Karla Kam - Pearl Knotting

Pearl Knotting Instructions by Karla Kam

Making Bead Jewelry - Your New Hobby by: Pamela Bruce

Making your own bead jewelry is a creative hobby that allows you to produce unique pieces for yourself, family and friends. Here is how you can get started.

If you ever asked yourself "couldn't I do that myself?" as you looked through rows of bead bracelets, necklaces or earrings at a trendy boutique, the answer is yes. Beading is a creative and entertaining hobby that not only will have you produce unique, handmade items of jewelry, but will also be a source of amazing gift ideas for family and friends.

The first step would be to find a good local bead shop. While there are wonderful mail order catalogs and websites that will sell you all the supplies, nothing substitutes for the support and advice of experienced sales personnel. Ideally, this store would also offer a number of beginning classes that would help you learn basic techniques (if there is no bead shop in your town, some introductory books such as "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Beading" or "The Beader's Companion" will have to do).

Start with a simple project, such as a bracelet or basic necklace, and do not go overboard with expensive beads and findings (clasps etc.). I know you are probably itching to use Swarovski crystal, sterling silver and semi-precious beads, but you can work up to that later. Many stores will even offer packaged starter kits that may include a beading board (which helps you with project layout and measurements), some basic tools, beads, wire, findings and a how-to-book.

You should then set up your "beading space" – preferably an uncluttered, well-lit area. You might have to invest in a good lamp, maybe one combined with a magnifying lens. Remember, you will be stringing some rather tiny objects. Make sure you have enough containers to keep different types and colors of beads separate – nothing will spoil your joy of beading like having to hunt for a single bead in a jumbled pile. Beading stores will sell you various storage systems (including beading bags for the beader-on-the-go), but you can also experiment with plastic containers meant to hold small hardware or fishing tackle.

Well, there you are ready for your first bead jewelry project. Don't forget to protect your beading space from curious cats and toddlers. Happy beading!

About The Author
Pamela Bruce lives in Austin, TX. She is the owner of Love Beads Unlimited and sells the sterling silver and Swarovski crystal bead jewelry she designs and creates both in her eBay store (http://stores.ebay.com/LOVE-BEADS-UNLIMITED) and on her website at http://www.lovebeadsunlimited.com, where you can also download the free e-book "A Consumer's Guide to Buying Bead Jewelry Online".

Tools for basic beading

Flat nose pliers are useful for grasping and pulling wire.
Round Nose pliers are used for making loops and it is a must have for beading.
Wire Cutter is necessary for cutting the beading wire, excess wire from eye pins, head pins etc...

Join Step by Step Beading Yahoo Group!

Join Step by Step Beading Yahoo Group to share and show off your beading projects.

Click to join stepbystepbeading

Book Reviews on "Ultimate Guide to Your Profitable Jewelry Booth"

How to Sell Your Jewelry Like Crazy
at Shows, Fairs, and Festivals


"Ultimate Guide to Your Profitable Jewelry Booth"

Book Review by Jill Sharp Blue Piranha Jewelry

This is THE reference book for every jewelry designer who has ever set up, or is considering setting up, a booth at a retail event.
Rena covers everything: show prep, display, jurying, pricing, marketing, and so much more.
I’ve been doing shows for several years, and found several tips in this book that will make my shows even easier. It’s like having a great business partner by your side!

Book Review by Marie Cristine Knuff MarieCristine.com

Rena has included everything you need to know about selling jewelry at fairs and markets in this ebook. If you follow even just a few of her tips and suggestions you will be more successful!