Anyone making jewlery?

[spasmo]

Last year when I was recovering from surgery I decided to take up making beaded earrings as a hobby. I am now addicted! Does anyone else share this passion?

[Linzomama]

Oooh yes! me too! I have begun plans for a jewelry biz to launchin the next few months. Right now I'm working on a collection of Victorian styles. Its so fun, and a great hobby. Can you show pics?

[spasmo]

I will take some pics and post them... that is a great idea! I am toying with starting a hobby business and maybe selling on Ebay. I haven't checked out what all I would have to do yet if I do decide to do this, but I do think it would be fun. Are you planning on selling on line, word of mouth or openining a shop?

[lynnk]

I love Victorian jewlery! Do you have any suggestions on how to go about getting started making Victorian jewlery?? I'm scheduled to have a hysterectomy in March and am looking for craft ideas while I'm healing up. Thanks for any suggestions
Lynn

[Eedith51]

I love making anything with beads, wire and or any kind of string required for the project. I started a couple of years ago and made bead and wire dreamcatchers. I am hooked and not looking for a cure.

[Kate]

I am wanting to start making my own necklaces. I like all the beaded necklaces that are out. When I find some down time (and some extra $$$), I want to make some that are chunky and cute. ;)

[BlondieJune]

Hello all! I'm new here. I love making jewelry! I've been selling it for a couple years now.
Take a peek at my pictures, if you want to:
http://community.webshots.com/album/399374892sKeeiS

[austenfan]

I made jewerly as gifts a few years back and still have tons of supplies! I need inspiration. Any good sites or general ideas?

[abbie0407blue]

I've made quite a few ankle bracelets. I really enjoy it when I have the time.

[Beachgirl]

I loved the site, I am a crazy creator. I have collections of handmade paper, jewelry, candles, bath bags, lavender sachets, potpouri, shell embellished frames and candle holders, beaded suncathers, and the list goes on, and on, and on.

My crafts start as something I desire and has continued to grow.

I have thought about selling some of my items but know next to nothing about where to do and how. Would welcome advice if anyone has some.

[LavenderMoose]

I love making necklaces and bracelets from beads. I've made a few ankle bracelets too. I made one for myself when my husband left me, and I wanted to just take care of me and get myself together. I got some alphabet beads and spelled "believe" and put my favorite beads around it. Everytime I look at it, I remember that I'm supposed to believe in Me! :)
One day at work, someone asked me where I bought it. When I told them I made it, they wanted me to make them one too.
I wondered about selling them on EBay or someplace....is it hard to get started doing that?

[Candela]

I have made a few earrings ... I highly recommend Fire Mountain Gems for supplies! They have the neatest catalogs as well. www.firemountaingems.com

[occ_gurl]

I think I could easily become addicted to making jewelry! I took my first beginning beading class last week and made a simple toggle-close bracelet and french wire earrings.

Here's a picture of my "junior beader" creation on my photoblog. (nothing to brag about, but fun)
February 21 Photoblog Entry (http://www.designbyjoyce.com/photoblog/february06/02-21-2006.html)

I don't want to spend a lot of $$$ so I plan to scout thrift stores for jewelry that I can remake and restring. I also wanted to know how to alter jewelry and I've already shortened 3 necklaces and now I'll wear them more.

[spasmo]

Congratulations! I think it is something to brag about ~ it is very pretty and your first creation! Isn't it fun? Before long you will be buying clothes to match the jewelry you make!

:cheerlead
YEAH!!!

[Kate]

Do y'all know of any good bead jewelry books to buy? I'm wanting to make some of those chunky necklaces that have more than one strand to them.
Any recommendations?

[spasmo]

Kate,
Go to Michaels... I dont know about beading books, but I got several magazines at Michaels that have basic techniques in them. You can also get some great magazines at bead shops... just dive in and go! Have fun and keep us posted!!!

[Seashell]

Last summer I bought a beaded bracelet at a craft show. And later thought -- I could do that. So I went to a local bead store and made a necklace for myself which I like. But ultimately I was disappointed with the "help" in the store -- she wasn't much at all. (Owner / manager wasn't there.) Think I may try another bead shop in the area.

Of course I like Swarovski crystal beads. Not cheap.

[Mykhal Jaems]

Beading is an amazing hobby. You can make all sorts of things with them.

A good place to find jewelry making instructions is at firemountaingems.com or going to about.com and checking out thier game and hobby section.

Of course you can google it too.

MJ

[CocoinTX]

I started making jewelry last Spring. It's fun. I've gone to the gem and jewelry show in Houston for years, but last year I decided to get creative. I took a couple of beginners classes at a nearby bead shop last summer. You all have created some nice pieces. Bracelets, necklaces are my favorites. I want to make some anklets this summer.

Kate, there are some great jewelry making magazines out there. You get good ideas and they also give instruction how to make some.

Bead and Button www.beadandbutton.com
Beadwork www.beadworkmagazine.com
BeadStyle www.beadstylemag.com

[Kate]

Thanks y'all for the magazine and book ideas! :) I will check them out.

[chrystalbear25]

I love beading and making jewelry. Has anyone checked out the Japanese beading books? They have really good patterns.

[fritzi]

I tried to sell a couple of things I made on Ebay. Not very successfully. It seems that people going on Ebay want a super deal on a brand name. I spent some time researching what is selling on Ebay so I may try my hand at making handbags next.
Fritzi

[crunchies0313]

BlondieJune... the ClearCross Necklace... BEAUTIFUL!! I absolutely love it!!!

[SnoSpud]

My family is Native American and my brother has recently starting making some authentic Lakota pieces. He goes into the Badlands of South Dakota and finds Agate rocks...he polishes them and makes them into absolutely GORGEOUS things! He hasn't really found anywhere to sell any yet though....

[freddi]

i started making jewelry last spring. i sell it to a museum gift shop. i love designing the pieces. does anyone know how to make the crocheted or beaded beads?

[Mykhal Jaems]

i started making jewelry last spring. i sell it to a museum gift shop. i love designing the pieces. does anyone know how to make the crocheted or beaded beads?

Check out firemountaingems.com. I'm not sure if they have directions, but they have so much stuff there, you should be able to find something.

Also, check out about.com the hobbies and games section. I think I've seen directions there.

Have fun!

MJ

[CocoinTX]

http://www.auntiesbeads.com/Home.aspx?gclid=COvD546htIMCFUVzDgod9k30GA&

They have a lot of beads here. I visited the shop in Old Town Spring. I wasn't that imrpessed with the shop itself, but their website and catalogs have a lot to offer.

http://www.beadstuff.com/ Also this place. I visit this booth at the Houston Gem and Jewelry Show and I love them. They have so much to choose from and the nicest people. Very helpful.