Pandora’s bead box

[jennylafleur]

I went into Michaels last night to get supplies for a necklace I want to make and walked out empty handed. I started to freak looking at all the beading strings to choose from but I thought I was fine until I started looking at crimping beads and realized I had no idea what type or size I needed. I was way in over my head

Comments

[trystbat]

I took 2 jewelry-making classes (1 intro at Costume College, 1 pearl-knotting at another con) & found it was surprisingly easy. Just need to learn how to make the crimp ends so the connectors are secure, then the rest is stringing. Pearl-knotting is a little more tricky, but you embroider, so even that should be simple, if you wanted to take it up.

Of course, having learned this, I've only made 2 very basic necklaces so far. And I've bought a *ton* of fancy beads! Quite the Pandora's box :-)

[jennylafleur]

Yeah, the stringing I can figure out, it's the how-do-you-finish-the-ends-so-you-can-actualy-wear-it part I need help with! :> I'd love to learn pearl knotting. The shop I'm taking the class from has offered that class before, I'm hoping they will offer it again so I can take it too. If I'm going to open P's box might as well go all the way right? *grin*

[olde_fashioned]

I've been making my own jewelry for literally years, and if you like I'm more than willing to help you!! You don't have to spend your money on classes -- if you just thumb through some of the beading/jewelry making magazines (and there are tons right now) out on the newsstands, they have the basics in a little section in the back. But seriously, if you can make all those fantastic costumes yourself, then you can string a necklace!!

Here are a bunch of related links for you:

This is an article on crimping You can crimp with or without crimping pliers, if you choose. (The size of the crimp depends on the size of the thread or cord that you're using: too small of a crimp won't let the double thickness of the thread fit through, and too big will let the cord slip out.)

Here's an article on using beadtips, which are an alternative to crimps

Article on stringing and knotting (such as for pearls)

BeadaholiqueThis is a great site for good-quality, affordable materials, and they also have an eBay store. They are very helpful, and

[jennylafleur]

Thanks for all the links. I'll sit down and go through them this weekend. I suspect I'll still go ahead and take the class though... I've tried teaching myself this stuff before and just get stuck. *knocks head* It just won't penetrate! :> Thanks muchly!

[olde_fashioned]

You are very welcome Jenny!!! I hope I didn't bombard you, but I know how it feels to want to learn something and not know of any helpful sites. If you ever have any questions, or need any help, I'll be more than happy to offer my services. ;-)