Jewelry

[mcdee1980]

NOTE TO READERS THIS IS A VERY LONG POST!!

Okay, you asked, so here's some easy jewelry ideas.
Tools needed:
1.) Good kitchen sheers or wire cutters
2.) needle nose pliers

Once you've determined that you have the tools necessary take a field 
trip to your local bead shop, craft store, or walmart. Beads and 
charms can also be purchased pretty easily on ebay, but you don't get 
to hold what you're buying in your hot little hand!

Basics:

1.)  Memory wire: makes rings, wine charms, bracelets and chokers.  I 
love this stuff because it's very easy to work with and holds a 
definite shape.  I would start here, although I remember beading on 
fishing line as a kid.  This is what you need wire cutters for, 
memory wire is not fine.  (10 loops of necklace size is about $2.50)

2.)   Small Gauge wire or fishing line will make necklaces, 
bookmarks, earings etc etc etc (a little cheeper than memory wire)

3.)   Jewelry basics:

       Jump rings: small rings that allow you to attach charms (so 
that they face the right direction), function like tiny key chain 
loops (about .10)
       French wires: for making dangle earings, resemble fishing 
hooks (about .20 each)
       clasps: If you are not using memory wire you need clasps for 
bracelets or necklaces.  I like the variety that twist open rather 
than a claw or circular, there's never the frustration of not being 
able to work them. (depends on type range from .10 to .50)
       Memory wire balls: Optional! these attach to the end of the 
wire to provide a finished look, I generally just fold the wire over 
with my pliers. (I think these are about .25 but I'm not sure I don't 
use them)
Remember to match metal tones: if you are using silver/pewter charms 
buy silver toned hardware, etc etc

4.)    Beads and Charms

       This is the fun part.  I suggest trying a variety of sizes and 
shapes and colors all on one piece.  Remember when you're shopping 
that quality is going to matter here; you're not going to want to go 
out wearing something that looks like your 5 year old made.  

Seed beads: a beading basic, tiny round beads. These come in a 
variety of small sizes, I like to mix them in pattern ie four tiny 
four small four tiny I think the translucent variety look better than 
the opaque, think love beads
Bugles: long tiny beads, think stretched out seed beads
Working in patterns with these two varieties makes your work look 
complicated and store bought (even though its really easy).  They are 
also relatively inexpensive.  I add larger more expensive beads as 
accent.

The most inexpensive charms are pewter or silver/gold tone.  You can 
find almost anything, as charm bracelets made a recent comeback. 
spacer beads can also be purchased in those metals  I found a 
fantastic jointed snake and a great chinese inspired dragon.  I just 
finished the snake piece . . . its a memory wire choker and is 
patterned as follows
snake in middle on jump ring
(pattern is the same on either side)
1 large dark green translucent bead
7 lime green tiny seeds
1 extra large olive green bugle
4 small round kelly greens
7 lime green seeds
4 sm round kellys
and so on repeating the 4-7-4-7 pattern
This is my Slytherine inspired piece . . . I think it cost me less 
than $10 to make.  The snake cost me a dollar that was the splurge!  
I'm working on finding a raven charm for a friend of mine.  
Notes:
Find a clear space to work and I suggest using small containers to 
seperate your beads
Work on white typing paper or table cloth . . . easy to find things 
you've dropped
Be careful working with scissors or wire cutters, if you're working 
on a project with kids, don't let them cut their own materials-wire 
snaps in an unpredictable fashion.
Use pliers to bend memory wire edges under with the sharp edge 
pointing out away from your neck.  This is a bit difficult and takes 
some patience, wire will snap if not done carefully!
If you are using fishingline cement knots with some superglue 
carefully!
Have fun!