Does anyone out there make their own jewelry?

[elizat]

Originally Posted by Tracy

here's some old stuff:

So very pretty! I really like the first one a lot- such great colors. Is the one bracelet made of shells- the round gray one?

[elizat]

TygerKitty- I love your stuff! I think your combos are very pretty. I like how you used ribbon on that one too, something I've not done. I love gifting things I've made, especially when I've actually gone out and bought the supplies for that particular person. So fun!

Sweetwon- I LOVE your wire work on those earrings- I commented in the Twilight thread, but I think it was buried. Your other items are very pretty too!

BNJJ- your bracelets are very feminine looking and so sweet! I like those a lot! I tend to shy from bracelets b/c I find it hard to guestimate the person's wrist size.

[elizat]

Originally Posted by Sweetwon

Another question for everyone is where do you get your beads and supplies? I mostly get mine from craft stores, but I have gotten a few things from Fire Mountain.

I do some craft stores, but prefer to buy online at Etsy. The supply section is great and you can find some amazing deals.

[TygerKitty]

Thanks for the crimp bead advice everyone! Elizat your pieces are absolutely stunning! Where do you buy your stones? Also, how do you do the dainty chain part between your beads (for example, on the first necklace in the first pic)?

Tracy... it is AWESOME to have something to look at for new inspiration and to attempt new tricks, etc! I'm so loving this thread!

[TygerKitty]

Originally Posted by elizat

TygerKitty- I love your stuff! I think your combos are very pretty. I like how you used ribbon on that one too, something I've not done. I love gifting things I've made, especially when I've actually gone out and bought the supplies for that particular person. So fun! Sweetwon- I LOVE your wire work on those earrings- I commented in the Twilight thread, but I think it was buried. Your other items are very pretty too! BNJJ- your bracelets are very feminine looking and so sweet! I like those a lot! I tend to shy from bracelets b/c I find it hard to guestimate the person's wrist size.

Thanks elizat! My only problem with working with ribbon was that the ends like to fray and it's hard to get things to clamp tightly enough so the ribbon doesn't slip out. I will keep trying though, that was the first attempt!

[elizat]

Originally Posted by TygerKitty

Thanks for the crimp bead advice everyone! Elizat your pieces are absolutely stunning! Where do you buy your stones? Also, how do you do the dainty chain part between your beads (for example, on the first necklace in the first pic)? Tracy... it is AWESOME to have something to look at for new inspiration and to attempt new tricks, etc! I'm so loving this thread!

Thank you for the compliment! I've toyed w/ doing an Etsy shop b/c I make a ton of stuff, but you never know if anyone other than you will like what you do.

The first two necklaces are wire wrapped. Here's a video that's really helpful if you've never done before. If you haven't done wire wrap before, I'd get some cheap wire to practice w/. Joann's or Michael's will have some base metal wire that is in a spool for around $2.00. I like 24 gauge wire b/c it is small enough for pearls, but strong enough IMO for a most things.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUvwhSWIo-Q

I buy 95% of my things from Etsy. Lots of sellers sell items very reasonable b/c they buy in bulk or it is destash from their supplies and they make jewelry themselves.

[Sweetwon]

Great pieces everyone! I am so happy to see what everyone else is making.

Elizat ~ I know what you mean about Etsy. I have created a shop on there. It is hard to be different and get your stuff noticed. I'm sorry I missed your comment in the Twilight thread. It can be hard to keep up. But thanks!

As for the crimp beads, they can be difficult. I busted a lot of them before I got it right. They are not that expensive and they come with directions. I recommend buying a few and trying them out.

For stretch bracelets I like to put a little glue or nail polish on the knot to help hold it in place and then pull it inside a bead. Usually works pretty well.

[TygerKitty]

Thanks for the video elizat! When my computer isn't being done I will definitely watch it!

I do the nailpolish trick too sweetwon! But I have also learned how to tie a few nice knots to help even more; sometimes the stretchy stuff is just TOO slippery though lol!

[choozen1ne]

Here are some of my designs









I have a lot more , I will put some more picutres up in a few minutes

[choozen1ne]

[Sweetwon]

^So pretty choozen1ne. I really like the multi strand necklaces! I need to be more creative.

[choozen1ne]

Thanks

[purplecoachgirl]

I love making jewelry too! I have a "work-in-progress" website that shows some of my stuff. (disclaimer to mods: I am NOT selling at this time as I don't have any time! I've actually never publicized this site): xxx
links are not allowed
I also have made a couple necklaces out of coach lanyards and keyfobs and get tons of compliments!

[LVShoeFan2]

Originally Posted by Sweetwon

Here are a few of the things I recently made. I know I have more pictures somewhere, I just have to find them.

I love that purple bracelet!!

I make bracelets with a clasp but I need to try making stretchy bracelets. Do you just tie the ends in a knot and that's it? Stupid question, I know LOL but it just seems too easy.

[TygerKitty]

Originally Posted by choozen1ne

Awh, we picked the same colors on the second photo you have shown! I love those colors together!

How do you get all the strands on the same little loop (like in photo one near the closure)? Do you do anything special or just have to tie them all on carefully?

Your pieces are gorgeous too by the way! I like all the multistrand necklaces too but I haven't had much luck in making them look finished off nicely near the clasp lol! Help!