Beaded jewelry can be easy and inexpensive to make, using a simple set of supplies and a collection of second-hand beads. Beading can become an entertaining group activity where everybody goes home with some 'new' handmade jewelry to wear.
Collect a Variety of Beads
Collecting beads is a gradual process. The first source of beads should be from the jewelry box at home. Look through existing jewelry and dismantle items that are no longer worn. Organize styles and colors of beads in plastic trays with dividers. These can be purchased at Wal-Mart for less than they would cost at a craft store. Use an upside-down plastic lid with raised edges when planning out a beaded design, so that the beads do not roll away.
Shop at yard sales to find inexpensive costume jewelry to take home and dismantle. Get together with friends and have a jewelry swap. There are lots of ways to build a collection of beads without spending a lot of money. Buy new beads only when they are required to complete a particular design. Sometimes a bead design will need small 'filler' beads; sometimes one special 'dangle' is needed to create the focal point of a necklace. Many of today's popular necklace and bracelet designs feature beads used sparingly, with up to two inches of gold or silver-colored wire between beads.
Assemble Tools and Supplies
Supplies needed to do simple beading include a variety of needles with eyes big enough to accept the size of thread being used, yet narrow enough to slip through the holes of the beads. Have at least three needle sizes on hand. Remember that it is the width of the needle's eye plus two widths of thread that will have to pass through the hole in the bead. Gold and silver-colored wire is flexible, yet stiff enough to serve as its own needle.
Have a small pair of wire cutters and two needle-nose pliers with very thin tips. The best tips are covered with a layer of rubber to prevent kinking or scratching the jewelry wire. In order to form the ends of wire into circles, keep a few sizes of thicker wire handy and wrap the jewelry wire around, then snip off the excess jewelry wire, leaving joining loops or end loops.
Craft stores have hooks and closures for sale, but try to reuse the fittings from old jewelry when possible. The exception to this would be when making earrings. Modern-day hypoallergenic fittings are best, and should be cleaned with an alcohol wipe when work is completed and the earrings are ready to be used. If spacing beads out along a thin chain or a very flexible wire, purchase tiny wire 'clamps' that are squeezed onto the chain or wire with needle-nose pliers. These clamps will stop beads from sliding and keep the spacing of a design.
There are different kinds of wire, chain, and thread available for beading. Choose a thickness that will fit the holes in the beads. Thread is available in gold or silver, which mimics wire, as well as clear plastic or elastic material. Crochet cotton is less expensive and can be used to create macrame beaded jewelry. Thin spring-steel wire is available for beaded bracelets that wrap around any size wrist easily.
Design and Make Jewelry
Once the beads, tools and supplies are assembled, take a final measurement of the length of necklace or bracelet desired. Cut a piece of string to this exact length to serve as a measuring guide; no beads will be strung on this string. In a tray with a good rim to keep beads from rolling away, lay out the pattern of beads, clamps and fittings. Always allow excess wire or thread length for forming loops and knots between beads if this is part of the plan. Assemble the jewelry design, stopping frequently to compare to the length of the measuring string.
Hiding the ends of string or wire can be a challenge. Rather than leave a snipped end showing, use the extra length of wire or thread to weave back through the beads if possible. If the holes in the beads are too narrow for this, use one of the tiny metal clamps to pinch down the end using needle-nose pliers for a neat and non-snag finish.
Finish off the job by cleaning and polishing the jewelry before wearing it or giving it away. Use the appropriate kind of wipe for the materials. When the jewelry eventually goes out of style, take it apart and redesign it again.
Charlotte Walters - Degree in Music Education. Member of performing group "Good Company". Designer of educational games for all ages.
