Jewelry Making Basics
By Tammy Powley, About.com Guide to Jewelry Making
Learn the basics of jewelry making using materials such as beads, wire, glass, metal, and clay. You'll find tips, projects, techniques, and DIY articles to get you started crafting your own hand-made jewelry.
- How to Make Jewelry
- Jewelry Tools and Equipment
- Beaded Jewelry
- Wire Jewelry
- Metal Jewelry
- Metal Clay Jewelry
- Macrame/Fiber Jewelry
- Fused Glass/Lampwork Jewelry
- Mixed Media Jewelry
- Polymer Clay Jewelry
- Reviews: Book, DVDs, Tools, Supplies
How to Make Jewelry
Learn how to start making jewelry using different types of media. You'll find information about using beads, wire, metal, clay, fiber, and glass in your projects.
- Make Jewelry Now
- Finding Jewelry Classes
- Jewelry Studio Organization Tips
- Get Started: Bead Stringing
- Get Started: Precious Metal Clay
- Get Started: Polymer Clay
- Get Started: Bead Weaving
- Get Started: Fused Glass
- Get Started: Metalsmithing
- Get Started: Wire Work
- Get Started: Macrame
Jewelry Tools and Equipment
Learn about the various tools and and piece of equipment you can use to make wonderful hand-crafted jewelry.
- Dual EuroCrimpers
- Learn About Round-Nosed Pliers
- Learn About Chain-Nosed Pliers
- Learn About Bent-Nosed Pliers
- Learn About Wire Cutters
- Micro Crimping Pliers
- About Crimping Pliers
- Bead Reamer Set
- What Are Wire Clamps?
- About Nylon-Nosed Pliers
- Two-Hole Metal Punch
- Wire Jewelry Jig Defined
- Cold Heat Glue Gun
- Cutter for Beading Wire
- Terrific Taurus Glass Saw
- Memory Wire Shears
- Wire Pin Vise
- Craft Knife for Mixed Media Jewelry
- Clay Roller
Beaded Jewelry
Get some of the basics down with these tips, techniques, and how-tos on beading. All of our tips have been designed for jewelry makers at a beginner's level.
- How to Use a Bead Board
- Traditional Bead Knotting
- Bead Knotting for Cheaters
- Bead Stringing Findings
- Earring Findings
- Closing Crimp Beads
- Crimp Bead Pictorial
- Crimp Bead Size Versus Beading Wire Size
- How to Use a Bead Tip
- Bead Stringing Fancy Finishes
- Using Crimp Bead Covers
- Jewelry Clasps and Connectors
- Gifts for Jewelry Makers
Wire Jewelry
Try out some basic jewelry making techniques on these easy projects to get you started making jewelry using wire. Many of these projects also include combining beads with wire as well.
- Types of Wire: Whats the Diff?
- What Wire for What?
- A Few Wire Basics
- Fixing Jump Ring Problems
- Making Wire Wrapped Loops
- Wire Wrapped Beads
- Making Simple Unwrapped Wire Loops
- Wire Wrap a Cab
- Neat-O Wire Wrapped Briolette Pendant
- Messy Wire Wrapped Briolette Pendant
- Knitting with Wire
- Nylon Pliers for Wire Work
Metal Jewelry
With these basic metal techniques under your belt, soon you will be soldering and fabrication your own metal jewelry designs.
- Metal Jewelry Fabrication Tools
- What is Metal Fabrication?
- Using a Jewelry Saw
- How to Use a Wire Draw Plate
- Tips for Filing Metal
- Anvil vs. Block for Making Jewelry
- Hammers for Metal Jewelry Making
- It's Black or White - Oxidizing
- About Metal Casting Services
- Making Charms Using Lost Wax Casting
Metal Clay Jewelry
This unique form of clay turns into solid metal after firing. Find out more about this wonderful clay that allows you to form and fire metal jewelry.
- Metal Clay Intro 1 Week E-Course
- To Buy a Kiln or Not to Buy a Kiln
- Getting Started: Metal Clay Jewelry Making
- What is Metal Clay?
Macrame/Fiber Jewelry
Renew the good old days with some macrame basics. This section also covers the basics of using fiber in jewelry designs.
Fused Glass/Lampwork Jewelry
Discover tips and techniques for making glass lampwork beads as well as how to get started making jewelry components using fused glass techniques.
- Lampwork Bead Making
- How to Make Glass Stringers
- How to Make Twisted Glass Stringers
- How to Make Glass Frit
Mixed Media Jewelry
Mix up your jewelry designs with various types of materials to make unique jewelry designs. Combine materials such as fiber, metal, and more.
- What Is Paper Clay?
- A Jewelry Maker Visits a Quilt Shop
- Resin Jewelry Art - Book Review
- The Naughty Secretary Club
- Book Review: Rubber Stamped Jewelry
Polymer Clay Jewelry
Mold, form, and make jewelry components from polymer clay. Here are some ideas to help you get started.
Reviews: Book, DVDs, Tools, Supplies
Refer to these helpful reviews covering jewelry making books, DVDs, jewelry tools, and specialized jewelry supplies before you buy.
