In my last blog, I talked about the roots of what can only be described as a lifelong beading adventure. Having been a beader off and on for about 15 years now (and having more money at some times than others to invest in my hobby), I have learned a few things about the do’s and don’ts of jewelry making. The following are a few tips and rules for those of you just starting out on your beading journey.
1. Always use high quality crimp beads. Whether you are using silver or gold, try to avoid anything plated or anything that is not tube-like in its appearance. The plated crimp beads are okay for making simple illusion necklaces, but are not sturdy enough to withstand the wear and tear of your beaded jewelry.
2. Do not sacrifice quality for price when it comes to beading wire. Although 49-strand wire may seem expensive, in the long run it will save you time, money, and frustration from having to recreate pieces that have fallen apart due to the use of less durable wire. And although Supplemax is a great product for creating illusion necklaces and woven pieces, it is not sturdy enough to hold strands of beads. Neither is Fireline. (I speak from my experience and the experience of others on this one!)
3. Use the most project appropriate findings and clasps possible in your pieces. It is embarrassing to admit but when I began making jewelry again, I used beading wire and crimped the bottom so it would act as headpin. Though this may seem creative, it was actually not very attractive or very sturdy. And clasps… Don’t even get me started! I used to buy my clasps in bulk and I used the same clasp on every piece of jewelry I made, whether it was delicate or bold and chunky. Now I cringe when I see those old pieces with those plain silver plate toggles. Also, when choosing a clasp, you will want to keep in mind what the finished piece will be. I generally use a lobster and chain at the back of necklaces (so the length is adjustable) and use toggles on bracelets (because they are sturdy, attractive, and easier to take on and off than a lobster clasp).
4. I would never say that you shouldn’t use inexpensive beads; plastic, glass, and base metal beads can make some great fashion jewelry pieces. What I would say is that you should never mix your less expensive beads with your more expensive beads. For example, I probably wouldn’t use Czech glass to create a necklace around a $30 sterling silver pendant. I also probably wouldn’t mix plastic beads with Swarovski crystal. The main reason for this is that you will ultimately devalue your finished piece. Remember: a person’s perceived value of a product is just as important as the actual value.
5. The best advice I can give is to learn, learn, and learn some more! I am a person who does not like to be taught by others. I don’t read instructions and I don’t learn from a classroom environment; I am more about being self-taught and experimentation. Some people, like Karla, find they do better when they have a trusty friend or magazine to help them learn a new technique or skill. However you learn best, learn as much as you can! Take classes, subscribe to beading magazines, look at free online jewelry projects, watch online videos. All of these things will teach you not only new techniques, but what kinds of tools and materials and resources you can use while you learn your new craft. And I believe one of the best things about this hobby is that you never stop learning!
You will get out of this hobby what you put into it and, whether you are selling your pieces or giving them as gifts or keeping them in your own jewelry gift, you want to make sure you are creating nothing but the best. Happy beading!
Shanna Steele,
Auntie’s Beads Designer
Tags: beaded jewelry, beading, beads, jewelry making, jewelry tips
February 23, 2010 at 6:27 pm |
Hi,
My daughter and I are starting to bead and will be doing some local craft shows in the near future. Due to limited resources and lack of knowledge {ha,ha} initially, we began with purchasing supplies at local retail stores, and just started making the jewelry after looking at a few magazines. My question is what is the usual quality of the beading wires, findings, etc from these stores? Most of the material doesn’t have specific information on what they are made of, other than to say “metal.” Also, the pieces we are making seem sturdy, so I think they will hold up. I have been doing a lot of reading to learn as much as I can, but honestly, didn’t know these sites were out there to use as resources when we first started. I love watching your videos and can spend hours browsing through each section. Thank you for putting this out there for all us novice beaders!
Sincerely,
Jan
February 26, 2010 at 11:26 am |
Generally speaking, you want to get as much information as possible. If the package just says “metal” then it is probably a base metal alloy and may contain nickel and/or lead unless otherwise stated.
When looking for beading wire or tools, Beadalon is a good brand name and many craft stores carry this. It is important to make sure you are using good wire and findings so your pieces will be durable.
We appreciate the kind words about our beading videos. We are glad you are enjoying our products, projects, and information. Best wishes in your beading adventures!
January 7, 2010 at 8:24 am |
Fantastic tips. I opened up my beadshop learning from your “how to videos’ and recommend to many designers your website to do the same thing when they can’t attend one of my own classes face to face.
I would like to see if you have any outstanding books that deliver hard earned lessons about running a bead shop. I am about to expand into a larger location for more room and just want to make sure I don’t make any obvious mistakes.
Sincerely,
Lisa Rose
November 26, 2009 at 11:15 am |
hi i am Linda i have read your bog, i am one that learns on my own to. but i like the videos, my question is to you , do you know where to get advertising for my jewelry i make. i have tryed shophandmade and craigslist ,and i can not get any buyers. can you subjuest any place that has free advertising. have you been selling your jewelry. you did a good write up on making jewelry. i enjoyed reading it. please said me a reply back thankyou LINDA
November 27, 2009 at 11:25 am |
Hi Linda,
You can list your jewelry for free at http://www.BeadHuddle.com. It will require a Gold Membership and here is how you can get this for free…
Go to http://www.BeadHuddle.com, sign up for the FREE account, then send an email to upgrade@beadhuddle.com with your new Bead Huddle username and the code “FBGOLD” in the subject or body of the message. You’ll then get upgraded to Gold status for free and will receive an email notification informing you that you’ve been upgraded. Here, you can set up your own profile and list your items in the Classifieds and/or Auctions pages.
November 15, 2009 at 1:32 pm |
Hi, this will be my first time beading. I wanted to give it a try. Does anone have any advice for me?
November 18, 2009 at 1:55 pm |
Hi! You will fall in love with beading quickly
Some advice that helped me is to purchase these basic tools:
Beadalon Designer Bead Crimper
Nipper Tool
Round Nose Pliers or Mini Round Nose Pliers
Flat Nose Pliers
Bead Mat, 3 Pack
Beadalon 49-strand Wire, 30 ft., .015
Crimp Beads, Bag of 50, 2 x 2mm
Optional:
Sterling Silver Open Bead Crimp Cover, 3.2 mm, Bag of 10
1 1/2 Inch Sterling Silver Head Pins, 22 Gauge, Bag of 10
2 Inch Silver Eye Pins, 24 Gauge, Bag of 10
Sterling Silver Split Rings, Bag of 10, 6 mm
Clear Acrylic Bead Organizer Box and Plastic Flip Top Rectangle Tube with Cap, Small, 7/16×1x1
Sterling Silver Jump Rings, Open, Bag of 10, 6mm, 20 Gauge
Check out our KarlaKam videos for tips on crimping, wire wrapping and other basic techniques. We also have videos showing more advanced techniques for when you’re ready.
Don’t forget to check out the project of the week on the homepage every Monday for design ideas to spark your creativity!
Have fun and don’t hesitate to contact the design team with any questions or comments.