# Any Jewelry Makers/Beaders Out There? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [December 20, 2012, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-jewelry-makers-beaders-out-there/644594 "2012-12-20T01:43:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![I\_Like\_Pie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9f8e36/32.png) [@I\_Like\_Pie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_Like_Pie)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2012, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-jewelry-makers-beaders-out-there/644594/1 "2012-12-20T01:43:12Z")
I’m working on a couple pieces for my boyfriend’s mother for Christmas and I was just wondering if any of you make jewelry? I mainly work with gemstones, glass beads/Swarovski and metal. I’m not particularly into bead stitching but I have so much respect for people that can do it. I’ve taken a dip into wire work but so far haven’t had the patience for it. I’d also like to try metal work. Anybody else? ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2012, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-jewelry-makers-beaders-out-there/644594/2 "2012-12-20T02:03:04Z")
Me! I love doing it. You pick your own colors and your own designs. I’d say I’m an advanced student but still could stand to learn a bit more. I don’t use Svarovski stuff at all - I think it’s kinda overpriced. Glass beads and necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, mostly. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2012, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-jewelry-makers-beaders-out-there/644594/3 "2012-12-20T02:07:48Z")
I don’t but I have a sister who has been a hobbyist goldsmith for something like 30 years. ---
**Author:** ![freckafree](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/freckafree/32/3050_2.png) [@freckafree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/freckafree)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2012, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-jewelry-makers-beaders-out-there/644594/4 "2012-12-20T02:22:16Z")
I do freeform beadweaving. [Here’s](http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m81/fwhited/Jewels-2_zps879ba838.jpg) a set of pieces I just finished. ---
**Author:** ![I\_Like\_Pie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9f8e36/32.png) [@I\_Like\_Pie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_Like_Pie)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2012, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-jewelry-makers-beaders-out-there/644594/5 "2012-12-20T03:18:31Z")
> [@Anaamika](#): > > Me! I love doing it. You pick your own colors and your own designs. I’d say I’m an advanced student but still could stand to learn a bit more. I don’t use Svarovski stuff at all - I think it’s kinda overpriced. Glass beads and necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, mostly. I don’t use brand name Swarovski that much, only when someone requests it. There are a lot of beautiful glass crystal beads that look exactly the same for much less. > [@freckafree](#): > > I do freeform beadweaving. [Here’s](http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m81/fwhited/Jewels-2_zps879ba838.jpg) a set of pieces I just finished. Gorgeous! I love the color scheme. I’m envious of people who have the stamina for bead weaving 🙂 [Here’s](http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/cesalyers/Chrissy_Set_zpsa4768c47.jpg) the last thing I made that I took pictures of; it’s just basic stringing, I made it for a friend’s birthday. I always forget to take pictures before giving them away. This is turquoise, carnelian and tiger’s eye. ---
**Author:** ![Peanuthead](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peanuthead/32/360_2.png) [@Peanuthead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peanuthead)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2012, 6:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-jewelry-makers-beaders-out-there/644594/6 "2012-12-20T06:46:20Z")
Since I retired I have taken up jewelry making. Self taught from books, TV, and websites. I don’t do anything fancy or expensive. Mostly earrings, necklaces and bracelets. I shop at Michaels craft store and eBay. I think I like making earrings the most. They’re easy and fun. I give away everything I make (I’m a man so there’s not much I can make for myself anyway.) And I learned how to make friendship bracelets from our own **Mangetout**. He has a tutorial on [www.instructables.com](http://www.instructables.com) One other hobby, woodworking, came in handy when I started with the jewelry because, as you probably know, beads, charms, chains, cord, wire, findings, and tools have a way of taking over your entire house till it looks like something out of a reality show. So I built an eleven drawer chest to contain it all and guess what? Yep. It’s full! I just gotta stop buying things because they’re shiny.🙂 In addition to jewelry I also make soap (melt & pour) and various concoctions in my kitchen. I spent the whole day today making bath salts and scrubs, body lotion, massage oils and lip balms. Getting ready for Christmas! ---
**Author:** ![I\_Like\_Pie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9f8e36/32.png) [@I\_Like\_Pie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_Like_Pie)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2012, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-jewelry-makers-beaders-out-there/644594/7 "2012-12-21T00:42:52Z")
> [@Peanuthead](#): > > Since I retired I have taken up jewelry making. Self taught from books, TV, and websites. I don’t do anything fancy or expensive. Mostly earrings, necklaces and bracelets. I shop at Michaels craft store and eBay. I think I like making earrings the most. They’re easy and fun. I give away everything I make (I’m a man so there’s not much I can make for myself anyway.) And I learned how to make friendship bracelets from our own **Mangetout**. He has a tutorial on [www.instructables.com](http://www.instructables.com) > > One other hobby, woodworking, came in handy when I started with the jewelry because, as you probably know, beads, charms, chains, cord, wire, findings, and tools have a way of taking over your entire house till it looks like something out of a reality show. So I built an eleven drawer chest to contain it all and guess what? Yep. It’s full! I just gotta stop buying things because they’re shiny.🙂 > > In addition to jewelry I also make soap (melt & pour) and various concoctions in my kitchen. I spent the whole day today making bath salts and scrubs, body lotion, massage oils and lip balms. Getting ready for Christmas! Someone’s just crafty all around 🙂 I’m jealous of those that get gifts from you for Christmas! ---
**Author:** ![Biggirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biggirl/32/3294_2.png) [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2012, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-jewelry-makers-beaders-out-there/644594/8 "2012-12-21T01:03:26Z")
I’m also a hobbyist. [Here’s a Pinterest board of things I made over the summer.](http://pinterest.com/pinkslinky/things-i-ve-made/) For Christmas I made bookmarks for my office. ---
**Author:** ![Biggirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biggirl/32/3294_2.png) [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2012, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-jewelry-makers-beaders-out-there/644594/9 "2012-12-21T01:05:53Z")
**Feckafree** , that is gorgeous! Post pics, people! I love to see what other people are doing. ---
**Author:** ![I\_Like\_Pie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9f8e36/32.png) [@I\_Like\_Pie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_Like_Pie)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2012, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-jewelry-makers-beaders-out-there/644594/10 "2012-12-21T01:26:49Z")
> [@Biggirl](#): > > I’m also a hobbyist. [Here’s a Pinterest board of things I made over the summer.](http://pinterest.com/pinkslinky/things-i-ve-made/) For Christmas I made bookmarks for my office. [These](http://pinterest.com/pin/107734616056160135/) are fantastic!! I hope you don’t mind, I’m getting inspiration from your board. ---
**Author:** ![Biggirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biggirl/32/3294_2.png) [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2012, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-jewelry-makers-beaders-out-there/644594/11 "2012-12-21T01:36:16Z")
Thanks **Pie**. And of course I don’t mind. Why do you think I want people to post pics? Inspiration. Plus, I love seeing what other people think up. ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2012, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-jewelry-makers-beaders-out-there/644594/12 "2012-12-21T01:45:34Z")
I find jewelry making is one of the few crafts I am good at. I try everything but I do best at this one. ---
**Author:** ![I\_Like\_Pie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9f8e36/32.png) [@I\_Like\_Pie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_Like_Pie)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2012, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-jewelry-makers-beaders-out-there/644594/13 "2012-12-21T01:46:27Z")
Here’s a set I made, and sadly I lost one of the earrings [Earrings](http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/cesalyers/26187_391303927272_7032167_n_zps2c6b2d8e.jpg) [Necklace](http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/cesalyers/26187_391303932272_1340614_n_zpsc192bbba.jpg) That’s my model, Amy 🙂 I’m doing her bridal jewelry in a couple months ---
**Author:** ![freckafree](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/freckafree/32/3050_2.png) [@freckafree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/freckafree)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2012, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-jewelry-makers-beaders-out-there/644594/14 "2012-12-21T01:50:35Z")
> [@Biggirl](#): > > I’m also a hobbyist. [Here’s a Pinterest board of things I made over the summer.](http://pinterest.com/pinkslinky/things-i-ve-made/) For Christmas I made bookmarks for my office. Wire-wrapping and chain maille – two things that make my head hurt. You do great stuff! **Pie** , those are really sweet! So delicate. ---
**Author:** ![I\_Like\_Pie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9f8e36/32.png) [@I\_Like\_Pie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_Like_Pie)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2012, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-jewelry-makers-beaders-out-there/644594/15 "2012-12-21T02:03:59Z")
I would love to try chain maille but I worry it would just frustrate me. I think chain maille with crystals is the perfect mix of contemporary and elegance. ---
**Author:** ![Lamia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Lamia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamia)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2012, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-jewelry-makers-beaders-out-there/644594/16 "2012-12-21T02:26:24Z")
I’ve been beading since high school, although I haven’t been very productive recently. I have some pictures of my recent-ish projects online at [http://picasaweb.google.com/lemonlibrarian/](http://picasaweb.google.com/lemonlibrarian/) My progression has been the reverse of what I think is the norm; I started out doing seed bead work (when I was young and had lots of time/not much money) and now do more single strand necklaces (since I am older and have plenty of money/less time). ---
**Author:** ![Biggirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biggirl/32/3294_2.png) [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2012, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-jewelry-makers-beaders-out-there/644594/17 "2012-12-21T02:30:01Z")
How pretty, **Pie**. Maille frustrated me for a looooong time. A lot of my problem was I didn’t understand [aspect ratio](http://theringlord.com/images/AboutUs/AR_2.jpg) (the relationship between the thickness of the ring and the hole in the middle). I still can’t do some of the fancier patterns. [Once I learn Byzantine I’ll be good to go!](http://cdn.instructables.com/FMY/CIRM/F4IX6H4I/FMYCIRMF4IX6H4I.LARGE.jpg) Edited to add [Love this!](https://picasaweb.google.com/lemonlibrarian/Beadwork20082009#5253862392871588610) ---
**Author:** ![I\_Like\_Pie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9f8e36/32.png) [@I\_Like\_Pie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_Like_Pie)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2012, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-jewelry-makers-beaders-out-there/644594/18 "2012-12-21T02:34:23Z")
> [@Lamia](#): > > I’ve been beading since high school, although I haven’t been very productive recently. I have some pictures of my recent-ish projects online at [http://picasaweb.google.com/lemonlibrarian/](http://picasaweb.google.com/lemonlibrarian/) > > My progression has been the reverse of what I think is the norm; I started out doing seed bead work (when I was young and had lots of time/not much money) and now do more single strand necklaces (since I am older and have plenty of money/less time). I love [this](https://picasaweb.google.com/lemonlibrarian/Beadwork20082009#5342094018576266338) one; Chevron Amethyst is so beautiful. I also like the spiral rope necklaces. I think that design is just so cool looking. ---
**Author:** ![Lamia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Lamia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamia)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2012, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-jewelry-makers-beaders-out-there/644594/19 "2012-12-21T02:46:49Z")
> [@Biggirl](#): > > I’m also a hobbyist. [Here’s a Pinterest board of things I made over the summer.](http://pinterest.com/pinkslinky/things-i-ve-made/) I’m jealous of your photography skills. Even when I have IMHO a pretty cool piece, I haven’t had much luck doing anything creative with the photos. > [@I\_Like\_Pie](#): > > I love [this](https://picasaweb.google.com/lemonlibrarian/Beadwork20082009#5342094018576266338) one; Chevron Amethyst is so beautiful. I also like the spiral rope necklaces. I think that design is just so cool looking. I do a LOT of spiral ropes because once you have the skill down they go pretty fast and look a lot better than most techniques that go fast. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Peanuthead](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peanuthead/32/360_2.png) [@Peanuthead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peanuthead)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2012, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-jewelry-makers-beaders-out-there/644594/20 "2012-12-21T03:40:27Z")
Ladies you keep me humble. You have all done such beautiful work! Very creative. And like **Biggirl** says, seeing what others do is inspirational. I’d like to learn chain maille too but I get a headache just looking at the instructions. Sorry I don’t have any photos posted anywhere but if the world doesn’t end tomorrow I’ll look into that Pinterest thing and see if I can put something up. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-jewelry-makers-beaders-out-there/644594.md?page=2)