Why I Put This Page Together
I'm Gayle and I have been designing and making handcrafted jewelry with my two daughters since 2007. I've learned my craft from classes, books and on-line websites. I started out with basic beading and am now learning techniques in metalsmithing. On this page, I've listed information that has helped me in my journey as a jewelry designer.
I've done a lot of research on-line as to the best sources of beads, findings and jewelry tools. I've made plenty of mistakes, but also some good choices when purchasing supplies for my craft. I've put this page together, not only for my own benefit so that I can refer to the sites that I use, but also for the benefit of other designers just starting out in creating jewelry. I've listed tutorials that I've found helpful and other sites such as blogs that are filled with good jewelry making information.
I would encourage all crafters to investigate just how easy it is to create handcrafted jewelry as gifts for friends and family or to sell for profit.
Come back often as I will be updating my lists and adding more information.
I've done a lot of research on-line as to the best sources of beads, findings and jewelry tools. I've made plenty of mistakes, but also some good choices when purchasing supplies for my craft. I've put this page together, not only for my own benefit so that I can refer to the sites that I use, but also for the benefit of other designers just starting out in creating jewelry. I've listed tutorials that I've found helpful and other sites such as blogs that are filled with good jewelry making information.
I would encourage all crafters to investigate just how easy it is to create handcrafted jewelry as gifts for friends and family or to sell for profit.
Come back often as I will be updating my lists and adding more information.
My Journey
I've been creating as far back as I can remember, which for me is a long time. I started making jewelry when my grandmother died and left behind an unfinished project...making bracelets for all her great-granddaughters. Because I was the crafty one in the family (I got it from my grandmothers), I inherited her craft supply collection. She had bought memory wire for her project, but no beads. I took her costume jewelry and divided it up to make five bracelets, one for each granddaughter, and gave these finished bracelets to them as a memorial of Grandma and a gift to her. From there, I continued making jewelry, teaching my daughters, and selling online.
I also paint in watercolor and have just started incorporating my paintings in my jewelry. I like the different paths that creativity takes me. I find inspiration when I observe God's creation. Many of my pieces reflect nature, and some pieces are inspired by Biblical scripture. Creating is my expression of worship to God.
I also paint in watercolor and have just started incorporating my paintings in my jewelry. I like the different paths that creativity takes me. I find inspiration when I observe God's creation. Many of my pieces reflect nature, and some pieces are inspired by Biblical scripture. Creating is my expression of worship to God.
Bead and Finding Suppliers
This is a list of bead suppliers that I have used personally and recommend to anyone looking for a reliable business to purchase their supplies and tools.
- Art Beads
- I've done some product reviews for this supplier. They have always been prompt in shipping my orders, and the beads have always come in great condition. Art Beads offers free shipping within the U.S. for orders of $10 or more. See reviews that I have written at www.thisartistsjourney.blogspot.com. I like that with Artbeads.com, I can order a lesser amount of beads than I can with other suppliers. This comes in handy when I have custom orders and I only need a few of each type of bead.
- Fire Mountain Gems and Beads
- This is another faithful source for beads, findings, tools, jewelry displays of all kinds. They carry gemstones, sterling, glass, acrylic, Swarovski, and pearls. Be sure and check your order carefully. I've had to send back some things that were mislabeled. They have always been happy to fix the mistakes. I like the FedEx ground shipping for $5.00 flat fee.
- Fusion Beads
- Although Fusion tends to be higher priced, I've never been disappointed with the beads I've ordered. They offer free standard shipping on all orders with no minimum purchase.
- Vintage Jewelry Supplies
- Great selection of vintage style finding and beads. I get most of my brass components at this site. I've been pleased with the service and the products.
- Evie's Tool Emporium
- Wonderful place to get personalized service for jewelry tools. Have had nothing but great service and products from them.
- Zeelver Wholesale Silver Jewelry, Beads and Findings
- Specializing in Thai and Bali Silver products, Zeelver sells directly from those countries. Shipping is free via registered air mail. I recently ordered from them and received my order within two weeks. The beads were beautiful and of great quality. Minimum order is $100.00. Get a 5-20% discount on orders over $500.00.
- MKSupplies on Etsy
- Vintage Beads, Czech Glass Beads, Findings and more! Great selection of unique beads and findings. I've always had positive experiences with this seller.
- Cool Tools
- I get all of my precious metal clay and tools on this site, including my paragon kiln. They had the best price at the time. They sell cubic zirconia and gemstones that are safe to fire in the kiln. They offer free shipping on $150 or more on selected items. They also have a great learning center where you can learn to use and fire PMC. I've only had one bad customer service experience and that was finally worked out after I e-mailed the company and complained that my order was not complete.
- Rio Grande
- A very reliable and quality source for beads, metalsmithing supplies, PMC, Bronze and Copper clay, fused glass supplies, and findings. Rio also takes scrap sterling silver, gold and other precious metals for store credit or cash. I've used the scrap return service and like getting the store credit for tools that I need.
- Aunties Beads
- I've just started reviewing beads for Aunties Beads. So far, I've been pleased with the quality of their items. They have a Beader's Advantage program...for a $30.00 membership, you get 10% off every order and free standard U.S. shipping on every order for a full 12 months. The Beader's Advantage discount is good in addition to any other promotions or sale prices.
- Kit and Caboodle Shop
- My destash bead and findings shop selling unique beads.
- Rings and Things
- Great source for unique beads. Shipping of $7.95 flat rate available with insurance included. Other shipping options available. I've always had quick shipping. I also love their honest gemstone index online giving the facts on the gemstones they carry.
Jewelry Making Tutorials
These are some of the jewelry making tutorials that I have found helpful in creating my designs.
- Oxidizing Sterling Silver Naturally
- This link gives instruction on how to oxidize sterling safely and easily using hard boiled eggs.
- How to Make Wire Jewelry Necklaces
- A great video showing how to make simple beaded adjustable necklaces.
- Making a Bail From a Head Pin
- A video tutorial that shows how to make a bail from a head pin to make any bead into a charm or pendant.
- How to Wire Wrap A Briolette
- A video tutorial showing how to do a simple ire wrapped briolette.
- How to Open a Jump Ring Properly
- One of the most basic things to learn in jewelry making, this video shows you exactly how it's done so you do not distort the shape of the jump ring.
- How to Make a Wrapped Loop
- Another basic step in learning to create handcrafted jewelry, this video shows you how to make a wrapped loop to securely attach beads to earwires, charm bracelets and more.
- How To Crimp Using A Crimp Tool and How to Use Crimp Covers
- This video will get you started making beaded necklaces and bracelets using bead wire and crimps. Excellent video on how to do this.
- Metal Stamping Video
- This video from Artbeads.com has some great tips for stamping on metal. I think I need to try this!
- Basic Sawing
- Good video showing how to use a jeweler's saw for cutting metal.
- Silver Soldering by Andrew Berry - Jewellery Repair Bench Tips Techniques Part 1
- Part 1 of a series of soldering videos by Andrew Berry
- Silver Soldering by Andrew Berry - Jewellery Repair Bench Tips Techniques Part 2
- Part 2 of a series of soldering videos by Andrew Berry
- Silver Soldering by Andrew Berry - Jewellery Repair Bench Tips Techniques Part 3
- Part 3 of a series of soldering videos by Andrew Berry
- Silver Soldering by Andrew Berry - Final Part - Jewellery Repair Bench Tips Techniques
- Final part of a series of soldering videos by Andrew Berry
- Andrew Berry Jewellery Repairs Bench Tips Keeping Stones Safe
- Keeping Stones Safe by Andrew Berry
- Andrew Berry Jewellery Repairs Bench Tips Making Buff Sticks
- Making You Own Buffing Sticks
- How to Anneal Metal by Wendy Edsall-Kerwin
- Learn the art of annealing metal for your hand forged jewelry creations.
Best Metalsmithing Book
Jewelry: Fundamentals of Metalsmithing (Jewelry Crafts)
Amazon Price: $24.75 (as of 05/29/2012)
I started with this book as a beginner and it is a resource I go back to as a more experienced jeweler.
Poll for Jewelry Designers
This is a short poll for jewelry artists. Please comment if you work in an area that is not listed! Thank you!
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Best Metal Clay Book
PMC Technic: A Collection of Techniques for Precious Metal Clay
Amazon Price: $25.49 (as of 05/29/2012)
Great book for working with precious metal clay with many different techniques including adding texture with water etching and adding color to metal clay.
Jewelry Artists' Blogs
A Great Source of Information and Inspiration
Here are some of my favorite jewelry artists and their jewelry blogs.
- Love, Yesterdays
- Lisa creates wonderful button jewelry. She carefully creates her pieces so that the value of the vintage buttons is not compromised. She is a great source of inspiration in the jewelry arts.
- This Artist's Journey
- My journey in jewelry making and watercolor, sometimes combining the two together.
- Heart's Desire Beading Company
- Debra makes such beautiful wire wrapped jewelry. Sometimes I have to go and just look at the pictures.
- Aspiring Metalsmiths
- A group of beginning metalsmiths who share what they've learn about metal jewelry fabrication. Great source of information and inspiration.
- Metal Clay Heads
- A group of metal clay artists who share knowledge about metal clay. A wonderful team of sellers on Etsy.
- Hammer Marks
- The blog of Wendy Edsall-Kerwin which is full of great information on metal forging.
Complete Starter Kit for Metal Clay
Art Clay Pure Silver Jewelry Making Starter Kit with Instructional DVD
Amazon Price: $140.00 (as of 05/29/2012)
As a beginner to PMC, a kit with all the basic tools included is the best purchase. Trying to gather individual tools when you are first starting can be frustrating especially if you are not familiar with what each tool can do for you. This is a great starter kit that includes an instructional DVD.
Beads on eBay
Occasionally I will find a great deal on beads and jewelry making tools on eBay. Let's see what is up for auction right now!
Other Jewelry Making Lenses on Squidoo
Great lenses that cover different aspects of jewelry making including how to sell your handmade jewelry for profit.
My Other Jewelry Related Lenses
Did You Find This Lens Helpful?
Please feel free to leave any comments about this lens. You do not need to be a member of Squidoo to do so. If you would like to join the fun and make your own squidoo lenses, just click the orange button, "Create a Lens" in the top right column. It is fun and so easy to do.
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Laila Mitha
May 28, 2012 @ 6:02 pm | delete
- Hello,
Another great place to find Jewelry findings, tools and supplies is Seattlefindings.com If they are not on your list, they should be. The website is newly lauched, they are working on improving the online experience. They've been around for years. Excellent staff and customer relations and competetive pricing.
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KitandCaboodle
May 28, 2012 @ 7:07 pm | delete
- Thanks for adding this to the comments. I'll be sure and check out the site.
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WriterJanis
May 18, 2012 @ 3:45 am | delete
- You have such a wealth of information here. Blessed!
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EnjoyLens
May 15, 2012 @ 10:02 am | delete
- Very beautiful lens!
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MSchindel May 14, 2012 @ 1:03 pm | delete
- An excellent compilation of resources. Thanks for sharing!
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My Favorite Jewelry Making Book to Date
Jewelry: Fundamentals of Metalsmithing (Jewelry Crafts)
Amazon Price: $24.75 (as of 05/29/2012)
This has been one of my favorite resources for metalsmithing. Excellent.
