The Art of Creating Jewelry

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Ranked #232 in Me, #34,840 overall

Creating Jewelry is My Art

Creating jewelry is my passion, and I have been making and selling jewelry for the past 12 years. This lens is about my journey from beader to jeweler to artist.

There is definitely a difference between a beader, jeweler, and artist. And it takes an additional step to become a professional artist who sells her work to make a living.

I hope you enjoy my work, and are spurred to buy both from myself and other professional artists. To visit my Etsy shop, click here.

Fine Silver and Glass Brooch

What is Your Artistic Experience? 

How Much Do You Know?

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Some of My Jewelry Designs 

Creating jewelry out of fine silver

curated content from Flickr

 

Where I Started Creating Jewelry 

I started with one beading class

I started making jewelry as a hobbyist. I didn't know where to start so I took a class on basic beading.

What I learned in that class I still use today. And I will never appreciate enough that the teacher turned me on to the ultimate in jewelry suppliers. Rio Grande is the place to buy just about any jewelry supply that you need. And if you don't want to buy from them, then they are the source to compare to. They don't carry everything, but within their market, they have a very good selection. They have so many items that they put out 5 catalogs a year.

When I started I was essentially making jewelry by putting beads on a wire in different patterns.

I spent my first two years learning the best way to finish necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.

I learned where to buy beads, and had a lot of fun shopping for them. And I have to say the best place to buy beads is from bead shows where you can touch and feel and see the beads in person.

After a while, I started wanting a certain style of beads that I couldn't find anywhere and that is what took me to the second stage, creating my own beads.

Finding a Style 

All Artists Need to Find a Style of Their Own

Finding a style that is uniquely yours is part of becoming a true artist. It was not until I started looking for beads that I wanted and couldn't find them that I started on that journey.

I learned about a new process at that time called Precious Metal Clay and I started making my own components out of fine silver.

Precious Metal Clay allowed me to make any shape I wanted out of clay, then fire it, and end up with a fine silver piece.

It was the perfect medium for me to develop my style.

Fundamentals of Metalsmithing 

Tim McCreight is a master of creating jewelry

Tim McCreight is one of the masters of metalsmithing and jewelry making in the United States. This book is a great introduction to anyone interested in metalsmithing.

Jewelry: Fundamentals of Metalsmithing (Jewelry Crafts)

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Release Date: 12/31/1969

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One of My Jewelry Resources 

Daniel Echeverry is a Very Talented Lampworker

The beads below are made by Daniel Echeverry, a Kent, Ohio resident and wonderful lampwork beadmaker. Lampwork beads are made by hand on a mandrel with molten glass and a torch. Daniel's work is exquisite and I sometimes use it in my designs.

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Resources for Beginning Jewelry Makers 

To Answer the Questions You Have When You are Not in Class

Finding My Style Took Some Time 

But It Was Well Worth It



I am a true believer in finding a style and sticking to it. It takes a while to find the style that you love. I experimented for about 5 years until I started to settle on a style.

As a gallery owner, I know that the artists whose work is remembered are the ones that have a distinct style. It limits you in one way, because you can only work within this style, but it makes you more creative because you develop the style more fully.

My style has become an organic looking style using fine silver, natural stones, pearls and glass primarily although from time to time I add or change parts of it.

Working on developing a style has been the best part of creating my jewelry over the last few years. Narrowing down what look I wanted to express, and really honing it down to specifics has been a challenge and also freeing at the same time. I am loving it.

 

Selling Is Much Harder Than It Looks 

Artists Are Also Entrepreneurs



The next step of course is selling. And that is where I am now. I am ready to wholesale my work. That means working with galleries, and boutiques as customers and helping them choose what will sell best to their customers. It also means creating a production level that will support my wholesale customers.

Selling is hard. It is an entirely differently set of skills than creating. That is why so many artists find it difficult to sell. Selling means putting yourself out there, promoting your work, and having the confidence to stand by your creativity even when it gets rejected by others. Because selling is all about overcoming rejection.

Basic Jewelry Making 

This video shows you a very basic technique--how to make a loop from a head pin.

Jewelry Making Tutorials - How To Loop Headpins

A little clip to demonstrate visually how to loop a jewelry wire finding known as a headpin to make bead drop assemblies that can be used in making beaded earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc. You'll need some beads and a few head pins a few beads, and a minimum of two hand tools: a looping (rosary) pliers and cutting pliers to try this the way I've shown it. Optionally, though an essential part of any jewelry maker's tool box, needle nose pliers to straighten everything out at the end so that everything will hang right. Practice makes perfect! With time it will come naturally as your muscle memory takes over. The same technique can also used on eyepins to make linked chains. Make a bunch and link them together with jump rings. Sometimes you just need to see it to understand it. I hope this helps you in your jewelry making. Comments welcome. Enjoy

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Be in Love With Your Artwork 

Passion for Your Work is Contagious

I am totally in love with my own artwork. I love the texture, and the feel of it. I love the look of it.

In order to promote, market, and sell your work, you need to feel the same. If you don't, then you are not ready to sell it.

What I do now is completely different from where I started. I am the designer of the look, then I find the pieces I need to make the look work. When I started, I was just putting existing beads in a pretty pattern.

The true artist creates. The amateur assembles.

Making jewelry is artwork. Don't let anyone tell you differently. And good artwork sells.

Do You Learn Better by Watching? 

If you learn better via DVD, this is a great one to start with!

Jewelry Making With Nena - Basic Jewelry Making Techniques

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Release Date: 07/13/2006

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Creating Jewelry Resources 

review by jean of Enchanted Adornments, by Cynthia Thornton - Jewelry
facebook.com 5/21/2009 ? Bead & Button Show Meet the Author of Enchanted Adornments: Creating Mixed Media Jewelry with Metal, Clay, Wire, Resin & More... Cynthia Thornton will be present at her company's booth, Green Girl Studios ...
[Jewelry making - Article 00159] - [Orchid] [Welcome] New Members ...
USA I am rather new to jewelry making and design, just 3 years. I love creating with my hands. When the muse is available, it is all creating and going places and doing things I have not tried before. ...
Jewelers of Cazenovia Artisans present Jewelry Expressions Exhibit ...
Her ambition is to create jewelry that delights us today but will continue to appeal to us for years to come. Thus she concentrates on creating simple shapes in rich textures. Her bangle bracelets, loose chains and interesting earrings ...
Living Good at Liv'nGood Jewelry: Creating my New Studio
Creating my New Studio. We had a guest room, but no guests. We also had a kitchen table slowly being engulfed by jewelry making supplies of all sorts. The solution? A new jewelry studio! Step 1: pull up the nasty carpet ...

More Jewelry Creating Resources on DVD 

Having a Jewelry Creating Library is a Great Resource for Questions

 

Charm Necklace

Precious Metal Clay 

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Helpful Jewelry Creating Tools 

Good tools are a must


Here are some basic jeweler's tools.

Jeweler's Lighted Magnifying Visor - 1.8 to 4.8x - Dual LED

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12-in-1 Clear-View Storage Case with Individual Screw-Top Containers

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BEADERS TOOL KIT

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8-Piece Premium-Grade Felt Buffing & Polishing Bit Set for Rotary Tools - 1/8" Shank

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Dremel 300-N/55 300 Series 1.15 Amp 5,000 to 35,000 RPM Variable Speed Rotary Tool with 55 Accessories

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Temporarily out of stock. Order now and we'll deliver when available. We'll e-mail you with an estimated delivery date as soon as we have more information. Your credit card will not be charged until we ship the item.

Art is the only way to run away without leaving home. ~Twyla Tharp

What is Your Experience Creating Jewelry? 

What Do You Think of Artist Made Jewelry?

OhMe wrote...

oyed reading about the Art of Creating Jewelry and your journey to finding your style. You are very talented with some really beautiful jewelry. Lensrolling to Fall Harvest Festival where we have several vendors who create jewelry.

ReplyPosted August 25, 2009

BevsPaper wrote...

I love your style, Paula. Lovely pieces that you have created. Wonderful lens, too!

ReplyPosted August 24, 2009

j_barnhart4 wrote...

I love your jewelry! I started beading a few months ago. I would love to make more detailed jewelry. Your lens is very inspiring. Great job!

ReplyPosted August 24, 2009

bdkz wrote...

Beautiful work!

ReplyPosted August 24, 2009

rms wrote...

Wow! Nice work!

ReplyPosted August 24, 2009

JaguarJulie wrote...

You know Paula, it was because of Squidoo being down one day that I discovered a glass artist through the flickr account that I was directed to through the Ooops message. I ended up working with this glass artist to have several unique pieces produced -- pendants and earrings. Love handcrafted jewelry.

ReplyPosted May 17, 2009

BirkeloArt wrote...

I love the statement "The true artist creates. The amateur assembles." Thank you for sharing your story.

ReplyPosted December 09, 2008

Gemfind wrote...

Nice jewelry lens.

ReplyPosted November 13, 2008

Stazjia wrote...

I'm a real jewellery junkie and I love yours. Welcome to the Art & Design Group.

ReplyPosted November 11, 2008

Gemfind wrote...

Nice jewelry lens.

ReplyPosted November 10, 2008

spirituality wrote...

Wow, you do have a great style.

ReplyPosted October 07, 2008

wrote...

I truly enjoyed your lens. I find your work very unique and just gorgeous. Your lens made me want to learn how to make yewelry! Congratulations.

ReplyPosted September 11, 2008

lou16 wrote...

Fantastic lens, I am just starting to experiment with polymer clays most of my work to date has been with beads. I think your jewellery is awesome if I could give it 5* I would, but I'll just give the stars to your lens for now.

ReplyPosted September 10, 2008

charlino wrote...

This is wonderful! Bravo, Bravo!!! Excellent jewelry, art, and lens.

ReplyPosted August 13, 2008

Eclectic_Muse wrote...

Wonderful additions to the lens! I love the photos and details.

ReplyPosted August 06, 2008

Lizblueberry wrote...

Your lens is great!!! I really like it! Your jewelry is fabulous!

ReplyPosted August 06, 2008

RinchenChodron wrote...

Hi Lake Erie,

I love the sample pictures of your work! Very nice indeed. Excellent detail filled lens *****

ReplyPosted August 05, 2008

More Lenses by Paula Atwell 

 

Howling Squid Review: Hubpages Success
You are welcome to post a link to your charity lens for the Squidoo Charity Cookoff in the comments to this post. You can follow the Howling Squid Review directly from Twitter. Posted by Paula Atwell at 6:04 PM ...
Howling Squid Review: Reader Feedback
View Paula Atwell's articles on Helium ... Paula Atwell--Articles on Associated Content. Loading... Comodo Internet Security Pro. Get the SquidLog | A SQUIDOOzine widget and many other great free widgets at Widgetbox! ...
Living the Green Organic Lifestyle: Recycle & Reconstruct Old ...
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About lakeerieartists 

Lensmaster lakeerieartists, aka Paula Atwell, has been a member since June 5 2008, has rated 2,092 lenses, favorited 134, and has created 247 lenses from scratch. This member's top-ranked page is "Eco-Chic Green Fashion". See all my lenses

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I am a mom and the owner of a small gallery. Find out how I earn an income online with Squidoo.


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