hey guys,

i am looking to get into jewllary making and have seen from past posts that there are a few geeks who also have this as a hobby,

i love big dangly earings and banglees and fancy rings and would like to make these type of pieces i just have not a clue where to start

just wondering if any1 could point me in the right direction i have checked with all my local schools and collages for courses but had no luck

can any1 recomend any good books/ mags/ websites that can help me where did you guys learn the basics and how do you keep on top of current trends ??

any feedback will be gratly appriciated xxxxxx

if you pop into a larger branch of whsmith there will be 3 or 4 magazines that will set you off in the right direction. beadstyle would be a good one for a beginner.
try the websites for beadstyle and bead and button magazine too.
bead+button is Bead&Button Magazine i think and there should be a laink to beadstyle on there as it is a subsiduary. there will be loads of other links on there too as well as forums and information.

ahh thanks a lot sue ill take a look at those sites now x

Hiya,

I love beading too!

Must be a nail thing...

I found the best source to start with was the library - long forgotten by most peeps - and it's free!

I now sell all sorts of the stuff I've made in my salon.

Bracelets, earrings, necklaces etc.

Customers love them and it bumps up my sales lovely.

Brend x

i think anyone who does a detailed job like nails stands a good chance to be able to make jewellery.
i used to do all sorts, but more recently have specialised in sterling silver and semi precious and hand made glass.

i go ga-ga for beads, i have gazzilions of them. it makes me delerious just sorting through them

See if you have a Bead shop in your town, many of them offer workshops/courses, or if not they would probably be able to point you in the right direction.

When I 1st started I got a few tools from the local pound shop, then saved up for some decent ones.

There are some good demos of techniques on you tube.
HTH Lou x

i definatly agree with you guys i love anything to do with crafts not that i can do any of it yet lol

i have a sewing machine but can only do basics so i am starting a dressmaking course on the 10th also starting a card making class with my nan as she has asked me to come along and i think it will be real fun

i am going to try my local libary today hopefully i also had a browse on ebay last night and found a load of cheap beads, wire, findings and tools need to get sum idea what i need to get started before i buy though and how to use them

thanks for the great tip on asking in a craft or bead shop nearby i would never have thought of that one i will pop in and enquire nxt time i am in town

i subscribe to making jewellery magazine and make jewellery magazine, they are both brilliant and one of them is sold in asda (can't remember which one)
Making Jewellery
Make Jewellery Magazine
the second one will probably be better for beginner x x x

hi, make jewellery is the one you can buy in asda i did pick a copy of this up its really good and i got a free pair of pliers xx