Make Handmade Jewelry - 4 Easy Steps

So, you want to make those drool-worthy designer bangles in Cosmo instead of dropping a large chunk of change at the mall. Well it is easier than you think. All it takes is four easy steps and you will be the envy of all of your friends. Who knew learning how to make handmade jewelry could be so simple?

Step 1:
Take your bead board and layout your design. This will include your beads, findings and connectors. What are findings and connectors? Well, findings are available in three different types. Functional findings are the components of jewelry that have a mechanical purpose such as joining, linking or attaching. Decorative findings add to the decorative allure of the piece such as charms, filigrees or pendants. Hybrid findings do both. They are mechanical in nature yet decorative as well. Some examples are bead caps, links and locket bails.

Step 2:
Decide on the proper length. There are many factors that play into this number. Is the piece you are making for a man or a woman? Generally anything for a man will be longer. What are you making? A necklace will be longer than an anklet and an anklet will be longer than a bracelet. But how do you know the exact length needed? One option is to find a chart which clearly shows the average small, medium and large lengths for different pieces. When it comes to necklaces the length needed is also dependent on the type of necklace you are making. A choker for your sister, a lariat for your mom or a pendant for your best friend, all have different standard lengths. If you want to learn how to make handmade jewelry in custom lengths simply take a string and tie it around the lucky person's wrist, ankle or neck as a stand-in for your design. Than simply untie the string and measure it with your tape measure. Voila! You have custom-sized jewelry.

Step 3:
Select your string. What you use for stringing material depends on the type, weight and size of beads you are using and how you want your jewelry to lay. Some different options include cord, leather, wire and memory wire. You can even use elastic string. Experiment with different types and combinations to make your piece truly unique. There are no wrong choices. Be creative and you will be inspiring others to discover how to make handmade jewelry for themselves.

Step 4:
Finish it. More than tying a knot the way you complete your piece depends on the materials you used. Cords, leather, wire, every string type has its own way to be finished. Crimps, caps, ends and loops are common ways to finish a piece of jewelry. The method you use can make your piece captivating or clunky. Charts are available to point you in the right direction.

And there you have it. The basic steps you need to create gorgeous accessories for yourself and all of your friends. Once these are mastered it is easy to learn more techniques and beading secrets online.