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Jewelrymaking!
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If the last time you made a bracelet was at summer camp, try these ideas for creating your next birthday present, or a little something for yourself. The tools and materials you'll need are inexpensive and versatile, and putting colors and shapes together to create a new piece of jewelry is really fun. I've included instructions for three projects and a few ideas on where to find cool stuff.
Tools + Materials
 
To start with, a set of small jewelry pliers are super handy.
Pictured left to right are
-flat-nose pliers, for flattening or forming angles.
-round-nose pliers, for forming loops and curves.
-wire cutters, for clipping wire.
Next to the pliers are two spools of craft wire (I like 24 gauge for beading, which is durable, but thin enough to use small beads with).
Other great materials (not pictured):
-Elastic cord, for stringing bracelets or necklaces.
-Beading needles to use with elastic or other cord.
-Head pins are perfect for making earrings, pendants, or other dangles.
-Memory wire is stiff rounds of wire you can bead directly onto.
Earwires--these are simple surgical steel earwires, to make drop earrings.
So, on to the first project!
Memory Wire Necklace or Bracelet
bracelets designed by Ianthe's Garden
You'll need:
Round-nose pliers
Pre-cut bracelet or necklace-sized memory wire
Seed beads
Larger beads to mix in, if you like
1. Using pliers, bend one end of the wire into a loop. The wire is very stiff and resistant, so bend it carefully!
2. Start adding beads to the wire, either randomly or in a pattern of different colors or sizes. Odd numbers, like 3s or 5s of beads, look very nice within a pattern. Keep adding beads until you have filled the wire to within a half-inch of the end.
3. Gripping the end of the wire with pliers, curve it into a loop like the one you made at the beginning.
Elastic bracelet
bracelet designed by Lucky Loo Loo
You'll need:
Elastic cord
Thin beading needle
Scissors
Craft glue
Beads of your choice in various sizes
Clear tape
1. Cut a piece of elastic about 10 inches long. The average bracelet is about 6-7 inches long; measure your wrist loosely if you're not sure how long to make your bracelet. Double a piece of scotch tape on one end of the elastic to create a stopper.
2. Thread the other end with a beading needle.
3. Start adding your beads to the elastic. If you change your mind about the order or pattern, just pull the needle off and take the beads off to start over.
4. When your bracelet is long enough, end it on a larger bead. Pull the elastic taut and tie the ends in a double knot. Put a drop of glue on the knot and let it dry. When it's secure, trim the ends of the elastic and tuck the knot into the larger bead.
Drop Earrings
earrings designed by susanstars
You'll need:
All three kinds of pliers
24-gauge craft wire or one pair of headpins
1 pair of ear wires
Large beads of your choice
Seed beads in a complimentary color
1. If you are using headpins, put one seed bead on the end of each pin. If you are using craft wire, clip two pieces, each about 2 inches long. Use your round-nose pliers to make a neat circle near one end, like a lollipop. Repeat on the second piece. Add one seed bead to each piece of wire.
2. Put the larger bead on the wire or headpin, and add one more seed bead on top of it.
3. Use your round-nose pliers to grip the wire or pin just above the top seed bead and bend the wire tail over it, so it forms a right angle.
4. Now adjust the pliers so they are gripping on either side of the wire bend. Use your flat-nose pliers to pull the tail over the round end of the round-nose pliers and all the way around, creating a circle with an extra tail of wire still extending beyond it.
5. Use the flat-nose pliers to hold the circle flat, and grip the end of the wire tail with the round-nose pliers. Slowly wrap the wire tail around the earring top, creating a neat coil, and stop when you reach the top of the bead. Clip the end of the wire flush with the coil.
6. Use your flat-nose pliers to open the earwire circle just slightly. Put the top loop of the earring dangle into it, and then close the earwire the same way you opened it.
7. Repeat to make your second earring!
Note: Forming the curves and right angles in wire takes practice, so just try a few times before you start your first project! Stop by your local bead store if you'd like some real-life help.
Resources
Fire Mountain Gems has tons of beads, tools, and supplies for all your jewelrymaking needs. Their online beading resource is full of project ideas, patterns, a Q & A section, and lots more!
Bead & Button magazine publishes monthly projects and features. Also use their bead store locator to find a shop near you. Support your local bead store!
Take a class! In Portland, Dava Bead and Trade offers great workshops.
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