Many of my friends have always begged me to teach them how to make jewelry and I decided to put together a guide for them (and you, of course!) to see where I get my supplies and how I put it all together.

Making your own jewelry is entertaining for all ages- a great craft for a child’s birthday party, a fun activity for a teen’s sleepover, or a relaxing hobby for mom. This guide is a great way to get started learning how to make jewelry on your own, whether you’re a novice or someone who wants to get better at what you already have some knowledge of. 

  The beauty of creating jewelry by yourself is tailoring it to your distinct and unique taste.  I love making and matching a new pair of earrings or a chunky bracelet whenever I buy a new dress or sweater- it really personalizes the outfit for me. Making jewelry is not only fun, but it results in beautiful art that you can wear, gift or sell! 

7 Resources to Help you Learn How to Make Jewelry by Yourself

1. Why I make jewelry (and why you should too!)

2. How to teach yourself how to make jewelry 

Want to learn how to make jewelry out of anything? Get the book!

3. Must have jewelry making supplies for beginners

4. Guide to beads for beginners

5. Places to buy beads online

6. Jewelry making books for beginners

7. Jewelry making activities by age

Starting to make your own jewelry can be daunting, but it will soon prove to be so enjoyable, you’ll constantly be on the lookout for new inspiration! Have you made something of your own recently? We’d love to hear about it in the comments!

The post How to Make Jewelry appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

I am a self-taught jewelry artist. That means, I didn’t take expensive courses or workshops. I learned via a combination of observation, practice, and a little online help.

Resources to teach yourself how to make jewelry are plentiful. Most of these are free, but if you need a little more discipline, I’ve included some cheap paid options as well. 

6 easy ways to teach yourself how to make jewelry: 

(Note: this post contains affiliate links)

1. Blogs: search blogs such as this one for loads of fun jewelry tutorials. You can subscribe for updates (most of us have a variety of tutorials, not just jewelry) or come regularly to find what’s new. 

2. Books: they’re not free, but are a fraction of the cost of a course. Choose those that are focused on technique, not specific products, to get the most out of jewelry making books. I’ve put together a great list here.

3. Pinterest: While the content will normally come from blogs, it’s easier to filter out jewelry making crafts only, if that’s what you want. Follow dedicated boards, such as the one below.

  Follow Menucha @ Moms and Crafters’s board DIY Beading and Jewelry Making on Pinterest.

4.Online Jewelry Making Class: If you need some real direction, try an online course. They’re easier to follow along with and cover various techniques. Because it’s online, they are much cheaper.

5. Examine supplies: A lot of what I learned was from browsing the jewelry making aisles in craft stores, and seeing the various products available.

6. Take things apart: Yes, I’m serious. The first way I learned how to make jewelry was by taking apart cheap pieces – and then putting them back together. It taught me a lot about how jewelry is made.

If you’re good with your hands, and a creative person, it’s really not that hard to teach yourself how to make jewelry! Go ahead, give it a try!

The post How to teach yourself how to make jewelry appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

If you’ve been following along with my jewelry making for beginners series, you’ll know by now that the world of jewelry making is is vast and diverse. Using books to guide you will help you figure out your style and recognize where you want to go with it.

While the world of jewelry making books is massive and diverse, you’ll find that only some offer up basic techniques. The rest will include niche-specific projects. Even those that are diverse in style will usually target specific topics. 

Look for a book that is either FOCUSED ON SKILLS rather than projects, or on one where the projects offer basic skills. Here are some great examples to get you started. 

6 jewelry making books for beginners:

(Links below are Amazon affiliate links)

These books are just suggestions, organized by what your need might be. I highly recommend you go through the description and reviews on each to learn more, and even click through the preview. 

1. For unique projects and basic instructions: If you love the idea of using found items, recyclables, and other inexpensive craft supplies, try my new book How to Make Jewelry Out of Anything.

The book is geared toward teens (but fun for grown-ups too), which means it has very basic instructions and is totally beginner level. Many of the projects are also very colorful and quirky. You can see a full directory of the projects on the back. You’ll definitely learn everything you need for the basics of jewelry making.

Get the print book here or the ebook here. Watch the promo video and learn more about it here.

2. For a general overview: The Complete Photo Guide to Jewelry Making. This book focuses on imagery to introduce you to the various tools needed for different techniques. It goes less in depth, but covers more techniques – so it’s perfect if you really need direction for where to start. 

3. For stringing:  The Absolute Beginners Guide: Stringing Beaded Jewelry. While the focus is purely on stringing, that is a very good place to start with your jewelry making. So, if you prefer to cover one technique thoroughly, from the ground up, as a start, this book is perfect.

4. For the visual learner: Bead Simple – You’ll find very basic techniques, lots of background, and a some great design tips. Plus, the techniques are illustrated, so if you learn visually – this is for you! It also focuses on customization, so if you find some projects to be too specific, this is for you!

5. Lots of background: Jewelry Making and Beading For Dummies. If you like to be told EVERYTHING, but don’t necessarily want tutorials, this book is for you! It goes pretty thoroughly into a huge variety of technique, and gives lots of information. It will NOT provide creative inspiration, rather a straight up how-to.

6. For fine jewelry: Professional Jewelry Making. If you plan to go hard-core with metalwork, and create professional fine jewelry (and not fashion jewelry), this book is for you! It is a bit costlier than others, but serves as a full course. Rather than being a relaxing read, it’s a source for you to study, work hard, and master the profession. 

There are so many more books, but these are great for a start.

Here are a few more tips for finding the perfect jewelry making book for beginners – in case none of my top picks work for you:

• Look for books that teach techniques not just projects.
• If the book teaches projects, make sure it has lots of background information and tips for making the piece unique.
• Don’t just look at star ratings when shopping online. Look at what the reviewers wrote, as often they’ll share the practical application – what they were looking for and whether or not they found that.
• The Kindle version or ebook is usually cheaper. Even if you don’t have a Kindle, you can download the app for free for various devices (including your computer.)

Jewelry making kits for beginners:

Kits aren’t really worthy of their own post in this series, so I decided to throw in a few suggestions here. Tip: look for kits that offer samplers of lots of supplies, with a few pieces of each. That way you can really jump start your jewelry making supply closet.

• Tool starter kit
• Finding starter kit
• An assortment of beads to start with

That’s just a small taster so that you can see what I’m looking for. Feel free to comment below if you’re looking for more information or suggestions. I happily answer each question!

Do you have an recommended jewelry making books or kits for beginners to add to the list? Comment below!

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Beads come in a huge variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and most importantly, materials. There are thousands of options to choose from, and it can get very overwhelming. 

When you are setting up your jewelry-making stash, you’ll probably be tempted to get ever single bead in the store. It’s the funnest part of supplies shopping (for me, at least), and knowing what you NEED will help you figure out where to start. Follow this guide to help you learn how to discern between bead types and materials, and find out which beads are great for a beginner!

Want to learn how to make jewelry out of anything – not just beads? Get the book!

Differentiating between beads for beginners:

• Sizes: Beads are also measured in mm. Larger sizes such as 10-14mm beads make for great funky, trendy pieces. Smaller sizes such as 3-4mm are accents. 6-8mm beads are perfect for in-between. For starters, I’d get a small selection in 4,6, and 8mm in some of the styles listed below.

• Shapes and cuts: Basic beads tend to be round, square, oval, or rectangular. Other common shapes include rondelle, coins, and more. They also come in every other shape under the sun. Faceted beads mean that they have a cut like a diamond – with straight edges forming the shape, rather than a smooth cut.

• Colors – Of course, beads come in the largest variety of colors, tones, patterns, etc. These are often defined by the material, but not always. Even natural beads are often dyed or bleached. I’d recommend starting off with some neutrals, and then purchase colored beads on a per-project (or “what’s on sale”) basis. 

• Materials: Beads come in a HUGE variety of materials, which I will outline below.

Different types of beads:

“Types of beads” generally refers to the materials that they are made out of, but are not exclusive to that.

Materials: cheap but quality beads will often come in glass and wood. Glass beads has a huge selection of effects, styles, and more -which there is no use in my going through now (it will just overwhelm you). If you want to learn more, browse a bead catalog, book, scour a website…  My favorites are simulated pearls. In my opinion, plastic or “acrylic” beads look like children’s play (with a few exceptions.) 

You can also get crystals, including Swarovski branded Austrian crystal for more upscale designs. These are a popular choice in higher end costume, and sterling silver jewelry. They simulate the sparkle of a high quality cut gem stone, but without the cost.

I love playing around with inexpensive gemstones  and pearls (though you can get high-end stones too.) The variety out there is massive! I tend to bargains hop with these, but you don’t really need to, as they have value.

Other materials include horn, shell, rubber, metal, and more.

Cabochons – these are un-drilled with a flat back, and can be glued, wire wrapped, or set.

Seed beads – are those tiny beads that come in a massive rainbow of colors. People literally make huge drawings by weaving seed beads. You’ll only need these if you plan to do woven beadwork (I don’t).

Focals – These aren’t really beads – they are components, but are often sold alongside beads and made of the same materials. They are larger pieces that are meant to be the decorative focal point of your piece.

Spacers: spacer beads come in many forms and sizes, and are generally used to add a little dimension to a strung piece. For me, 3 and 4mm metal balls are standard.

So where should you start with beads for beginners?

Start off with a few styles in some basic colors, and sizes as listed above. Start with glass bead mixes and pearls,  and wood beads, plus the metal balls  if you plan to follow along with my crafts. You’ll want to buy beads more specifically for each project, but having some basic colors that can coordinate with others is a good place to start.

Look for sales at craft stores, Michaels, Amazon, eBay, and more! You can find lots for sale on eBay, destash supplies on Etsy, etc.

I’d highly recommend figuring out the style of jewelry you like. Scour Pinterest, and Etsy not to imitate but to see what pulls your eye. Start a small stash based on those beads. And finally, set yourself a budget, and use it smartly. Allot, say $50 (depending on how much you’re putting into your initial stash) and find how you can best assign it. 

And finally, keep in mind just how many beads you’ll be needing. Some pieces are built almost entirely of beads. Some use beads as accents. Don’t overdo it, but have a good selection handy.

Want to know where to buy beads? I shared my favorite places, what I like about each, and when I shop where right over here!

Any questions regarding beads for beginners? Feel free to comment below, and I will reply ASAP!

Want to learn how to make jewelry out of anything – not just beads? Get the book!

The post Guide to Beads for beginners appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

One of my primary reasons for creating this list was the realization that my crafts might be expensive, without needing to be. Meaning, if you buy each supply for each craft, in a package of 100, to make only one, it’s not very cost-efficient (unless you’re making them for a party or class setting). However, if you have the basics handy and only need to get the few “special” supplies for that project, each one can cost pennies!

How to use this list of must-have jewelry making supplies for beginners:

This post is not a tutorial for making jewelry – it is simply a guide to jewelry making supplies for beginners, to help you get started. Since I started with supplies, and then self-taught, I decided to create it this way. It is also not for those looking for elaborate beading projects using seed beads, or metalwork, as those are more advanced. This is more for general jewelry making and beading.

Want to learn how to make jewelry out of anything? Get the book!

If you don’t yet know how to make jewelry, this book will teach you all the basics, and includes supplies lists, basic techniques, and totally unique jewelry-making ideas as well!

This list is NOT an extensive list. The world of jewelry making supplies is massive. My advice is to start with the basics, and to take it from there. Once you get started, you’ll see what you like to do, which types of jewelry making crafts you’d like to make, and you’ll want to extend your repertoire of supplies.

Basic tools for jewelry making:

The tools are the products you use to manipulate. They are literally tools, though you should look for ones that are designed for jewelry, as they are more delicate, for finer work.

• Round nose pliers – I use these to form loops, and together with another pair of pliers to pry loops, rings, and chains open.
• Chain nose pliers –  Used for bending, and prying things open, plus crimping.
• Wire cutters – Cut wires, chains, cord, rings, and more.

They come in a massive variety of price ranges. I would recommend buying mid-range tools (such as the ones linked above), and only going for the very high end ones if you feel you need them at a later point. You can also start with a tool set (which is what I did) that can come with some bonuses (such as a set of tweezers for picking up beads) that aren’t otherwise necessary.

Building blocks: basic findings for jewelry making:

“Findings” generally refer to all the metal bits and pieces that make up your jewelry. Another word is “components”, which often refers to the less necessary ones (like links or spacer bars). If you’re just starting out, stick with the basics, but maybe treat yourself to one or two “cool ones” to get your creativity flowing.

You can get each of these in a variety of metals (silver plated, sterling silver, silver filled, gold filled, gold plated, brass… the list goes on!) and styles, but I’ve linked to the basics. I’d recommend getting them in both gold plated/tone and silver plated/tone, or choosing one of those to stick with.

• Headpins – These are building blocks in projects such as my snowman earrings, bauble rings, and more. Thicker ones just need to be looped at the end, while thinner ones are for wrapping. Pay attention to length as well.
• Eye pins – I normally make these myself, from headpin trimmings or wires. They have a loop on one end to get you started.
• Crimp beads and tubes – these are tiny metal beads that hold things in place. They are great for a huge variety of jewelry making projects – including finishing off bracelets and necklaces, and my beaded pacifier clips. They are also used to hold beads mid-strand in “invisible necklace” type crafts. I like to use crimp covers as well, and you’ll find them in many of my projects, but they are not a must.
• Jump rings – these come in various sizes measured in millimeters and are used to connect things. You can buy fancy, twisted ones too. I use those as decorative links. Plain ones I rarely buy, and often make out of wire. If you are looking to make your jewelry making star easier, buy a pack with a few sizes.
• Wire – While I primarily use these for wire wrapping pieces such as this pendant or this bracelet, it’s also great for making basic findings. Wire is measured in gauge, with a higher gauge being thinner easier to work with, but lower being more durable. I would start off with 20 gauge if you plan to make jump rings and eye pins, and 24 gauge if you’ll be wrapping.
• Earrings – These are the earrings pieces that turn a dangle or cabochon into an earring. They range from lever backs, to fish hooks, to studs for gluing and for hanging. If you plan to glue anything smooth, I highly recommend using E6000 glue.
• Necklaces and bracelets: For these you’ll need clasps that come in various styles. Start with spring ring or lobster claw. Eventually, you might want to explore more decorative options that can transform a piece. My favorites are toggle clasps. It’ll attach to a jump ring or a chain.
• Rings: I like to make rings using a ring base, either with punches, loops, or a flat pad for gluing.
• Pendants: To turn something pretty into a pendant, you can use a jump ring, but it’s much nicer to use a bail. In my pendant I used a bail that snaps right on. Other options include bails that glue on, or that have a little screw to put them into a partially-drilled bead. You can also get a pinch bail that turns a top-drilled stone into a pendant.
• Finishing it – If you’re working with cord (below) you’ll want to finish it off with cord tips so that you can attach it to clasps.

Strings, Chains, and Cords for beginner jewelry making:

While you may be able to do without most of these, you should definitely start with one. Choose if you prefer strung beads, and then pick a string. If you prefer pieces that can look “real” and sophisticated, use chain. If your style is more trendy and colorful, go for cords.

• Strings – these are used for threading beads. Which you’ll need will depend on what type of project you’re making. My favorite is tiger tail for its strength and durability. If you’re stringing pearls and such, you might prefer silk thread.
• Chains – are used to string a pendant, or as spacers between beads on a necklace, bracelet, earrings… You can also use it as a main decorative element in the piece itself. I use a one inch bit as the other half of my clasp on bracelets and necklaces, to make them adjustable. For that, I use cable chain with open loops. For other projects, you can get chain in a huge variety of finishes and styles.
• Cords – I use these as decorative elements to add a little texture to a piece. These include leather cord, satin cord (rat tail), twine, and practically every texture and color imaginable. Start with a couple of your favorites, and use them as a focal element in your craft. Some examples of usage include these heart bracelets, this leather chain bracelet, and this faux gemstone bracelet.

Basic beads for jewelry making:

Beads are a huge tripping point for jewelry makers. I hoard beads. I use them in crafts other than jewelry, such as these water bottle hang tags, these cork magnets, and these Tetris magnets.  I will be following up with another post next Friday (here it is) that will navigate the world of beads. Stay tuned! 

I will also feature some books and kits for beginner jewelry making in a follow up post.

Do you have any questions about jewelry making supplies for beginners, or any techniques? Got a project you’d like to me to teach? Comment below with your questions!

Want to learn how to make jewelry out of anything? Get the book!

The post Must-have jewelry making supplies for beginners appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

Of course, the first step is to know the skills of your artists! If you are doing this in a general group setting, you’ll want to keep it simple, so that anyone can do it. If you’re working one-on-one with a talented child, you can take it a few notches up. 

This list is PRIMARILY based on what I’ve done in a party setting. Back in the day, I used to go to birthday parties and such of various age levels (the youngest was six, the oldest was turning seventy) to do jewelry making crafts.

The key to doing jewelry making activities in a group setting is to leave it open ended! 

Offer a large variety of beads, cords, or whatever the key component of your craft is. You may find, if you’re doing an activity with a large group, that some will need help finishing bracelets, or whatever it is. This is totally fine – as long as they designed the piece on their own!

Why do jewelry making activities?

I’ve already discussed why I make jewelry, and why I think it’s a great activity. For the purposes of this post, however, I’ll give you two primary reasons, focused more on the younger and older creators (and not the middle range).  It’s an amazing fine-motor activity, and it’s a great outlet to stimulate creativity in a functional way.

Jewelry making is a top choice for girl’s parties – and by girls, once again, I mean girls of all ages! It’s also great for helping your child develop a hobby. 

Jewelry making activities by age:

Toddler: Toddlers as young as 18 months can start by stringing large-hole items on something stiff, even if it doesn’t make a final piece. M enjoys stringing pipe connectors onto crayons. The primary focus would be to develop fine motor skills. A little older, they can string large-hole beads onto a string with plastic ends. I do this with M using this set. It can even start looking pretty at this point, such as with this jewelry craft for toddlers. 

Preschool: At about age three, they should be able to start stringing smaller beads, also with large holes such as these. Use yarn, ideally with finished ends (you can tape the ends yourself), or plastic lacing (which can be finished with tape or glue, as it doesn’t knot nicely).  

Get a little more creative and paint pasta, or create paper beads. 

6-7 year old: At this point, they can definitely start doing jewelry making activities that LOOK REAL but require very basic techniques, with an adult finishing it off. Think outside the box at this age – friendship-style bracelets that require drawing on beads to make it “personal”, painting elements combined with basic stringing, and various button pieces that are fun but simple. 

So essentially, you’re using skills they already have (painting, coloring) and combining them with slightly more refined stringing to make an actual pretty piece that they can gift!

This is also a great time to start making more “sophisticated” clay pieces for them to try! They already know clay at this point, and this will turn it into a lifelong skill. 

8-10 years old: I’ve taught children as young as eight to start with jewelry making techniques such as finishing a bracelet, or making a loop, and connecting the earrings, and the clasp. I’d keep the rest of the craft simple, but creative, so that you can focus on the main skill at hand. 

Some great crafts to start with include this bracelet (you can offer a variety of ribbons instead of leather cord), or this flower necklace (which includes more basic sewing skills, but makes a beautiful piece of jewelry). Teach about gluing jewelry with seashell earrings and other basic jewelry making activities.

This is a great age to still focus a lot on the “outside the box” aspect of jewelry making, using crafts that incorporate basic crafting skills (such as painting) and gluing.

NOTE: most jewelry making projects at this point that use glue will use E-6ooo or an epoxy, which is industrial strength. If you don’t want to expose such young children to it at this stage, use tacky glue or something similar. It won’t be as strong, but it will stick for a while. 

Tween: This complicated age, where they’re too big for toys, but not quite out and about yet, is the perfect time to get them involved in jewelry making activities! They should basically be able to learn most skills, if they are good with their hands.  If yes, make projects that teach more skills, such as rings like this one ,  rings like this one., and rings like this one. If not, go for open-ended basic beading projects, using nicer, more “real” looking beads, and fishing line.

Try things like these wire wrapped bracelets too – they are fun, without requiring a high level of skill. 

Teen-adult: The things you can make are endless! My favorite jewelry making workshops were with teens, as they get so creative, and can basically do anything.

Don’t stick to traditional jewelry crafts and beading! One of my favorite crafts for making in a teen workshop (especially where it’s a one-time thing, and people don’t necessarily know the basic skills) is my glitter blocked cuffs. 

Older adults: The one time I was asked to do a party for an older adult’s birthday, I was advised to keep it uncomplicated. Many of them may be losing dexterity, so choose slightly larger-holed beads. Wires (as opposed to strings) are a great choice as they’re easier to string. Open-ended wire wrapping projects, using larger gemstones or wood beads are perfect. 

You can go for an easy wire wrapped bracelet (attach clasps to the ends instead of making your own) or pendant. 

Make sure to follow along for more background into jewelry making, including supplies you need to get started, tips for getting started, and of course, regular jewelry making activities shared on the blog!

What are your favorite jewelry making activities? Share in the comments below!

The post Jewelry Making Activities by Age appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

This resource is not to actually TEACH YOU all the skills, but to give you the GROUNDWORK to get started.

How I got started:

Jewelry making has been an outlet for me for a while. Since high school, I have found it to be therapeutic and a perfect way to unwind.

I had been dreaming of creating and customizing my own pieces for a while before. I even took apart and re-assembled cheap costume pieces the way I wanted them, using my teeth. I didn’t know where to start with jewelry making supplies for beginners. Eventually, my little sister got started, I got jealous and went and bought my first round of supplies…

What actually convinced me to make the investment? Within a few days she broke even, and started making pocket money off it! When I was studying abroad, I also earned pocket money, selling jewelry to other girls in the dormitory, and even repairing broken pieces and customizing cheap costume! I also sold on Etsy, (though to make a living off that does require more marketing and output than earning a little extra as a teen.)

Who can make Jewelry?

Jewelry making is a great skill, starting from a young age. Preschoolers can practice fine motor skills, and start with beading, and stringing pasta. As far as making “professional” looking, salable pieces – tweens and teens can definitely do it! I’ve done workshops at parties for children as young as six years old, though I had to finish off the pieces. Interested children from age eight or ten can definitely try learning the basics of headpins, jump rings, and finishing clasps.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be exceptionally skilled to make jewelry. MANY of the jewelry making crafts here teach all the skills you need. Moms & Crafters is about providing crafts that ANYONE can do, and that includes the jewelry making crafts. It can then be taken to levels so advanced, I can only imagine reaching those.

This series will include a guide to jewelry making by age, including sample projects.

Why you and your kids should make Jewelry:

• It’s so cool!
• It gives you boost of confidence to make a piece that is REAL looking!
• It helps enhance fine motor skills
• It is therapeutic to sit and create in this manner. I have found jewelry making to be my most relaxing craft, and a favorite for unwinding.
• You can match any outfit on the cheap.
• You won’t need to buy so many accessories for your teen anymore!
• Jewelry is very gift-able. Make it in bulk on the cheap for the holiday season.
• Jewelry is very salable. Sell it on Etsy, in a college dorm, or even to neighbors.
• Customize existing pieces – wear it the way you like it!
• It is an extremely versatile craft.

Ready? Follow along on Fridays for new posts in this series! The best way to follow is by subscribing for weekly updates. (You’ll get a weekly digest of new posts, including the series posts plus lots of simple but fun crafts, and some friendly parenting posts. I do jewelry posts regularly – you should be seeing them at least once or twice a month.)

Do you make jewelry? Why do you make jewelry, and what kind do you make?

The post Why I make jewelry (and why you should too) appeared first on Moms and Crafters.