Show Off Your One-of-a-Kind Jewelry!
I have to admit that it feels good when I am in a store or at a school function and I get compliments on the jewelry that I wear. Because I make my own glass beads and wire jewelry, it feels good to get a positive reaction to what I've created.
I've been making my own jewelry for years now, and have even had a couple of project articles published in the magazine Step by Step Wire Jewelry.
You can see my jewelry at my blog, http://nicholebyers.com
But you do not have to have aspirations of fame or fortune to create your own unique jewelry designs - just a desire to create!
Handcrafted Jewelry Poll
Master Your Medium
As an added bonus, becoming a "master" will give you the skill to write or teach, exponentially increasing your potential income.
Do What You Love
When deciding what kind of jewelry you'd like to make, think about what types are most attractive to you. Do you like the look of stitched seed beads, or do you prefer wire? Perhaps simple is better, and you'd love to string gemstones. Try lots of styles and techniques that appeal to you!
Essential Books for Jewelry Beginners
Get Started making your own jewelry easily.
Getting Started Stringing Beads (Getting Started series)
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 07/26/2008)
Getting Started Making Wire Jewelry and More (Getting Started series)
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 07/26/2008)
Basic Jewelry Making: All the Skills And Tools You Need to Get Started (Stackpole Basics)
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 07/26/2008)
Getting Started Making Metal Jewelry (Getting Started series)
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 07/26/2008)
Making Metal Jewelry: Projects, Techniques, Inspiration
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 07/26/2008)
Jewelry Business or Hobby?
Do what you love, on your own terms.
If you aren't comfortable having to figure out pricing, finding venues to sell, shipping internationally, or handling customer complaints, there is nothing wrong with keeping your love for the craft of jewelry making personal. The word "hobby" is not at all disparaging. It just indicates that you've chosen not to turn it into a business. Take this time to learn all you can, and perhaps at some point in the future you will be more comfortable selling your jewelry or teaching classes for profit.
Having a Jewelry Business
Books to Help You Get Started
Your Crafts Business: A Legal Guide
Amazon Price: (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price: $26.99
Marketing and Selling Your Handmade Jewelry: The Complete Guide to Turning Your Passion into Profit
Amazon Price: $14.93 (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price: $21.95
You Made It, Now Sell It (The Ultimate Guide To Selling Your Handmade Jewelry)
Amazon Price: $19.95 (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price: $19.95
Making a Living in Crafts: Everything You Need to Know to Build Your Business
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price: $19.95
Craft, Inc.: Turn Your Creative Hobby into a Business
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price: $16.95
Set Your Prices Appropriately
Setting your prices too low can hurt you - both in the lack of profit, and in gaining a reputation for "cheap" jewelry. Do your research and price your jewelry competitively. If you don't value your jewelry, your customers won't either.
Lampwork by Bob Leonardo; Bracelet by Nichole Byers
New The Most Important Thing
Guestbook: I want to hear from you!
Leave me a comment so I know you stopped by!
If you enjoyed this lens about making jewelry, please let me know by signing my guestbook! No links, please. I'll click on your "tiny head" to visit your lens!

