Learn How To Make Custom Handmade Jewelry

By Mathew Engelking


If you have always wanted to design and create custom handmade jewelry but been worried that it is too expensive and expert a process for you to engage in, then think again. Crafting your own designs is actually accessible to anyone with will creativity, love for the craft and, most of all, dedication.

The first thing to do is start thinking about the designs you want to work on. Design is a huge part of making fancy jewelry. You probably already have lots of gorgeous designs in your mind, stored away somewhere. Now you need to start getting them out so you can begin working on them. Part of doing this is paying close attention to other people's work. When you see a new necklace, brooch or watch, look at the details and the delicacies of its design.

Many people come to jewelry design looking for a set of rules or guidelines for how to proceed. In truth such a thing does not exist, neither should it. Making pieces is a very personalized thing and, like writing great songs, it won't come about by studying a list of dos and don'ts. That does not mean there aren't certain things to keep in mind however.

Buy a good hard-cover sketch book which you can bring with you everywhere you go. When you get an idea for a design - either in another piece of jewelry or just by inspiration - draw a rough version of it immediately. Later come back to it and check if it is as good as you thought.

Many first time designers forget to be functional as well as inspired. The gates are open for you to be as out there and wacky as you wish but don't forget the purpose of these pieces is to be worn. Don't get so carried away with the design that you end up with a necklace which can't fit around the wearer's neck.

If you intend to set up your own business selling your antique glass beads online, do it professionally or do not do it at all. Look into the legal requirements for setting up such a company in your state and purchase the correct insurance. Just because it is a business you love does not mean you do not have to be in compliance with all the boring, normal company stuff.

Not only is creating your own custom handmade jewelry a really satisfying thing to do. It can also end up making you money. Think about the above advice if you want to turn this hobby into a successful enterprise.




About the Author: