How To Make Jewelry

Wire Gauge Guide A Cheat Sheet for Jewelry Makers

If you find the whole wire gauge thing confusing , you're not alone. I almost pulled my hair out about it when I was starting out with making jewelry. (If you don't know what gauge means, it just means size .) Here's my wire gauge cheat sheet Wire Gauge Diameter in Millimeters What It's Good For Making 14 ga 1.65 mm clasps thick jump rings chain maille jewellery neck rings bangle bracelets substantial formed links eye pins for beads with very large holes 16 ga 1.

Make a Box-Styled Gimp Friendship Bracelet

The gimp friendship bracelet is one of those unchanging friendship bracelet styles that will always be in fashion. I'm no gimp expert and I'm not a gimp history buff either, but it seems to me that the gimp bracelet has been a beloved craft of kids and teens throughout the ages. Or at least since the '80's which is when I first learn how to make one.

How to Make a Forward Knot

The forward knot and backward knot are fundamental knots to master for making friendship bracelets. Luckily, they are super easy knots to make. This knot is usually made with embroidery floss, but it will work with other types of string too. Forward Knot (F) Instructions Start with the thread on the left (red). Lay the thread on top of the right thread (white). This should make the number 4 . Loop the left thread (red) under the right thread (white) and pull upwards. Then do it again .

How to Make a Wrapped Loop

Making a wrapped loop is one of my favorite wire working techniques, nerd that I am. Read on to learn how to make one. But first My Top Three Reasons for Loving the Wrapped LoopSecurity My wrapped links will never come apart and my charms will never fall off. Hand Wroughtedness . Yes I know that's not a word. But I still like the hand-wroughtedness of the wrapped loop. The Un Nameable Quality. For some reason it just makes me feel good. I'm not sure why.

Inverse Chevron Friendship Bracelet Pattern

The Inverse Chevron Friendship Bracelet Pattern is just like the Chevron bracelet just the starting point is different. The minimum number of colors is two, and the maximum is up to you. What you need Embroidery floss in your choice of colors This pattern uses three colors cream (1), green (2), and blue (3). Masking tape, a safety pin and pillow, or a clipboard Scissors Measuring Tape Things to know before you begin The knots used are forward (F) and backward (B).

Friendship Bracelet Patterns: Chinese Staircase

Chinese Staircase When I first started making these friendship bracelets, I started out with the Chinese staircase .Basically you have around 3 feet of string, and you have three strings (or more).You tie them at the top (don't fold them in half) and you pick one color and wrap it around the two others and then make a forward knot.Then you do that about five or how ever many times then you switch them off.Hope I helped add some more designs )

How to Oxidize Copper, Silver, and Brass with Liver of Sulphur

Look at the color of that silver Using liver of sulphur, I blackened it to perfection. Creating an Antique PatinaYou've probably admired gorgeous patinated jewelry and wondered how that's done. The basic formula is to darken the metal, then polish it so that the crevices are darker and the raised surfaces are highlighted by contrast. This tutorial walks you through the first step - the blackening of the metal. Darkening MetalOxidizing with liver of sulphur works for copper, silver, and brass.

Friendship Bracelet Patterns

Here's a collection of friendship bracelet patterns - hope you like them This collection of patterns are for making embroidery floss bracelets. If you're looking for non-embroidery floss friendship bracelets, check out this friendship bracelet overview page Knotting Instructions Before you begin If you're new to following the friendship bracelet patterns on this website, you'll need to know a few floss bracelet basics to understand the patterns better.

How to Make Friendship Bracelets

Are you looking for friendship bracelet making instructions Learning how to make friendship bracelets is really fun and they aren't hard to make at all. Introduction to Friendship Bracelets There are lots of different types of friendship bracelets, but they all have a common purpose. They are all symbols of the love you have for your cherished friend. Giving someone a friendship bracelet is a great way to show them how much you care for them.

Friendship Bracelet Instructions Embroidery Floss Friendship Bracelets

Friendship Bracelet Instructions - The Candy Stripe Here's how to make the simplest kind of knotted band - the Candy Stripe What you need Embroidery floss in your choice of colors Masking tape, a safety pin, or a clipboard Scissors Measuring Tape Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Step 1 Cut 3 strands of each of your 3 colors of floss to about 3 feet each.

Hemp Finishing Techniques

I'm sure you've worn jewelry that just ties on - so bohemian and carefree until you want to take it off that is If you've ever hacked up a beloved bracelet to get it off your arm then you'll appreciate these hemp finishing techniques. Yes, they take a little more time. But learning these finishing techniques is so worth it Especially if you like to be able to take your hemp jewelry on and off easily.

Getting the Perfect Anklet Size

How do you get that perfect anklet size Sizing ankle bracelets so they fit and drape just right can be really tricky and more than a little frustrating. Here are some tips and tricks for getting the perfect fit. What's on this page Typical Anklet Sizes How to Measure for the Perfect Drape How to Make an Anklet Adjustable Your Comments Typical Anklet Sizes Ankle bracelets are commonly about 7 to 10 inches in length. If you are making anklets to sell, you should keep a selection of sizes on hand.

How to Make a Bead Lizard

Beaded Lizard Instructions Creating a bead lizard is easy and fun - anyone can do it As an added bonus, bead lizards are pretty much all the rage from elementary to early high school. Children and teens alike hang them on keychains and off their backpack zippers, so these make a great craft-time project for parents to do with their kids, or for older children to make on their own.

Wire Weaving Techniques: The Basic Weave

InstructionsThis tutorial teaches a few basic wire weaving techniques. These techniques are very important to know when you first start weaving with wire. Most weaving projects you encounter will incorporate some form of at least one of these techniques. For this tutorial, I am using 16g wire for the frame wires and 26g wire for the weaving wire. I'm using these gauges to better show the detail in these weaves. That is why this tutorial calls for those two gauges of wire.

Wire Weaving With Beads: How to Add a Bead

Wire weaving with beads adds a little extra je ne sais quoi, n'est ce pas Here's how to add beads to your next wire weaving project. I'd like to give a special thanks to Donna for submitting so many beautiful tutorials. You can find more of her tutorials on my website linking from the Making Wire Jewelry page Instructions In this lesson I will teach you how to add a bead to a woven project so that the bead lies neatly on top of the weave.

How to Wrap a Donut Bead

InstructionsThis tutorial teaches you how to wrap a donut bead. It's a very easy way to get a great look, quickly. This tutorial only shows the basic technique, however, with a little imagination, you can come up with some really great pieces. Use beads, charms and other accessories to add flair to your finished pendant.

Friendship Bracelet Instructions

The Floss Bracelet BasicsJust starting out and need the basics Here are some friendship bracelet instructions that will get you up to speed in no time flat. What you'll find on this page Materials and Supplies needed Knots and Abbreviations Starting a friendship bracelet Finishing a friendship bracelet Fastening your friendship bracelet Tips Friendship Bracelet Materials and Supplies Embroidery floss Small craft or old pillow Safety pin Scissors 60 Fabric tape measure Embroidery floss typically...

How to Make a Knotted Wire Headpin

InstructionsHeadpins are used very often when creating jewelry. If you have a torch, it's easy to create your own headpins. However, if you don't have one, or if you are like me and don't trust yourself with a torch, buying pre-made headpins may seem like the only option. This tutorial teaches you to make your own decorative wire headpins without the need for a torch. The tutorial calls for 22g wire. This makes these headpins great for heavier beads.

How to String Beads

Learning how to string beads is pretty easy. Just get some string and put some beads on it right Well you could do it that way, (and I have, I must admit,) but to get a really professional finished look, you have to have a little more technique and know-how. Getting started with bead stringing is really easy though. Before you begin to learn how to string beads, you only need a handful of tools and materials. Pretty painless in terms of initial outlay too.

How to Make a Mala Beads Bracelet

Many friends ask me how to make a mala beads bracelet. It is important because in this way, they can make wrist mala they really like. Do you want to learn how to make your own prayer beads bracelet Please read the following article and pictures carefully, and then just learn step by step - it is not difficult.

Bead Stringing - Shopping for Materials

The Beginner's Shopping Guide For Basic Bead StringingIf you're just learning how to string beads, and don't yet have any tools or supplies, you have a couple of choices. You can ask for help from someone knowledgeable like at a bead store, or you can do some reading and figure it out for yourself. Getting Help From a Bead StoreThe easiest way to be sure of what you want and need is go to your local bead store.

How to Make a Backwards Knot

The backwards knot (often abbreviated as B in friendship band patterns) is one of the most basic knots to master for making friendship bands, and next to what is a forward knot , what is a backward knot is the most asked knot related question I get. So here it is. The super easy backward knot. This knot is usually made with embroidery floss, but it will work with other types of string too. Be extra sure to pay attention to the instructions.

Zig Zag Friendship Bracelet Pattern

This Zig Zag friendship bracelet pattern is an easy embroidery floss bracelet project. Use at least two colors or as many as you like What you need Embroidery floss in your choice of colors This pattern calls for three colors yellow (1), blue (2), and pink (3). Masking tape, a safety pin and pillow, or a clipboard Scissors Measuring Tape Things to know before you begin This pattern uses all four knots forward (F), backward (B), forward backward (FB), and backward forward (BF).

Bordered Chevron Friendship Bracelet Pattern

The Bordered Chevron friendship bracelet pattern is very similar to the Chevron bracelet. It requires at least three colors and the maximum number can be left to you. The border color will always be on the outside. What you need Embroidery floss in your choice of colors This pattern uses four colors blue (1), orange (2), taupe (3), and green (4).

Jewelry Making Tips

Do you love tips and shortcuts I know I do If I can learn something that makes my life easier, I'm all over it. These jewelry making tips are kinda random - I list them as they occur to me or as I discover them. Do you have your own amazing tip to share Click here to send me your tip, and I'll include it on this tips page. Bracelet TipsBracelet Design - Heavy beads obey the law of gravity on your wrist and never stay where you want them to.

How to Make a Mother Day Bracelet

Birthstone and Name Bead Mother Day Bracelet sterling silver letter beads, swarovski crystal beads, swarovski pearl beads, faceted aquamarine chalcedony, bali sterling beads, sterling silver rings, sterling silver clasp Click image to enlarge How often do you think, What the heck do I get for this person Those were my thoughts when my nephew Kale was born.

Making Balled Wire Headpins

Making balled wire headpins is sooo easy, and kinda fun Don't freak out about a little heat. If you can cook something on the stove, you can do this. For balling silver or copper you need a torch (a simple propane or butane one will do), some pliers, a bowl of water, and some wire. *Note Take the proper precautions This isn't any tougher than boiling eggs.

Chinese Staircase Friendship Bracelet Instructions

The Chinese Staircase has got to be the easiest friendship bracelet ever, short of tying a single piece of string onto your wrist and calling it a bracelet. It's even easier than the Candy Stripe that I used to call the easiest. (See I can admit mistakes. I'm growing as a person). Shall we continue on with the instructions Chinese Staircase Knotting Instructions*This is for a 2 color bracelet.The chinese staircase bracelet is a flexible project.

The Art of Bead Weaving

What Is It Bead weaving is a super fun form of jewelry making that ranges from kid-friendly to insanely complicated. It can be both beautiful and exotic, simple and complex. Some Examples When I was a kid, everyone made bead lizards out of pony beads simple little weaves that we'd strap onto our backpack zippers. Those bead designs took a few minutes to master, and were addicting to make. ) Of course, we had no idea what it was called back then we just thought they were cool.

Question about knots

Are the strings on the left always going to be Forward knots and the strings on the right backward knots also, what is a joining knot The reason you use different knots is more based on the colors of the strings, what color you want the knot to be (i.e. The color in the right place for your desired pattern), and where you want the 2 strings you used in the knotting to end up after you complete the knot.I know that probably sounds clear as mud Here's an example.

Double Friendship Bracelet Pattern

Don't you A double friendship bracelet pattern is made exactly as a single bracelet, with an extra forward knot to join the two halves. This double chevron bracelet is simply two joined chevron bracelets. What you need Embroidery floss in your choice of colors This double bracelet pattern can be made using at least two colors or as many as you would like.

Waves Loops Friendship Bracelet Pattern

Advanced Friendship Bracelet Pattern Can you feel the waves undulating in your mind as you look at this Waves and Loops friendship bracelet No, I haven't been smoking anything. It's hard work trying to find stuff to say about every bracelet though It is pretty, isn't it This bracelet is pretty easy to make, but it's in the advanced section because you do need some friendship bracelet experience before you tackle it, and certain parts can be tricky. Notably, getting the tension right.

Grooovy Hemp Necklace Making

Lazy Cosmic Swirl - A Switch Knot Hemp Necklace Pattern Hemp necklace making switches gears with this switch knot necklace pattern. I was so pleased to find a way to use this primitive looking copper swirl pendant. It was a left over from a previous jewelry experiment. I think it works nicely with the organic roughness of the natural hemp twine.

Chevron Friendship Bracelet Pattern

What you need Embroidery floss in your choice of colors The Chevron can be made using at least two colors or as many as you would like. This pattern calls for five colors blue (1), rust (2), yellow (3), green (4), and brown (5). Masking tape, a safety pin and pillow, or a clipboard Scissors Measuring Tape Things to know before you begin The knots used are forward (F) and backward. (B)Instructions for the knots, starting, and finishing are here. Step 1Cut strands to desired length.

Instructions for Stringing Beads A Beginner's Tutorial

Stringing beads is immediate gratification. Using these instructions for stringing beads, you can easily make bracelets like the two being modelled by my 4 year-old daughter Zoe in less than an hour. Aren't they cute About this tutorial These instructions will show you how to string a one-strand bracelet, but you can easily adapt this tutorial for stringing a multi-strand project or a necklace or anklet as well.

Beads on Safety Pin Watches

Question Does anyone have the basic intructions for making watches with beaded safety pins strung on stretchy string AnswersNote about the image above I hunted around and found this picture on the below-mentioned forum post. I am still awaiting approval on posting the image but I couldn't wait Look at it now, because there's a chance the owner will say no and make me take it down)Thank you to likalika who posted on the craftster forum, Aneesah, and Quality Kid's Crafts.

Chandelier Earrings Project

Make an easy pair of chandelier earrings . Will these be your go-to' pair of chandelier earrings -- or will they be just one of many pairs you'll be making to match different outfits and give to your favorite friends The focus of this free tutorial is to give you a starting point for designing your own chandelier style earrings using your favorite materials. And believe me, after you've made a pair, you'll become hooked.

Resin Jewelry Making

Resin Pendant and Neclace by Penny Dog Accessories Resin jewelry making is getting really popular with the jewelry making enthusiast. Acrylic resin jewelry is easy and inexpensive to make which sure doesn't hurt it's popularity. Because of its versatility, lightness, and affordability, plus the introduction of easy to mix, low-odor products, resin's popularity as a material for jewelry making has soared.

Valentine's Day Jewelry Making Projects and Patterns

Tutorial for this Puffy Heart Necklace is available when you join the Jewelry Professors Video Club) I can t believe Valentine s Day is coming up so soon. Somehow I ve completely and totally lost track of how fast the days are going by If you're the type of person that likes to dress for the occasion (or know someone who does ) here's a collection of Valentine's Day Jewelry projects to choose from.

Hemp Bracelet Pattern

Bubblegum Bead Bracelet This hemp bracelet pattern is super fun and super easy. The brightly colored beads remind me of gumballs, hence the name. The secret to the chunky look is the thick hemp twine I used (40 lb. test). Time to Make Quick An hour or less Tools and Materials 5 feet of thick hemp twine, 40 lb.

Cool Jewelry Making Books

And Projects There are so many cool jewelry making books out there, and I want to tackle some of the projects in them. This page shares some books I like, and some of the projects I'm attempting. Here's the first. From June Roman's A String of Expression , the Beyond the Universe Necklace. Interesting composition and cool collage pendant technique.See what the Beyond the Universe necklace looks like. More Favorite BooksHere are some other favorite books you might like too.

How to clean gold tarnish

Caring for your gold jewelry is pretty straightforward but you may find a bit of gold tarnish. Gold itself doesn't tarnish, but gold for jewelry is always an alloy it's the base metal the gold is mixed with that's discoloring. Here are some cleaning tips Cleaning Gold Jewelry to Remove Tarnish To clean gold jewelry that does not include any soft gemstones, pearls or crystals put the gold jewelry into warm sudsy water containing a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid such as Dawn, Ivory or...

Is Jewelry Making Expensive?

When I talk to people who are just thinking about getting into jewelry making, I often get asked, Is jewelry making expensive A reader named Francine just asked me again by email so I thought I'd share my reply for you newbies out there who are wondering too. Here's the answer I gave Francine Hi Francine, Creating your own jewelry definitely can be expensive.

Spiral Hemp Necklace Pattern

Hemp and big beads were made for each other. Imagine this hemp necklace with your favorite big bead. Simplicity is the best way to show off a great focal bead and this design does a smash up job. This necklace is really easy to make and works up quickly. You just might want to make a matching bracelet too Materials Hemp twine, 20 lb.

How to Make Anklets

Ankle Bracelet PatternsIf you want to learn how to make anklets (or ankle bracelets as they are sometimes called), you are in the the right place. On this page you'll find videos showing you how to make a number of anklets, and links to free anklet jewelry patterns. Before we get to those though, let's talk a little about anklet lengths . Ankle bracelets are commonly about 7 to 10 inches in length.

Make a Grandmother Bracelet

The Story of the Perfect Grandmother GiftHave you ever tried to find THE perfect gift for someone that you love That was my situation this past Christmas. I was in a kafuffle. I didn't know what to get my mother-in-law and my own dear mum. To top it off, my mum is one tough cookie to buy for. Then one day, I was surfing the net and came across these really beautiful mother and grandmother bracelets with sterling silver letter beads, and swarovski crystals in the birthstone colors.

Knot a Colorful Kids Necklace

Picture yourself, a friend, or a little one wearing this Colorful Kids Necklace Don't let the kids necklace name stop you - teens and youthful grown-ups could easily wear this necklace too. My daughter Zoe, age 4, wanted to name this project, and indulgent mom that I am, well, you know Unlike most of my other creative gifts, my Zoe, age 4 going on 14, hasn't stopped wearing this one. It definitely has the cool kid seal of approval.

Leaves Pattern Friendship Bracelet Tutorial

How to Make a Leaves Pattern Friendship Bracelet ( by Beyond Bracelets ) This leaves pattern friendship bracelet video by Beyond Bracelets is really easy and fun to make. You could easily use this same technique to make an awesome choker too. (I explain how at the end of the bracelet instructions further down the page). Whether you want to make a bracelet or a choker, watch the video below to see how to make the leaves pattern.

How To Enamel Beads With a Torch

If you've been wondering how to enamel beads without a kiln, experience, or or fear, you are on the right webpage. The Painting with Fire Technique of Torch Firing Enamelby Barbara Lewis I love teaching Painting with Fire (PWF) workshops because I get high off the enthusiasm of my students. Who wouldn't love to see a stream of happy faces leave a workshop Can you imagine enameling 50 beads in an afternoon as a rank beginner How about enameling a bead in 40 seconds --No, I'm not crazy.

Fold Forming Metal Work 101

Try Fold Forming Metal for Exceptionally Unique Jewelry If you love metalworking and wire work jewelry making, you're sure to be interested in fold forming . This fascinating jewelry metalwork technique allows you to make wonderful 3D shapes and textures. I'm no expert in this technique myself, but I dabble and I'm learning so you might say this is a beginner level article.

Make a Chain Anklet

Making a chain anklet is one of the easiest projects ever. Learn how to make your own step by step with this free easy peasy tutorial. (See the pretty enamel charm I made it. So cute.) What's on this page Easy Chain Anklet Step by Step Instructions Ideas for Variations Supply Suggestions Your Comments Easy Chain Anklet Step by Step Instructions Step 1 Gather Your Tools and MaterialsYou'll need the following tools and materials 1 pair of chain nose jewelry pliers 1 pair of flat nose jewelry...

Jewelry Making Videos

Here are a selection of jewelry making videos that others have posted on the web for all the land to see Hemp Macrame VideosWatch this Live Action Hemp knotting video by Threadbangers (I love these guys - I'll be posting more of their jewelry making videos soon ) Metalworking VideosPropane Torch Work - Cheapest Torch in All the LandMy first torch was propane because I really wanted to learn how to solder, but I wanted to learn on the cheap.

Hemp Jewelry Basics

This page covers these hemp jewelry basics Hemp Twine Sizing Lb. test what How much do I need A chart with some twine estimates.Other Materials for Knotting Here are some alternatives to hemp that you can use with my hemp jewelry patterns.Hemp and Beads What you need to know about buying beads for hemp jewelry making.Bead Alternatives Some cool alternatives to beads that you may not have considered. Hemp Twine SizingHemp Twine comes in a number of gauges or sizes. The most common are 20 lb.

Hemp Bracelet with Beads

Make this easy hemp bracelet in less than an hour Materials 12 feet of Hemp twine, 20 lb. test ( 1mm thickness) 8-10 ceramic beads with large holes (large enough for two strands of twine to pass through at the same time) 4 small leaf shaped charms or leaf shaped beads with wire-wrapped loops (optional) Measuring tape Useful Links Glossary of Hemp Jewelry Making TermsHow to Make an Overhand Knot (OH)How to Make a Square Knot (SK) Step by Step Step 1 Measure around your wrist (or the wrist of the...

Looking for Jewelry Making How-To's?

Whether you're an absolute beginner looking for the basics, an experienced hobbyist seeking challenging tutorials, or a budding designer looking for inspiration and supplier sourcing, there is something here for everyone. Here's a quick synopsis of what you'll find Easy how-to's and beginner basics Cool jewelry tutorials and projects for all ages and levels of experience Beads, beads, and more beads, as well as findings, tools, sheet and wire - where to get 'em, what to do with them, and lots...

How do I Price my Handmade Jewelry?

The eternal question for jewelry artists How do I price my handmade jewelry Pricing handmade jewelry is one topic that jewelry artists never agree on. There are lots of different viewpoints and philosophies. This article will discuss the following Things to consider when pricing your jewelry (including those you may not have thought of ) Formulas for pricing your own jewelry.

Your Own Etsy Jewelry Store So You Want to Sell on Etsy...

How-to Set Up an Etsy Shop Answer me these questions, potential Etsy Jewelry Shop proprietors Are you ready Are you ready to take your craft to the next level Are you ready to be excited and discouraged all in the same day Do you love what you do Does it give you a thrill when someone wants to purchase your handcrafted item If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, you are ready to plunge into the wonderful world of Etsy Jewelry Selling Etsy is an online marketplace for buying and...

Hemp Jewelry Making

Hemp jewelry making - What's not to love Hemp jewelry is groovy and fashionable, simple to learn, and the materials are pretty affordable, even for starving students. You can tote your work around with you, and talk about speedy You can often create something from start to finish in less than an hour What Materials do I Need All you need for is hemp twine, maybe some glass, ceramic, or wooden beads with large holes, two hands, and you're golden Hemp twine is available in balls and sometimes...