Making jewellery is one of the most addictive hobbies one can have and it hardly ever gets boring! Most beginners start with stone setting and beading, whilst others love experimenting with polymer clay or torch-enamelling to create fashionable jewellery. The options are endless: you can adorn jewellery with tassels, pendants and flowers, you can etch metal or use tapestry. However, we understand that everyone has to start somewhere and that it takes time to develop your skills. We’ve therefore listed three of the most basic types of DIY jewellery making that are perfect for beginners! Learn more about the techniques and materials used and start getting creative yourself!

Beading

One of the simplest and most popular ways to make jewellery is by using beads. The most basic method of beading is to string beads together with a beading needle and thread or wire. Alternatively, you can sew beads onto a garment or accessory, which is called bead embroidery, or create beaded patterns by sewing, stitching and weaving them together.

Below you’ll find some tips on how to make a beaded pearl bracelet.

Photo credit: flickr.com

Materials neede

• Pearl beads
• Bead caps
• Crimp beads
• Memory wire
• Lobster clasp
• Jump rings
• Memory wire cutters
• Measuring tape

Measure your wrist with measuring tape, add 10cm and use wire cutters to cut the wire to this length. Add a crimp bead to the beading wire and string the clasp on behind it. Create a loop with the wire and thread it back through the crimp bead. Use the pliers to crimp the bead. Afterwards, string the beads onto the wire in your preferred order. You can use bead caps between the beads for added texture and add charms if you wish. Stop stringing the beads when you have approximately 4cm of wire remaining. Attach another crimp bead on the end and add a jump ring. You can thread the end of the wire back through the crimp bead to tighten it.

Making a charm bracelet

Photo credit: http://www.the-beadshop.co.uk/

Because they have a personal meaning attached to them, charm bracelets are the ideal gift to a friend or lover – especially if you make them yourself! They’re super easy to make, just follow the instructions below.

Materials needed:

• Chain
• Jump rings
• 5-10 charms of your choice
• Professional chain nose pliers
• Wire cutter
• Jewellery clasp

Measure the ideal length of your bracelet by wrapping the chain around your wrist. Use the wire cutters to cut through the link and attach jump rings to the ends. You might have to open the jump rings first by using pliers. Attach the loop on the clasp to the jump ring by threading it through. Close the jump rings.

The next step is to attach the charms. First decide where you want them to go and attach jump rings to the chain. Add the charms and close the jump rings again with the pliers. Make sure you leave enough space between each of the charms and voila, your bracelet is finished!

Creating your own choker

Photo credit: http://www.polyvore.com/

Choker necklaces are brilliant for adding a cool 90s vibe to your outfit and they’re currently all over the runways! They’re super easy to make yourself, so why bother buying one? There are many different styles you could try to recreate, from the tattoo choker to pendant ribbons.

Materials needed:

• Ribbon (14 inches)
• Decorative piece (pendant, charm or flower)
• Ribbon clamps
• Lobster clasp
• Length of chain
• Jump rings
• Scissors
• Pliers
• Glue

Measure out a length of ribbon that will fit around your neck. You can choose any width you like, since both chunky and subtle chokers are back in fashion. To hold the ribbon in place and avoid frayed ends, attach clamps to the ends. Squeeze a small amount of glue onto the ends and use pliers to attach the clamps. The next step is to attach jewellery findings to fasten the ribbon with around your neck. Open a jump ring using pliers and attach one half of the lobster clasp and the ribbon clamp. You can now close the jump ring and do the same with the other end of the ribbon. To make the choker adjustable, it can be helpful to attach a length of chain.

If you wish, you can add a decorative piece to make your choker stand out. A simple way of giving your choker a unique touch is to stick on a Fimo flower bead with glue. Alternatively, you can attach a charm or a pendant if they have a metal loop at the top. Just sew it on with a black thread.