10 simple tips for getting started with beginner jewelry

Here are 10 simple tips for getting started with beginner jewelry.

1. Choose the type of jewelry that interests you the most.

It can be really overwhelming when you decide for the first time you want to try making jewelry because there are so many possibilities! Just as you do not expect to learn how to crochet, knit, sew, quilt and embroider all at once, it is unrealistic to try to deal with all types of jewelry that are made when you first start. Instead, choose a type you want to do first and go from there.

Maybe you like to wear beaded jewelry the best, or you might prefer the simple look and customization of metal stamped jewelry. You may want to work with leather, clay or glass. Choose a medium to focus on first, knowing that you can always try something else later.

and in fact, the skills can build on each other and you will have an easier time learning a new technique because of what you can already do!

2. Need some basic skills.

Whether you plan to work with pearls, clay metals or any other type of jewelry first, there are some skills that you will want to know for almost every project you do. Most projects, for example, will require you to have basic knowledge of how to open and close a jump ring properly and form a simple wire loop. When you understand these skills, they are transferred to the type of project you are creating.

3. Invest in good quality tools.

For your first try, it may work okay to just "borrow" the wire cutters and pliers from your household's toolbox. But the reality is the better the tools you have to work with, the easier the process becomes and the better your project becomes.

First, it may seem like a bit of an investment, especially when it comes to special tools like metal fringes. But in the long run, they pay more than themselves when one can create rather than buy jewelry and make jewelry to give as gifts and / or sell to others. When you have the necessary tools in your stash, it is usually very cheap to do a certain piece.

4. Learn the terminology.

What is the difference between and a head pin and an eye pin? Is 12-gauge wire thicker or thinner than 20-gauge wire? And what are "thoughts" anyway? You have to know! Before you buy anything, make sure you know what it is that you need. It saves time, cost and frustration of having to return and exchange wrong things. There are lots of great resources to help you, like this beginner's guide to working with thread or this basic introduction to metal stamping.

5. Get your hands on some items, literally.

There are countless alternatives for where to buy jewelry that makes goods. Online stores such as Goody Pearls, Lima Pearls and P&J Tool Supply have large stocks, and you can always find almost what you are looking for on Etsy.

Before choosing your favorite online suppliers, I would encourage you to find a local craft store and literally get your hands on some of these tools and accessories. Watch them, touch them and choose exactly what you want.

I ordered things before it ended up being not at all what I expected just because of my lack of experience. For example, I had no idea what a 4mm bead really looked like, so when I ordered a whole pack and they turned out I was shocked at how small they were. Join hands on some things and get acquainted with them.

Later, when you get into a track and know what you like to work with, you can simply order online, but I still personally love the experience of seeing things for myself before I buy.

6. Have and organize your own work space.

There is nothing more frustrating for a crafter (or their family!) Than having random accessories strewn everywhere. If you do not find what you need, you are wasting precious time that you can use to create.

Choose a room in the house - or at least a certain table, desk or drawers - that you can just devote to your hobby. When you have it, sort your goods and labels, labels, labels. There are all kinds of jewelry that make storage ideas like cheap trays and boxes you can get that already have dividers in them to easily store different beads, bargains and more. Find out a system that works for you and stick to it. That way you always know what you have and it will be in your arm when inspiration strikes!

7. Browse online for inspiration.

Sometimes a good idea for a new piece of jewelry will come into my mind. But usually, when it comes to making jewelry, I am inspired by what I see.

Look around you for inspiration. Check out jewelry for sale in your favorite clothes and accessories stores. Browse Pinterest. Find some favorite bloggers you like and check out their jewelry archives. And, of course, search Craftsy here for ideas! There are over 2100 bracelet projects here alone, not to mention that there are over 11,000 total jewelry projects, including necklaces, earrings and more.

Sometimes you find a good guide that you want to follow step by step, or you can just find something that appeals to you and you want to adjust the colors, size or style a little to suit your own preferences.

8. Take a class.

Is there anything specific you want to learn? Take a class and let an experienced instructor go through the process! You're already in the right place. Craftsy offers all kinds of classes, some of which are even free, where you can learn a variety of jewelry-making skills. You can take a basic beginner class or choose a course on a specific technique such as wire packaging, resin work or soldering. You may also find a class at your local craft or specialty bead shop where you can learn in person.

9. Don't be discouraged.

Just like any other skill, make your own jewelry a learning curve. The first thread loop you try to create will look like a hot mess. And that's okay! Since the other will look better and with the tenth you will feel like a pro. Do not let a difficult or unsuccessful project ruin your enthusiasm. Just keep trying, keep training and remember that all skills take time to develop.

10. Take risks!

Don't be scared to try a certain skill because you think it looks or sounds difficult. I always love to make friends play with my metal stamping tools and see how easy it is to create my own personal pieces. So many people are frightened by the thought, but with the right tools, they are surprised at what they can do!

Do not limit yourself to a particular style, color or size of jewelry. Play with your goods, try new things and see how you like them! Experiment with different materials and see what happens. Some of my favorite pieces are things I didn't even know about when I started doing them. The sky is the limit.

reach for it!

Congratulations on starting this fun new hobby. When you start, you quickly see that it is completely addictive! Don't say I didn't warn you! Be sure to send your own jewelry creations here at Craftsy as well so we can see what you did!