So last week, I added my top tips for sewing. Hopefully some of you will find them helpful.
This week it is the turn of Jewellery Making and Beading.
I have decided to put this list together because I know that trial and error can be a frustrating way to learn things, especially when a lot of money, time and energy has gone into something.
For myself when I started making jewellery I spent many hours scouring the internet trying to find some helpful hints on ways to make my new hobby more fun and less scary. I did not have much luck. So here it is in the hope it may help and even encourage a few of you out there to have a go.
This week it is the turn of Jewellery Making and Beading.
I have decided to put this list together because I know that trial and error can be a frustrating way to learn things, especially when a lot of money, time and energy has gone into something.
For myself when I started making jewellery I spent many hours scouring the internet trying to find some helpful hints on ways to make my new hobby more fun and less scary. I did not have much luck. So here it is in the hope it may help and even encourage a few of you out there to have a go.
1. When in doubt use glue! There are many different glues, depending on your project, I like Zap, I know others who use Araldite.
2. Don't be put off by mistakes, leave gluing until you are complete and happy with your project, until then you can always undo it and remake. I have a necklace that I love the moonstone and apple green pearls on it, but I don't like the design, I have only recently realised I can undo it and make it into a design I am happy with.
3. Make sure you have everything you need BEFORE you start. - It never hurts to write a list. I find this can also help me get into the right frame of mind.
4. Work on a towel or piece of felt. White is a good colour for this. This fabric helps stop escapee beads and you can also stick your needle in it for easy access mid beading.
5. Storage boxes can be quite expensive. Try a good fishing and tackle shop they have exactly the same products for the same price, we discovered our local BCF is fabulous for storage supplies.
2. Don't be put off by mistakes, leave gluing until you are complete and happy with your project, until then you can always undo it and remake. I have a necklace that I love the moonstone and apple green pearls on it, but I don't like the design, I have only recently realised I can undo it and make it into a design I am happy with.
3. Make sure you have everything you need BEFORE you start. - It never hurts to write a list. I find this can also help me get into the right frame of mind.
4. Work on a towel or piece of felt. White is a good colour for this. This fabric helps stop escapee beads and you can also stick your needle in it for easy access mid beading.
5. Storage boxes can be quite expensive. Try a good fishing and tackle shop they have exactly the same products for the same price, we discovered our local BCF is fabulous for storage supplies.
6. Cut the label off the packet the beads came in these little pieces of paper will usually fit in the storage compartment and not only lets you know at a glance the specs of the bead ie a 3.2mm or a 4mm, it can make it much easier to re-order later on.
7. Store Silica bags with Sterling Silver to reduce tarnishing.
8. You can use normal sewing needles but check with the smallest bead in your project that the needle and eye will go through smoothly.
9. My Favourite - The BEST TOOL I have ever found for picking up small beads is a damp finger. I find that my fingers are the best tools for manipulating beads and thread to where I need them.
8. You can use normal sewing needles but check with the smallest bead in your project that the needle and eye will go through smoothly.
9. My Favourite - The BEST TOOL I have ever found for picking up small beads is a damp finger. I find that my fingers are the best tools for manipulating beads and thread to where I need them.
10. Use a bulldog clip on one end of your project. This gives a good secure hold, great for saving the project from being accidentally knocked off the table (often by little helpers).
I'd love to know you thoughts on these, do you have any that you have found particularly helpful?
Anyway until next time
Happy Beading!
P.S Since it is coming into Winter here in Australia it is the perfect time for you to have a go at your first project, and when you do make sure you share some pictures with us here. We'd love to see them!
Anyway until next time
Happy Beading!
P.S Since it is coming into Winter here in Australia it is the perfect time for you to have a go at your first project, and when you do make sure you share some pictures with us here. We'd love to see them!