I want to start making jewlery?

Question

I am a stay at home mom who wants to start something to do for fun and or make a little bit of money. But mostly just for fun. What are good ways to get started and what all do I need and about how mich will it cost. I live close to a hobby lobby and a jo-anns fabric. But other than that I don't have any other craft store around me.

Answer 1

Bryer has a lot of good information on websites. I am so proud of her. :~) I will add a little more information.

I will give you some ideas on how to get started on beaded jewelry and what you need to get to make it.

Tools - 2 chain nose pliers, 1 round nose pliers, 1 crimp pliers, 1 flat nose pliers, split ring pliers, 1 wire cutters, rulers, beads needles, tweezer, scissor, glue, bead board organizer, bead trays or bead organizer.

Findings - Assorted head pins, jump rings, split rings, crimps, assorted ear wires and post, assorted clasps, clamshells and end caps.

Threads, cords and wire - Nylon thread, Nymo thread, Kevlar thread, Elastic cord, nylon cord, satin cord, leather cord, Stainless steel wire such as "Accu-flex, Soft Flex, Soft Touch, Beadalon, etc.

Beads - there are all kinds of beads that you find them at store and online. You might want to do some research on it.

Books - "Jewelry Making and Beads for Dummies", "Beading For The First Time", "Beader's Companion", The Encyclopedia of Beading Techniques", "Big Book of Beautiful Beads", "Complete Beading Jewelry and Accessories", and Basic Jewelry Making".

You will have to do some research on what book is right for you to understand. I would go to Border's or Barnes and Nobles bookstore and see what they have.

To shop for beads

Magazine - Bead and Button, Jewelry Crafts, Simply Beads, Step by Step Beads, Bead Unique and BeadStyle.

I hope this has help. Good luck.

Answer 2

Walmart has beads and supplies for a cheap price, just the right price to see if you like it or not.
For basic jewelry making, You will need a lay out board, a pair of cone pliers, a wire cutter with the blade on the edge, a crimper. For the jewelry, you need Beadalon wire[the wire is wrapped, very strong]. You will need a clasp, and crimp beads. And the beads. If you wish to buy jewelry forceps and use them, I do not, a friend does. My start up was $4-6 for the board, and my tools started @ $4, and went up, the crimper being the highest. For earrings, select the wires that go into your ears. buy three inch jewelry pins. Load the beads on the pin, and twist the non-head end around the loop on the ea ring, so that it points back down into the bead. Those cone pliers are great for this. Voila, instant dangle earrings.
I buy earrings and pins and clasps in bags, watch for Hobby Lobby sales, they have 1/2 price sales, and I stock up then.
I love the clasps that are a circle and a bar. Great for bracelets, you do not have to ask for help to put them on.
Michaels had a great video online to teach you how to crimp, other sites have complete jewelry making video.
I make all kinds of jewelry now, a friend taught me how in about 20 minutes, so it is one of those things that anyone can learn. There are other ways to make earrings, this is the way I know.

Answer 3

I found nicer beads for much cheaper than the stores on Ebay. I use only glass beads, or semi precious stones. Alot of little supplies, like wire, earring hooks, pliers and the like I did get from AC moore, simply because its close to me house.

I also got VERY lucky at a yard sale this year and bought about $500 worth of supplies and cases for $20 from a woman who used to make jewelry for a living, but had to stop becuase of arthitis.

Answer 4

I got some stuff at Michaels craft store and Joanns fabric, all you need are pliers, wire cutters and the items to make the jewlery. these sites were awsome too. I ordered a lot from artbead.com

Answer 5

Making jewelry is one thing, selling it is another....check out what type is selling. (current jewelry making mags, local stores, etc.) Read a few books on marketing. (Paul Edwards is a good author. He specializes in writing for home businesses.)
Have a selling/marketing plan in writing before you invest $$$ in making your products.

Answer 6

If you're interested in *making your own* beads to use for making jewelry of various kinds, you might want to check out polymer clay (Premo, Fimo, Sculpey, etc.). Look on these pages for loads of examples and lessons, etc.:

http://www.glassattic.com/polymer/beads.htm
.....http://www.glassattic.com/polymer/beads-holes.htm
http://www.glassattic.com/polymer/jewelry.htm (necklaces,bracelets,earrings,hair,etc)
http://www.glassattic.com/polymer/pendants_cording.htm
http://www.glassattic.com/polymer/buttons.htm

And you might also want to check out this page on making all kinds of connectors and things with wire for making jewelry:
http://www.glassattic.com/polymer/wire.htm

And if you want to make money with any type of craft, here are some other pages to check out as well:
http://www.glassattic.com/polymer/business.htm
http://www.glassattic.com/polymer/shows.htm
http://www.glassattic.com/polymer/teaching.htm
http://www.glassattic.com/polymer/photography.htm


Diane B.

Answer 7

u will always have money to get started on a business where it is the right area to make profit u can always find something to do in the home but u got to spend money to make money