What you need
Items listed below
Instructions
Jewellery making can be a therapeutic and rewarding hobby. It can take just minutes to whip a gorgeous looking pair of unique, original earrings. With a bit of practice the beginner can then start to produce stunning sets for her, to sell or for presents for family and friends. There are just a few basic tools that a jewellery maker needs, and you can usually buy these in a set.
Round nosed pliers are, in a word, amazing. You use these to create loops, eye pins, swirls and anything else when you let your imagination run riot.
You can use these to open jump rings, make angles in wore and also to hold jewellery items that you are working on.
Personally, I didn’t buy wire cutters, I raided my dad’s tool box and found his, and they are great. However, these are essential for wire work. Scissors are OK in an emergency but they do not cut thicker wire and the cut they make is often a bit dodgy looking. Invest in a good pair if you plan to continue in wire work.
Scissors
Again these are a must; they are extremely handy for snipping of tiny threads of beading thread. (And in an emergency can cut thinner wire)
Look around your local craft shop for good, clear glue. It is understandable that many people want to go for the cheapest but they really aren’t good enough. The cheaper glues tend to leave an opaque look to your finished item and I did have the problem of knots coming undone, even after I had glued them.
There is an immense amount of findings that you can buy, in every colour imaginable. The beginner will need a selection of earring hooks, head pins, lobster clasps, wire, eye pins, and chain. These are readily available at most craft shops. If you are just starting out, buy a few of each. You can always go back for more.
When I started beading, I did not go out and spend a fortune on beads. I scoured charity shops and car boot sales for second hand, cheap (often plastic) beads and jewellery which I took apart and practised with. I still use them to practice a new design to see if it will really work now. (That’s after 5 years of jewellery making)
There is so much available to buy in craft shops for jewellery making. The best advice I can give is to not go out and buy everything. If you can, borrow tools from a friend to see if you really want to spend money. Use the Internet to source inspiration, magazines and catalogues can also give you ideas. After you have mastered the basics, go forth and let your imagination run wild.
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