Easy, Home-made Jewelry for the Novice Crafter

I'm a crafty person. Rather, I cannot sit still for more than two seconds without driving myself NUTS so I keep my hands busy with either painting, writing, or beading. I (heart) making my own jewelry and the compliments I receive for owning something unique and fun that I truly enjoy. What's even better is that the jewelry I wear on the cheap looks just as attractive (if not more so, if I do say so myself) as the fashion jewelry most people pay lots of money for in stores.

Making jewelry is fun, easy, and enjoyable. But you have to start small. Don't think you're going to craft yourself an amazing beaded choker on the first attempt. Also, beading can be quite costly if you don't know what you are doing or if you buy all these supplies you don't know how to use. Keep it simple (and cheap) to start, get a feel of the hobby, and go from there.

I recommend this shopping list to ALL newbie jewelry crafters. It covers the basics and allows the creative makings of enough necklaces nd bracelets to really get the feel for jewelry-making without breaking the bank or causing frustration. This list comprises of (2) 8-yard bundles of black FINE HEMP TWINE, and five different styles of large beads (glass or plastic, your choice) that you enjoy. The beads should be at least as large as your thumbnail and in a colour and style that you will actually wear. The holes should be larger than average, able to twist onto the hemp twine easily.

That's it.

This whole purchase should cost you less than twenty dollars (the cost of beads will affect your wallet the most) and create comfortably at least 6 necklaces and a dozen or so bracelets.

The list is small and simple because what you will be creating is not. This is a lesson in learning that less is certainly not more, and beading is no exception. Trust me, you will come up with something beautiful, easy and fun.

After buying all these items I want you to plop your butt down on the floor or at the table and scatter everything all about. Empty all the beads into one large bowl, tear the string from their packets and play with them. Get a feel of the medium before you before you dig in. You have to get yourself into the creative mood.

Now, if you're feeling daring, just go straight into cutting the string to your desired length, adding an inch or so for tying off and for knots. Remember, the length when folded in half is the actual length of the necklace, bracelet, or choker you are creating.

I want you to take your favourite bead, just ONE, and place it on the string all by itself. You may have to twist the ends of the twine a little bit to fit through the bead hole. Next you'll center the bead by pulling up both ends of the string until they match each other. Then you'll tie a knot around the bead by pinching the string together above the bead and forming a simple knot to hold the bead where it is. Now take the two loose string ends and tie them together in one simple knot.

Ta-da! That, my friend is jewelry, simple and fun. go ahead, put your new necklace on and enjoy it!

Now that you see how simple this really is, try braiding 3 pieces of twine together and adding a bead every once in a while in one of the strings while you are braiding. Or try knotting various areas of a necklace to add texture to your work. Or mix random beads together, knotting them carelessly all about your necklace length to create something fun and quirky. String all your leftover beads onto two alternating strands to create a fun bracelet.

Once you get the feel of jewelry-making you can upgrade to finer tools and ideas, such as wire, nylon string, smaller beads, clasps, hooks, pendants, etc. But getting the feel of beading and learning to enjoy and love what you wear first are essential to being a crafty beader.

Now, wear your home-made jewelry with pride and watch the compliments come pouring in! Beading can be so fun!