Wanting to make jewellery - where to start

[lunavix]

I was hoping to dabble in this to make a gift for a friend for her wedding, amongst other things.

Wondering where to start. I'm going to covent garden on Monday so will look in the bead shop, however I've been wondering about what bits and bobs to use, so have been eyeing up the kits on ebay. What things do I need, are any of those kits a decent quality?

Thanks

I'd start with a basic kit to make a necklace or bracelet - it will have everything you need but I'm guessing most will require you using a small pair of pliers (normal household ones are fine just to give you an idea of whether you like it or not!).
There are loads of tutorials & ideas online - again to get you started. If you don't want to buy a kit, look online & find a tutorial that gives you a 'shopping' list of things you will need. There is a lot of variation with bead price & quality - basically you do get what you pay for. Again, start cheap & basic until you get a better feel for it. I can't be more specific without knowing exactly what sort of thing you want to make (threaded beads), beads linked on headpins, seed (really tiny!)bead stuff...the list is endless - but watch out, its addictive!

Indian beads are cheaper than Czech or Japanese so great for practicing or if you want to use a lot but the Czech and the Japanese are much better made and better if you are using fewer beads as a statement.

I bought a set of tools like this when I started out. You need the cutters for trimming off head pins etc and the round nose pliers for making loops. The pliers are useful for lots of things including keeping hold of fiddly bits.

I prefer to use wire for stringing - either Beadalon or Tigertail. I tried using the thread but it wears after a while and your creation falls apart. Elastic is OK for bracelets.

I agree with Whizz though - it is very addictive. It doesn't help that you can get them cheaply - for just a few £s - and before you know it you have this enormous stash and you daren't think how much it all cost......or is that just me?

Niecie - no it's me too

You will need bead fixings to finish off your piece. Things like clasps/clips for bracelets or necklaces and earring hoops.
It would be worthwhile getting a basic beading book from Amazon or Ebay too.
It is highly addictive as the others and hours seem to vanish!
Good luck!

Findings not fixings!

If you go to www.beadmerchant.co.uk/index.htm, they have lots of lovely kits. There are a couple of bead magazines that have a "general stitches" section each month to give you an idea of how to do the basic ladder, peyote etc bead stitches. But be warned, GentleOtter's right about it being addictive

I'd recommend finding a design you like and buying up things based on that. It's worth looking in the library for designs, or check out www.makebeautifuljewellery.com/ for some projects that take you straight to the shopping list for the items you need.

I'd recommend the miyuki bead kits too. If you search for 'miyuki kit' on ebay you'lwww.mumsnet.com/Talk/arts_and_crafts/721005-Wanting-to-make-jewellery-where-to-startl get an idea of the sorts of ones they do but there are a few places online that often have them cheaper. Some are more difficult and time consuming than others but they have a difficulty rating and if in doubt ask the seller. Their instructions are very clear and you generally don't need any special equipment other than a pair of pliers.

I'm also a huge fan of chainmaille - some of which is very easy, quite fast and absolutely gorgeous especially in silver. www.maillequeen.co.uk have great kits and all you need beyond their kits is 2 pairs of pliers. There's more info on their website.

Shameless hijack!

Can anyone recommend a book on beading/jewellery making for a complete novice please? I am bewildered by the choice!

I ideally want to start with the chunkier styles first, then progress onto finer things if I like it/am any good.

Thanks!