8 tips for getting started in jewelry making

Picking up a new hobby is both a fun and daunting task. Starting anew is always exciting but it also comes at the risk of making mistakes that might deter you from fully pursuing a certain activity. Here are some very useful tips for those of you looking into jewelry making as a new hobby or probably as a new source of income as well.

  1. Determine which type of jewelry you’d like to specialize in

Jewelry making is a broad hobby thriving with many different niches and specialties. If you want to begin making your own jewelry, chances are you’re already interested or attracted to certain types of pieces. It would be logical to pursue what you’re already interested in. Whether you like beading or mixed metals or clay pendants, you should first learn the basic skills needed in your chosen niche and build your skill set up from that.

  1. Learn and master basic skills

A good foundation will mean an easier transition into more complex skills and jewelry projects. As mentioned above, choose which type of jewelry you’d like to make and then master the basic skills needed for it. For example, if you’re into beading, there are certain basic stitches that you’ll need to learn in order to string together more complicated and aesthetically pleasing bead jewelry.

  1. Learn the terminologies

Like the basic skills, learning and using the proper terminologies will greatly aid you’re learning process. Terminologies include the names of the basic tools together with their corresponding uses. It also includes names for materials and certain techniques. Knowing what things are called will aid you whether you’re following an online tutorial or taking a formal class

  1. Designate and organize a work space

Having a permanent fixed space where you keep all your materials and tools together is a great way to make your learning process more efficient. With all your things together, you’ll save so much time looking for, say, your wire cutters and such. Doing so will also make projects go faster as you can immediately start working where you left off with all your materials and tools together and undisturbed in one place.

You can allot a small area like a table in your kitchen or a small tea table in your living room. If you have a sewing or crafts room, you can clean out a space to place your jewelry making tools. You can decorate the space with your supplies neatly arranged and properly labeled.

  1. Take a jewelry making class

Yes, online tutorials and Youtube videos might seem enough but sometimes it just helps to take a physical class. Being in the same room as an instructor will help you learn and have your questions answered at the same time. Being around other people with similar interests can also motivate you more into keep going with your hobby.

  1. Scour the Internet for inspiration

Sometimes seeing what is possible can help both your creative juices flowing. There are plenty of websites and blogs dedicated to jewelry making. For starters, you can search up the jewelry making tag on Pinterest and follow links from there. Another popular website for crafts and handmade projects is Craftsy.

  1. Invest in quality tools (and, eventually, materials)

If you’re still unsure if jewelry making is for you, you can start with borrowing tools from friends or acquaintances before investing in your own. But if you’ve been making jewelry for a while, you should definitely begin investing on your own quality tools. In the long run, they will for themselves.

  1. Don’t give up so easily!

Small failures are inevitable so don’t let them discourage you! Everyone starts as beginners. You’ll find that after getting through the first hurdles, things will start to go smoother.

Starting a new hobby is an exciting thing to do. The start is always crucial. Makes sure everything goes without a hitch by living by these tips.