Is there anywhere I can buy some sort of starter pack for jewellery making?

[Nbg]

I bought some odd bits here and there last summer, like beads and plain silver charm braclets but never got any tools to attach things with or clasps etc.

So is there such a thing where I could get it all in a pack, or a really good website that would let me buy easily and not get confused lol!

TIA

Am searching the archives but cant find anything.

Don't know of any starter packs but if you tell me what sort of jewellery you're going to make (eg bracelet, earrings etc) I can tell you exactly what to get from where. Pity this isn't RL, you could rummage through my jewellery making box, there's tonnes of packets of findings in there

Ooooo jealous.

Well I was juts going to start with simple bracelets and necklaces.
I've been looking at Topshop, dot perks, ASOS and other high streety shops for inspiration.
It seems big heart pendants and beady bracelets are in.

Ok, for bracelets and necklaces you mainly just need something to string them on (I like tigertail, its a firm-ish flexible wire), crimps for the ends, and the clasps. Will just put up some links.

(It took me ages to build up my box with bits and bobs and have just got enough to make some proper jewellery now, watch this space in a month or so!)

Yeah this is the kind of thing I need guidance with.
As I got my beads and bracelet and I was sat thinking how the hell do I attach them lol.

a pair of chain nose and round nose pliers will do just about anything you'll need

this is like tigertail, very easy to make bracelets with

crimps for finishing off the clasps (will post more info about that if you need)

toggles

other types of clasps

No probs, there are lots of good books around which have good pics in, describing how to do something is so hard!!!

Oooo thats brilliant wobbly.

I take it GJ are good then?

head pins are good for putting beads etc on to hang off a bracelet or necklace, but you have to make a loop (with the round nose pliers) at the top to attach them

GJ don't have a very good range of pretty beads etc so I don't use them regularly but they're brill if you want all the basics in one place, and good prices.

ahhh i see, so the bead wont fall off!

Pennies are dropping

Actually, second thoughts, I WOULDN'T buy a book. Have just remembered when I started and magazines were far more helpful. Should be a couple in Smiths, they're mainly American but a British one was brought out a couple of months ago. But even the American ones will give good instructions on how to do the basics, and they all usually repeat the basic skills in each issue, so shouldn't matter which one you buy. Might be easier than wading through a book.

Hi ,
watching with interest here as I am keen to start using Murano Glass beads and pendants as I am lucky to have access to some great ones ( and the genuine articles). Bit worried about making them however as have a very active 15 month.
Good luck and will be watching out for your items when you sell them on mumsnet !

Lol yep NBG, or you can attach them with jump rings, but it depends on what thing you're putting on and what you want it to look like, which is why I'd highly recommend a magazine or two.

lol Rosa.
I might be a long way off selling on MN yet. Especially with the likes of Whizzz about

Wow Rosa, wish I had good access to Murano pendants, even saving up for an Italian trip just for that purpose. Have been into jewellery for about 3 years but because of work and dd have only made about 20/25 pieces in that entire time. Finally have a bit of spare time now and trying to crack on with it so will post pics asap . Really excited!!!!

Ooooo sounds good.

Stick some pics on your profile!

Haven't got any pics yet, but will try and take some on Monday and post them up (am waiting on a delayed delivery of toggles and stuff so have a few half finished bits)

Jules Gems are pretty good as they have everything you need, plus a FAQ page with some useful info. They have some lovely beads IMO.

Great stuff.
Thanks Songbird. Its gone into my faves.

Yep, would second jules gems (although they can be a bit slow on the delivery side). If you put 'beads uk' into google, the ones that come up on the first page are nearly all good IMO.

Also like;

PJ Minerals

Constellation

beads direct

Have about 100 in my faves but they're all for very specific things - some are rubbish for most things but have one or two really gorgeous bits.

Oh god, I'm going to end up spending a fortune!

Must go in a sec but have the most important tip you will ever get regarding making jewellery....

Every hour you spend on MN is an hour where you've made sod all and ordered sod all! Now if I could just learn that!!!!

Welcome to the cash blackhole of beads NBG! This is why I love MN, doesn't end up costing me £50 every visit