Want to Start Making Jewelry? These 5 Tips Will Launch You!

I may be biased, but I think jewelry-making is the world's best hobby. Not only is it creative and fun, but you can actually wear the things you make. You can't say that about woodworking, painting or baking. (Sorry, not sorry!)

So maybe you're ready to try it, but don't know where to start. That's what these 5 tips are for. Use them to launch yourself into the world of jewelry-making so you, too, can proclaim it the world's best hobby.

1. Choose One Type of Jewelry to Try First

When it comes to making jewelry, the range of possibilities can be overwhelming. So zero in on one kind and go from there.

Maybe you like beaded beauties or metal-stamped jewelry best. Maybe you want to work with leather, clay or glass. Choose one medium to focus on first, knowing that you can always try something else later.

2. Master a Few Basic Skills

There are some skills you'll want to have no matter what medium you decide to try first. Most projects, for example, will require that you have a basic knowledge of how to open and close a jump ring properly and form a simple wire loop . Once you learn these skills, you can use them for all different kinds of projects.

3. Invest in Good-Quality Tools

For your first attempt, it may be okay to just "borrow" the wire cutters and pliers from your household toolbox. But you'll find that the better your jewelry-making tools , the easier the process will be and the better your project will turn out.

At first, it may seem like a bit of an investment. But in the long run the tools will more than pay for themselves. Once you have the right equipment in your stash, it's usually very inexpensive to make any particular piece.

4. Learn the Lingo

What's the difference between a head pin and an eye pin? Is 12-gauge wire thicker or thinner than 20-gauge wire? And what are findings, anyway? Before you purchase anything, make sure you know what it is and why you need it. This will save you time, money and frustration. 

5. Stock Up

Before you buy online, I'd encourage you to find a local craft store and literally get your hands on the tools and supplies you need. Look at them, touch them and choose exactly what you want.

When I was getting started I ordered things online that I wish I hadn't, just because of my lack of experience. For example, I didn't have a concept of what a 4 mm bead really looked like, so when I ordered a whole pack and they showed up, I was shocked at how tiny they were.

Later, once you get into a groove, by all means go for the ease of ordering online, but I still personally love the experience of seeing things for myself before I buy.