Why and How to Make Your Own Jewellery

Maybe you’re a beginner looking to get started with jewellery making, or maybe you’re an experienced maker who’s in a creative slump. Either way, looking at why and how to make your own jewellery may be the inspiration you need. In this article, we explore why making your own accessories is so rewarding and how you can get started. If you want to find out more, keep reading.

Why to Make it

It’s Meditative

Crafting of any sort is meditative. Sitting down and focusing on something that you love is a great way to relax the mind; plus, you get something beautiful at the end of it! As creating is meditative, it automatically relieves stress. Next time you’re feeling stressed or anxious, sit down and make something. You’re almost guaranteed to feel better at the end of it.

It’s Affordable

While some jewellery making tools are hideously expensive, they don’t have to be. If you’re running a jewellery business, investing in a good quality pair of pliers may be necessary. If you’re just crafting for fun, though, you get certainly get by with inexpensive tools. There’s no harm in buying cheap stuff, to begin with, then investing in more expensive equipment as you become more experienced.

Makes a Great Gift

Handmade jewellery makes an awesome gift. Depending on the sort of things you make, you can craft a suitable present for almost anybody. If it’s a close friend or family member, the gift will be extra special to them knowing that you created it.

You’re Never Without Accessories

We’ve all been there. It’s the night before a special occasion and you’ve just realised you don’t have the right jewellery. If you can make your own, that’s no problem! It won’t take you long to whip up something to match your outfit. Plus, there’s the added bonus of never wearing the same thing twice.

Easy to Store

Certain crafts like sewing, knitting and crochet take up a fair amount of space. Jewellery making, on the other hand, has smaller components that can be organised easily. For the most part, your tools can be stored in a storage box or carry case and tucked away in a smaller space.

How to Make it

Choose a Type

Before getting started, you’ll need to choose what type of jewellery to make. When it comes to crafting, the possibilities can be overwhelming. Take the time to sit back and consider which method suits you best. Maybe beaded bracelets appeal to you, or maybe you prefer to work with plastic, clay or glass. Whatever your preference, choose one medium to concentrate on as you get started.

Master a Few Basic Skills

There are certain skills that you’ll want to master regardless of what medium you work with. For most projects, you’ll need to know how to form a simple wire loop and open and close a jump ring. Once you learn these basic skills, you can use them in a variety of projects and build your confidence.

Pick Up the Tools

For your first item, you can probably get by with using the wire cutters from your toolbox. However, they won’t be as effective as specific jewellery making tools. Picking up the right gear will make the process easier, less stressful and make your finished product turn out better. At first glance, the equipment can seem expensive; however, it doesn’t have to be. Before picking up your tools, think about what you actually need. Providing that you don’t go overboard, your tools will more than pay for themselves in the long run. Once you’ve got the right equipment, it’s usually very inexpensive to make the accessories.

Learn the Lingo

To excel at your craft, take time to learn the lingo. Is 12-gauge wire thinner than 20-gauge wire? What’s the difference between an eye pin and a head pin? Before purchasing any tools, learn what they are and why you need them. In the long run, this will save you time, money and frustration!

Visit a Craft Store

Today, it’s often cheaper to buy online than in-store. If you choose to shop online, first visit your local craft store and handle the tools and supplies that you need. Look at them, pick them up and choose the type of design that you want. If you haven’t seen the tools in person, buying online can be frustrating. If you’ve never seen a 5mm bead in person, you may be shocked at the size when it turns up to your house. If you’d still prefer to buy online, that’s fine. At least you’ll have a good idea of what you’re looking for.

Create a Work Space

If you’re a crafter, there’s nothing worse than having tools strewn all over the house. As well as making your life harder, it’s likely to annoy your family after a while, too. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, you end up wasting precious time that could have been used to create your product. If you’re selling your accessories, this is all the more important; after all, time is money when you’re running a business.

If you’ve got the space, choose a room of the house to create a dedicated workspace. If this isn’t feasible, setting up a table, desk, or drawer that you can devote to your craft will also work fine. Once you’ve chosen your space, organise your tools and supplies and label each section. This way, you can quickly grab what you need without wasting too much time. Figure out a storage system that works for you and stick to it.

In Summary

Whether you’re a total newbie or a maker looking to expand their skills, creating your own jewellery is a rewarding experience. With the tips above, you should be able to get started without too much bother! Remember that your skills will develop with time and patience, so don’t be discouraged if you struggle at first. With plenty of practice, it won’t be long before you’re sporting your own handmade accessories.