for the home crafter are relatively cheap and can be bought in bulk to further reduce the cost. If you happen to have an AC Moore, Michaels or Hobby Lobby near you, they have a great selection of supplies for you to choose from. My personal favorite is Hobby Lobby. They have an extensive section dedicated to jewelry making.
Make a list of items you will need to take with you. Just copy this list and you will have enough to make several pieces of jewelry.
Beads: Beads are by far the cheapest single item you will buy. Most of them come in packs of 50 or 100. Choose something that is appealing to you, but make sure you get several packages of different styles. Make sure your beads all match.
