Any Jewelry Makers Here?

**Vannie** · 01-23-2006, 01:32 PM

I recently started making jewelry. And found that I really enjoy it. Right now I make just make sort of dressy necklaces.

Anyone else here into jewelry making? Let's talk. Maybe share some hints and sites.

**Kimberlina** · 01-25-2006, 12:08 AM

I don't have any tips, but I would love to start making more. I have a co-worker who sells wuite a lot. I just need some money to get a bead stash. (drool)

**Vannie** · 01-28-2006, 01:36 PM

Kimberly,

I use the money from my change jars to buy bead stuff.

I went to a networking meeting for women and made $24 about 3 weeks ago. I sold the items at $8 a piece because they were easy and I am trying to get the women used to seeing my face (and my jewelry). I used the the $24 to buy more beading.

Just start small. You will be o.k.

**sunshine** · 01-28-2006, 09:02 PM

I only make "soft" jewelry, mainly for kids to play dress up.
I make quilted satin or lame' chokers, or crocheted/beaded items.

**Vannie** · 01-29-2006, 11:31 AM

Originally posted by sunshine
I only make "soft" jewelry, mainly for kids to play dress up.
I make quilted satin or lame' chokers, or crocheted/beaded items.

Soft jewelry sounds interesting. I used to have a small cameo (fake) that I pinned to a piece of black velvet because I saw an actress wearing one. I don't remember how I tied or fastened it. Can't remember. Would that have been called 'soft jewelry'?

I love the sound of a quilted satin choker.

**sunshine** · 01-29-2006, 01:42 PM

I suppose that would have been classified as soft jewelry-- although it's kind of a mix.

I use some beads in my crochet projects to add sparkle and interest.

**madhen** · 02-13-2006, 01:01 AM

I'm really into beaded jewelry. Took a bunch of classes several years ago, and I do still make a lot of earrings and necklaces. I usually just give them away as presents. I see a lot of local artists selling their jewelry at privately owned little stores, so that is a possible avenue. I assume there is a commission fee involved, but I see jewelry in everything from yarn stores to used book stores. I have been thinking about designing some eyeglass holders and checking out the bookstores myself!

**santoria** · 02-13-2006, 01:13 AM

I have a ton of beads and things lol

Always wanted to know how. A friend of mine had a beadnecklace company for nursing mamas, and made a good $$ on it.

**madhen** · 02-13-2006, 01:32 AM

Once you learn the basics (and there aren't that many), you are limited only by your imagination. Most beading magazines include a printed course in bead basics in each issue, and I also look at finished jewelry and figure out how they attach one piece to another that way. The biggest problem is the cost. If you use sterling silver wire, it can be pricey. Base metal is not that expensive, but a lot of people don't want to wear it if it isn't gold or silver. Beads can be REALLY costly, but one of the necklaces I made that gets the most compliments was made with plastic beads and nylon beading filament!

**Missy** · 02-13-2006, 03:32 AM

I dabble in it. I have done mothers bracelets, necklaces, earrings. Nothing too extravagant. Just stuff for myeslf, family. Just to please myself really. Withthe kids I can't really do much. but once ds 2 is older I will be able to get into it more. But now and then, when he's taking a good nap i pull out my beads and supplies and get beading.

**Vannie** · 02-13-2006, 11:22 AM

Hey,

I took a beading paid course at my museum and was hooked.

Madhen is so right about the cost. I would only use sterling or gold wire for my own jewely, but have not done it yet. I mostly use beading thread for necklaces. I often go to second hand shops because they sometimes have great old necklaces. Even if they are ugly the beads may be pretty. I take them apart and use the beads, and other findings to make a new necklace.

**madhen** · 02-13-2006, 01:03 PM

Cockatiels and finches!! :-) I have two Gouldian finches, currently also sitting on eggs. Also, two mini-macaws, an African Grey, and two budgies. (And lots and lots of chickens.)

**madhen** · 02-13-2006, 01:05 PM

If you are into detailed work, you can also use seed beads to make some really nice bracelets. I use seed beeds, with some larger accent beads mixed in. Old buttons make really nice clasps. Just string enough seed beads to make a loop around the button. I've found some very cool old buttons on e-Bay. Since I sell bird products, I usually hunt buttons that have parrots on them. :-) When you look at a button with a clasp in mind, rather than a button for a garment, it opens up a whole new world of ideas!

**Vannie** · 02-13-2006, 01:31 PM

I take them apart and use the beads, and other findings to make a new necklace. [/B]

Madhen, I have a friend who uses buttons, but have not thought of using them as clasps. A really good idea for a ethnic-type necklace I am making

Also, I clicked on the the word beads above and found that they offer a weekly e-mail with beading tips and ideas.

Just curious when you find the bird buttons do you use them when making jewelry?