When you ‘re merely starting out, it ‘s wise to experiment using cheap materials— bribe telegram made of a root metal and some glass or formative beads, for exercise, preferably than fourteen-karat gold and semiprecious stones. Play around with the tools and techniques, trying our ideas. As you master the basics, you can turn your attention to the invention of your creations—and that ‘s the actually enjoyable part. Do you like boldface pieces, or more insidious ones ? Is your sensibility classical, modern, or possibly a little edgy ? Whatever your dash, people are surely to notice a piece you fondly created by hired hand. And what a pleasure to say, “ I made it myself. ”
Beads
Glass, wood, plastic, alloy, or semiprecious stones— beads come in about every material conceivable, ampere well as a huge variety of shapes and sizes ( not to mention prices ). Browsing at a peculiarity bead storehouse is a big way to familiarize yourself with what ‘s available and to get inspired. To keep beads from rolling around, plan your design by laying out the beads on a towel, felt, or a bead design dining table.
Chain, Clasps, and Wire
Chains, of course, are the starting degree for many necklaces and bracelets ( and even belts ). The links may be delicate and dainty or adult and chunky. You can invest in 14- or 18-karat gold or sterling silver, which will stand the test of time. Another option is to pay less for gold or silver-tone chain, or chains made of metals, such as brass, copper, or sword, or even plastic ; any of these will make beautiful pieces. Chain is usually sold by the foot ( or the inch, for more expensive versions ), which means you need to add the clasp yourself. There are respective styles, most of which attach to a leap call, a simple loop used as a connection. ( Or you can buy a chain necklace or watchband with a buckle already in place. ) Use lengths of wire to turn a beading into a pendant or to join beads to one another. Choose fasteners, jump rings, and electrify in the same metallic element and stopping point as your chains.
Silk Cord
Use this hard cord for stringing beads for necklaces and bracelets. It comes in different colors and thicknesses and can be region of the design of a assemble of jewelry ( as when the beads are spaced along the cord and separated by knots ) ; or it can be strictly functional ( as when the beads are flush against one another ) .
Pliers and Cutters
In order to manipulate the thin wires and little links, you ‘ll need both chain-nose pliers and round-nose pliers, vitamin a well as wire cutters. Chain-nose pliers have a sharpen tip ; the pincers are round on the external but flat, with ribbing for clasp, on the sides that touch. Use this versatile tool for open-ing startle rings and crimping beading tips. Round-nose pliers are besides tapered, but the tips are completely rounded. Use them for making loops and wrapping wires. Use cutters for snipping wire. In any jewelry-making project, choose good-quality tools that feel comfortable in your hands .