MAKE YOUR OWN JEWELRY AND DISCOVER YOUR CREATIVE SIDE: HOW TO GET STARTED

Beading and jewelry making is a hobby that is fun, rewarding and practical. Not only do you get to explore your creative side, you can create one-of-a-kind pieces that you can wear or give as gifts. Beading is a simple hobby to get started with and you can begin immediately without taking a series of classes or spending an excessive amount of money on specialty supplies. Beading and jewelry making is also therapeutic and is a great opportunity to bond with a sibling, daughter or friend. Here is some basic information to get you familiarized with the hobby and basic things that you will need to get started.

The great thing about beading is that you can start slowly, just buy what you need and learn as you go. You can start with a few simple things and build your collection of supplies as you become more experienced. The most basic materials required to get started are: beads, a bead design board which allows you to design and visualize your jewelry before stringing it, a bead mat to cushion your work surface, bead stoppers which clip onto one end of the cording so the beads don’t fall off as you work, findings, and stringing material. If you use stretch cord, all you need to finish your piece is a carefully tied knot and some super glue to add extra strength to the knot. If you would like to attach clasps to your bracelets and necklaces, then all you need is flexible beading wire (instead of stretch cord), a crimping tool and flush cutters. Other tools that may be helpful, but may not be necessary unless you are doing wire work, are flat nose pliers, round nose pliers and other specialty pliers which are available insets or purchased individually.

When choosing your stringing material, you will find many options. Your choice of stringing material is important in so many ways as it can affect the look of your design as well as its strength and structure. One of the most common types of stringing material is flexible beading wire. It is basically stainless steel “mini” cable coated with nylon. Flexible beading wire can be found in several widths and colors offered by several brands such as Soft Flex, Flex-Rite and Beadalon. The flexibility and strength increases with a higher strand count. Strand count ranges from 7-49 strands. Crimp beads and a crimping tool are required when using this type of material. As you get more involved in the hobby of beading you will discover countless types of string and cording and learn new techniques for using them.

Visit your local bead store for the best selection of beads and supplies. They will also offer a better selection of findings such as clasps (single or multi-strand), toggle clasps, jump rings, cones, bails, connectors and other components. You will also be able to find a large array of beads, chains, stringing materials and other useful supplies. Your local bead store will also be able to provide specialized advice and offer classes for beginners, intermediate and advanced level beaders.

If you prefer to teach yourself, your local library and bookstore will have books and magazines that contain instructions and detailed photographs. The internet is also a valuable resource for project ideas, tips and techniques. There are many online bead stores and blogs that offer super advice and information.

About the Author

Joyce Lee is a jewelry designer with over 15 years of experience in Jewelry Design and production. Ms. Lee also enjoys teaching jewelry making classes to children and adults of all ages. Visit www.beadbee.com for project ideas, instructions, and materials.

Additional ideas & tips can be found at Bead Bee’s blog.

Joyce’s artisan jewelry can be seen at Bead Bee Boutique

How to Attach a Cord End – Blue Moon Beads – Beading / Jewelry Making Video Tutorial

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Black Jewelry Cord $2.99 Includes (1) Black Jewelry Cord. 20 yards.

Power Cord with 2 Prong End: HY $4.11 Power cord with 2 prong end.

Double Cord Titanium Ring $89.95 Double Cord Titanium Ring. Twin cords are placed in between this matte and polished titanium band. The cords display a more industrial look while the elegant polished bevel finish offers a contrasting modern effect.

Cord and Milgrain 14k White Gold Band $699.95 Cord and Milgrain 14k White Gold Band.

14k Yellow Gold Cord Design Ring $189.95 14k Yellow Gold Cord Design Ring.

14k White Gold Cord Design Ring $189.95 14k White Gold Cord Design Ring.

Cord and Milgrain 14k Yellow Gold Band $719.95 Cord and Milgrain 14k Yellow Gold Band.

7.5mm Rope Cord Titanium Band $89.95 7.5mm Rope Cord Titanium Band. A titanium rope cut across the middle of this ring. The rope wraps around the band and is met by a block of titanium.

Jewelry Cord 1-1/2mm 25 Yards-White(Pack of 1) $8.48 Jewelry Cord 1-1/2mm 25 Yards-White. Jewelry cord is perfect for smaller craft projects. Ideal for beading jewelry making and applique work.

Jewelry Cord 1-1/2mm 25 Yards-Black(Pack of 1) $8.48 Jewelry Cord 1-1/2mm 25 Yards-Black. Jewelry cord is perfect for smaller craft projects. Ideal for beading jewelry making and applique work.

Dora 7.00 mm Cord 18K Two Tone Wedding Band $1489.95 Dora 7.00 mm Cord 18K Two Tone Wedding Band. *** A 15% RESTOCKING FEE APPLIES TO RETURNS FOR THIS ITEM ***

Two Tone 14k Cord Edge High Polish Band $929.95 Two Tone 14k Cord Edge High Polish Band. Ring Information 14K Two Tone Gold 6mm (just under 1/4 inch) Sizes 4 – 12 available Precise Laser Engraving Available

Princess Diamond Cord 14K White Gold Wedding Band $929.95 Princess Diamond Cord 14K White Gold Wedding Band. Ring Information 14K White Gold 8.5mm (just over 5/16 inch) Sizes 5 – 13 available Precise Laser Engraving Available

Stretch Magic Bead & Jewelry Cord clear $2.66 Stretch Magic is stretchy and strong elastic jewelry cord. It stretches like elastic making your jewelry easy to wear and remove. It’s made from high tech polymer that will not crack or harden over time. Non-fraying ends makes beading easy. Easy to knot.Cords are 0.7 mm in diameter x 5 m long.

Stretch Magic Bead & Jewelry Cord black $2.66 Stretch Magic is stretchy and strong elastic jewelry cord. It stretches like elastic making your jewelry easy to wear and remove. It’s made from high tech polymer that will not crack or harden over time. Non-fraying ends makes beading easy. Easy to knot.Cords are 0.7 mm in diameter x 5 m long.

Yellow Gold 14K 9mm Art Deco Cord Wedding Band $499.95 Yellow Gold 14K 9mm Art Deco Cord Wedding Band. Ring Information 14K Yellow Gold 9.9-14.5 grams 9mm (just under 3/8 inch) Sizes 5 – 13 available Precise Laser Engraving Available

17in 6-7mm Brown Freshwater Rice Pearl Necklace on Brown-Golden Mesh Cord w/ Silver Spring Ring Clasp $24.95 17in 6-7mm Brown Freshwater Rice Pearl Necklace on Brown-Golden Mesh Cord w/ Silver Spring Ring Clasp.

14K Two Tone Gold Hammer Cord Matching Wedding Band Set $1129.95 . 14K Two Tone Gold Hammer & Cord Matching Wedding Band Set Please select Men’s size from the top dropbox followed by Women’s size below. Precise Laser Engraving Available Men’s Wedding Band 14K Two Tone Gold 8mm (5/16 inch) Sizes 8.5 – 12 available Women’s Wedding Band 14K Two Tone Gold 6mm (just under 1/4 inch) Sizes 5 – 9 available

West Coast Jewelry Silver Colored Bracelet with Black Leather Cord $15 Dress up any outfit with this bracelet by West Coast Jewelry. The black leather cord accents the silver colored “O” and extension for a modern and appealing look.

West Coast Jewelry Gold Colored Bracelet with Black Leather Cord $25 Dress up any outfit with this bracelet by West Coast Jewelry. The black leather cord accents the gold colored “O” and extension for a modern and appealing look.

Matching His Hers 14K White Gold Hammer Cord Wedding Band Set $1109.95 . Matching His & Hers 14K White Gold Hammer & Cord Wedding Band Set Please select Men’s size from the top dropbox followed by Women’s size below. Precise Laser Engraving Available Men’s Wedding Band 14K White Gold 8mm (5/16 inch) Sizes 8.5 – 12 available Women’s Wedding Band 14K White Gold 6mm (just under 1/4 inch) Sizes 5 – 9 available

Blue Moon Silk Jewelry Cord 2 Yards/Pkg-Jet(Pack of 1) $9.68 Blue Moon Silk Jewelry Cord 2 Yards/Pkg-Jet. 100% silk cording used to assemble jewelry pieces.

7 mm 18K Two Tone Cord and Braid Dora Wedding Band $1539.95 . Ring Information 14K Two Tone Gold 7mm (just over 1/4 inch) Sizes 5 – 13 available Precise Laser Engraving Available *** A 15% RESTOCKING FEE APPLIES TO RETURNS FOR THIS ITEM ***

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Craft & Jewelry Monofilament Cord #30 360 Feet/Pkg(Pack of 1) $5.35 Craft & Jewelry Monofilament Cord #30 360 Feet/Pkg-Clear. Beautiful packaging popular styles great quality & an excellent value…A must for every craft department.

Craft & Jewelry Gossamer Stretch Cord .5mm 48 Feet(Pack of 1) $5.35 Craft & Jewelry Gossamer Stretch Cord .5mm 48 Feet/Pkg-Clear. Beautiful packaging popular styles great quality & an excellent value…A must for every craft department.

Craft & Jewelry Monofilament Cord #8 360 Feet/Pkg-(Pack of 1) $5.35 Craft & Jewelry Monofilament Cord #8 360 Feet/Pkg-Clear. Beautiful packaging popular styles great quality & an excellent value…A must for every craft department.

Little Giant Ballast, With Cord-Set and End (14940630) $486.92 Little Giant Ballast, With Cord-Set and End (14940630) No matter what division of Little Giant, we have always been proud in supplying you some of the latest innovations within the various industries we serve. We acheive our continued success by listening to customers and incorporating the highest quality standards to our latest ideas.

Little Giant Ballast, With Cord-Set and End (14940631) $566.09 Little Giant Ballast, with Cord-Set and End (14940631) No matter what division of Little Giant, we have always been proud in supplying you some of the latest innovations within the various industries we serve. We achieve our continued success by listening to customers and incorporating the highest quality standards to our latest ideas.

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White Elastic Cord Each $1.49 This White Elastic Bead Cord makes your jewelry making fast and easy. Each spool of White Elastic Jewelry Cord measures a whopping 10 yards and will make an enormous amount of crafty jewelry. Whether you’re making necklaces or bracelets, this White Elastic Bead Cord is the must-have crafting accessory!

Stretch Magic Bead & Jewelry Cord 1.8mm 3 Meters/P(Pack of 1) $6.35 Stretch Magic Bead & Jewelry Cord 1.8mm 3 Meters/Pkg-Clear. PEPPERELL-Stretch Magic cord is the most recognized name in craft cord. This cord will not crack or peel overtime which makes it ideal for all your beading and jewelry projects. Each package co

Craft & Jewelry Stretch Cord .8mm 50 Feet/Pkg-Clea(Pack of 1) $5.35 Craft & Jewelry Stretch Cord .8mm 50 Feet/Pkg-Clear. COUSIN-Craft & Jewelry Stretch Cord. This clear stretchy cord is perfect for bracelets; anklets and rings. Cord features great stretching strength when compared to other brands. This package contains

Stretch Magic Bead & Jewelry Cord 1.5mm 4 Meters/P(Pack of 1) $6.35 Stretch Magic Bead & Jewelry Cord 1.5mm 4 Meters/Pkg-Clear. PEPPERELL-Stretch Magic cord is the most recognized name in craft cord. This cord will not crack or peel overtime which makes it ideal for all your beading and jewelry projects. Each package co

Gold and Brown Cord Bracelet $85 Let the overall style of this gold and brown cord bracelet encompass your everyday look. The 14k gold vermeil beads rest in the center of the cord bracelet. The brown cord is complemented by the gold beads in the center and the gold disc at the end.