Making jewelry can be very easy. Sometimes we forget just how easy making them is! Here’s our newest video on how to make memory wire bracelets. It shows you step by step what is involved to making a great gift.

We intentionally kept in some of the gotchas that may happen so you will know it isn’t just you. These include having your memory wire get tangled with itself. Also it goes into details on how to close memory wire as that is the tricky piece.

For more jewelry making videos see: How to Make Jewelry

We hope you have fun creating great gifts!

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Yesterday I went to a gem and jewelry show, so here is a review of what a gem show is like for those who haven’t gone to one.

What to Expect

1) Lots of Vendors

The show I went to yesterday had over a thousand vendors. If you go the gem and jewelry shows in February @ Tuscon, AZ, expect over 10,000 vendors. Yet, if you are in a small town, perhaps you will only have 25-50 vendors. Yet, even in the smallest shows I have been to, there is a nice variety of gems, jewelry, and beads.

2) Large Price Ranges

When comparing prices of simple beads, I saw a price range from $4 – $10000 for the same gemstone. Of course the size and quality differed. So you really have to know different qualities. I found some bargains in the retail section that were better than the wholesale section. Knowing what you are buying can make a HUGE difference.

3) Wide Variety

You can find raw crystals, jewelry cleaner, fashion jewelry, jewelry making supplies, and fine jewelry. Anything that is gem or jewelry related was there. It is very fun to just wander and gawk. Yet, if you are looking for something specific, taking notes can be very helpful.

4) Demonstrations or Displays

Every gem or jewelry show offers something special. Some have fancy jewelry displays, others have classes, and a few just have a large variety of vendors. When going know what is available so you can take advantage of it if it interests you. For example the show I went to yesterday had booths with jewelry cleaning. The rings I was wear sparkle much more now. Though I went to buy beads, I loved having my jewelry cleaned as well.

How To Find What You Want

If you don’t have any particular goals in mind, sometimes asking a vendor what they have that no other booth has gets you to see the “special” items available at a jewelry show. It lets you explore items you would not otherwise notice in the vastness of a jewelry show.

For those with particular items in mind, we wrote this nice guide with gem show tips that will help you get the most out of a gem show. Like any other large fair, it really helps to go prepared.

Favorite Shows

Though I have my favorite shows, I know everyone is different. Try several different ones. Some smaller shows let you really know the vendors and go to classes or demonstrations. Larger shows have more variety – but they take much longer to see. So much depends on the time you have and what you are looking for. I tend to prefer the larger ones for the variety – but everyone is different.

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For those who want to start beading, ArtBeads, has great beading supplies.

I have found them to be the cheapest priced vendor for Griffon silk thread on the net when I have searched. Even cheaper than EBay. If you appreciate the convenience of having the needle already attached to the thread for beading, this is the place to go. (For beginners, it is really a nice way to start into crafting!)

So if you are wanting to find discount silk thread for beading, enjoy discovering ArtBeads. It is a great place to go for people who make jewelry.

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Sometimes when making jewelry, one needs some inspiration. Here are a few of my newest designs (and some old standbys) that may inspire you to make your own. All were very fast to make as we know that the holidays are coming soon.

Bracelets

Here I fell in love with making memory wire bracelets. These are fun and fast to make. Memory wire bracelets take very little skill to create. Simply close the end, add beads, then close the other end. Very fast and easy to make. Wonderful gifts that are easy to make.

Pearl Set

This classic design seemed to be appreciated by all and was fairly inexpensive and easy to make. These are simply pearls beaded onto silk thread. I must admit that I didn’t knot when I made them to save time. See a video called: How to make pearl earrings to make these earrings for yourself.

Simple Beaded Necklaces

Sometimes you just feel like stringing gemstones for the fun of it. I just felt like making beaded gemstone necklaces. I had fun creating these. You too can make something too!

I hope these jewelry making ideas helped inspire you! I had lots of fun creating them. Have a great time making fast easy gifts

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Whether you are a jewelry wearer or a jewelry maker, many of us have lost beads at one time or another. Here are tips that can help you not lose beads all over the floor — as well as how to recover them if they do!

Tips for People Wearing Beads

1) Buy Jewelry That Has Knots Between Beads

When you buy jewelry that has lots of beads that is strung on thread (like pearl necklaces), buy strands with knots between each bead. This way if it breaks, you at most lose only one bead.

2) Check End Points for Jewelry Made on Wire

Sometimes jewelry made on wire has the ends become loose or undone. A simple check to make certain the ends are secure can prevent beads from going everywhere.

3) Store Strung Beads Flat

As thread will stretch due to gravity overtime, make your necklaces last longer between re-stringings by storing them flat. A jewelry roll works wonderfully well for this.

4) What To Do If Your Necklace Breaks

If your necklace breaks in a place that a vacuum can be used you can either put a nylon stocking over the nozzle and get the beads before they enter the bag or search the vacuum bag after fact. (We prefer the stocking method.)

Tips for People Making Beaded Jewelry

When beading it is easy to have beads go all over the place, here are some tips that can help.

1) Secure Ends During Beading

Whether you wrap your thread around cardboard or use a beadstopper, prevent your beads from going all over the place if you get interrupted in the middle of a project.

2) Use a Flocked Bead Board

A flocked bead board helps beads to not move as much when jostled. You still need to be careful, but they help substantially.

3) Knotting Necklaces Help The Wearer

Though it takes longer to make, fragile beads don’t chip and the purchaser of your wares don’t lose their beads.

Hopefully these tips will help you stop losing beads and enjoy your jewelry longer.

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If you plan to make jewelry for the holidays, now is the time to prepare. Making jewelry can really save you money. Handmade jewelry is often a personal gift the recipient really appreciates. Here are some things to consider:

Deciding Who

In order to not forget anyone, having a list of people you want to create gifts for really helps. You may change your mind later, but at least it will be a conscious decision. Sometimes you will make jewelry for some, cookies for others, and buy gifts for a few.

Deciding What

Earrings are usually the cheapest and the easiest to make as there are less materials needed. I can make earrings in less than 5 minutes. Alternatively, you can often buy sterling silver chains in bulk and simply add a pendant. Also, making a memory wire bracelet is relatively fast and fun. Being able to estimate the time your projetcs will take helps you know if you will have enough time to make them.

Setting Aside Time

As we get closer to holidays, time gets filled quickly. Putting time to make jewelry or other crafts on your schedule can make certain you have the needed time for your projects. I enjoy having jewelry making parties so all of us can make jewelry together.

Purchase Any Needed Supplies

Of course, now that you know the projects you want to do, make certain you have the supplies you need on hand. Running out of findings, beads or other materials can change your timetable. Often I make sure I have extra on hand to make a few last minute extra gifts.

Have LOTS of Fun Creating

I really enjoy making jewelry. Whether making jewelry with friends or while watching television, I always feel like I’ve accomplished something as well as made something beautiful. I also feel like I’ve saved lots of money which really helps our budget too!

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If you want to make a fabulous simple bracelet, try making a bangle bracelet with beads.

Usually when thinking of bead bracelets, one often thinks of silk or nylon thread with beads. Using memory wire makes a different fun look that is wonderful. My favorite bead bracelet is one my friend made me.

Making such a bracelet is easy. You just need memory wire, beads and pliers.

Two full loops of memory wire seems to be a perfect length of wire.

I enjoyed these big beads, but note that the large disks can sometimes be uncomfortable if typing. Still, I love wearing this and get compliments all the time.

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If you love jewelry, why not have a jewelry party?

Often the first question when I recommend this is “What kind of jewelry party?” Well… have the kind that is the most fun for you! Here are several types to consider .. and perhaps try!

1) Jewelry Sharing Party

At this type of party people show what they find their best jewelry and their favorite unusual jewelry. People get ideas of ways to expand their jewelry wardrobe and have lots of fun. You can vote on your favorite, funniest, etc. and have prizes. Add some nice drinks and munchies and you are ready to roll!

2) Jewelry Trading Party

This is a variation of the clothing swap parties that many of us have enjoyed in the past. You bring the jewelries you no longer wear and trade them with others. Leftovers can be donated to charity if desired. You can feel good, get some new jewelry to wear, and follow up with a great movie excursion afterwards.

3) Jewelry Making Party

Beading parties and simple jewelry making parties can be fantastic. You can share costs of materials, bring your own or trade as desired. When done you will have several pieces for yourself or as holiday gifts. A wonderful way for an afternoon or evening of fun. Great music, conversations and sharing can make this a terrific time.

(See How to make Jewelry for ideas on making easy earrings.)

4) Jewelry Selling Party

For those who make jewelry, you can have the equivalent of an “Avon” party with your jewelry. People can try on jewelry you’ve made and possibly buy it. These can be fun too as long as the jewelry sell is not too hard and there are jeweleries people want to adore. Meet others who love jewelry and have lots of smiles!

What is your favorite type of jewelry party? Share your experiences.

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Many people wonder if they can really make money with their hobbies. We read that we are to follow our dream… but will that dream support us? Can one really make money making jewelry especially if your love is beading?

Handcrafted jewelry has always been in demand, especially if it is unusual. For example, when reading the Fremont Tribune today, they had an article: Leach makes career out of beads. Her beads are worn by famous people such as Laura Bush. She is having a wonderful time — doing her art. She is making it doing what she loves and supporting herself doing it.

So let her story inspire you and reach for your dreams!

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It is easy to go crazy when buying beads, but you want to purchase ones you will use and enjoy. Here are some tips that I use when purchasing beads.

* Quality First

Always check for cracks, chips, and imperfections. Cracked beads can fray stringing thread, chipped beads can hurt the wrist on bracelets, and imperfections can look really odd on earrings (unless they are matched). See Gemstone Buying Tips for more ways to judge gemstones quality.

Beware that sometimes beads aren’t all the same shape. This can add character to a piece of jewelry, but it also can be distracting from what you envisioned. Knowing what you are buying beforehand, prevents unpleasant surprises.

* How Many?

Strands are generally cheaper than buying single beads, so if you are planning to make several pieces of jewelry, a strand is most likely a better deal. See our article on How Many Beads Do I Need? to determine how many strands to buy. If you are buying an exact number of single beads, know if can be challenging to match beads if a piece of jewelry breaks. Sometimes having a few extra beads can save lots of time when restringing later.

Always verify the length of the strands of beads being sold. Though usually strands are 16 inches long, I’ve seen 14 or 15 inch strands sold as 16 inch. If you are buying at a gem show, take a tape measure.

* Planning Helps

If you know you love to make matched sets, be certain to buy enough beads for that. If you are buying for making earrings and then want a matching necklace, it is nice to have enough beads already.

* Hole Size

Having consistent and smooth holes make beading easier. If the hole is too small, and you like to bead using silk thread, expect to need to restring. Getting beads with larger holes makes restringing less likely (or at least less often)!

* Buying Out of Your Comfort Zone

Often, I try new materials, shapes and sizes just to explore. This can be really enjoyable, but I try to have some of my usual beading supplies available. Then I can mix and match as desired — gaining more confidence in the new types of beading styles.

* Buying In Bulk

When buying in bulk at places such as Ebay, read the descriptions VERY carefully. If it says silver, it usually means silver tone unless stated otherwise; if it describes gold, generally it means gold tone. Often beads will be plastic or glass unless stated otherwise. That said, you can get different types of beads to continue your explorations. Just read carefully so you know what you are getting.

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