A Beginner's Guide to Jewellery Making
Jewellery making can seem daunting at first, but it doesn't have to be! At Harry & Wilma, we’re here to help. This guide will provide you with all the essential basics on how to make jewellery at home, such as:
- What tools and materials you'll need
- How to pick the perfect design
- How to give your creations that professional-quality finishing touch
With this comprehensive overview of the jewellery-making process, you'll gain an understanding of how to use certain tactics like a pro! So let’s get creative and start your jewellery-making journey!
At Harry & Wilma, we provide various jewellery findings that will set you up for success. From making jewellery with epoxy resin to creating jewellery with beads, we’ve got your creativity covered!
The Different Types of Jewellery
Jewellery-making is a great way to channel your creativity, have fun, and end up with something satisfying and beautiful as a reward for your efforts! The first step in learning to make jewellery right at home is by deciding what kind of jewellery you want to create. This will determine how long the process will take and the materials you need to get started.
We recommend starting with basics like epoxy resin jewellery. Resin jewellery is great because it’s affordable, low-stress, and the possibilities are endless.
Making jewellery with beads is also great for beginners who want to get a little more intricate and potentially explore the world of metalworking. For more experienced makers, try making wire jewellery! This adds texture and complexity to any piece it’s incorporated in.
Clay jewellery is another wonderful way to dip your toes into the art of jewellery making – just keep in mind that you need some essential equipment. Completing a clay jewellery design, from mixing the clay through to adding the finishing touches, will all be worth it once you see your stunning, unique piece in the end.
What You Need to Get Started
Depending on what type of jewellery you’re looking to create, you will need a certain set of tools and materials.
To make resin jewellery, you will need:
- Epoxy resin
- Hardener
- Jewellery items: bezels, moulds, or casings
- Any decorative objects you'd like to use
With resin jewellery, creating pendants and earrings are often popular. For other types of jewellery, you may need tools such as saws, pliers, files, cutters, and hammers.
To string beads onto wire or leather, you will need:
- wire cutters
- Needle-nosed or bent-nosed pliers
- Beading cord
- Waxed thread and various clasps or jump rings
You may also require annealing pans or kilns if you want to try your hand at melting metals, torches for soldering, as well as tweezers and differently shaped mandrels.
To make clay jewellery, you will additionally need:
- A rolling pin
- A knife or clay cutter
- Polymer or another type of clay
- An oven to fire your creations in
How to Make Jewellery at Home
Depending on the type of jewellery you plan to make, the processes can vary. We recommend beginning with resin jewellery, as it’s unique, easy for beginners, and holds lots of room for creativity.
Making Resin Jewellery
Once all the materials you need to make resin jewellery have been collected, mix your epoxy resin according to package instructions, then pour it into a mould of your choosing. Allow the mould to sit undisturbed for around 24 hours so that it can properly cure before adding embellishments, such as beads or glitter. Finally, take it out of the mould and finish off with a glaze for extra shine!
Never work in a confined space without ventilation, even when using non-toxic epoxy resin, and use gloves whenever possible!
Making Beaded Jewellery
As a popular style of homemade jewellery, beaded creations are also very fun to make. If you want to try your hand at beaded jewellery, the most important thing to do (after obtaining your supplies) is to plan your design.
Once you have decided on the pattern you want to make, decide what lengths of chain you need. Then go through your collection of beads and arrange them in the order they will be strung onto the chain.
With needle-nose pliers or bent-nose pliers, attach each bead to one side of the chain. Alternate with two items, such as jump rings with a bead and then a bead with a headpin. Continue this process until all of your desired design elements are attached to both sides of the chain or until finished.
Making jewellery at home has never been easier! With a little creativity, the right supplies and patience, you can create something beautiful that you’ll be proud to wear. For more information on resin pigment or other materials needed for jewellery making, contact us today!