Taelir

localbs05

Just out of curiosity, do you find jewelery making to be an expensive hobby? I have always wanted to give it a try, but have feared it may be costly. Also did you pick it up on your own or take classes?

taelir

It can be expensive depending on what you're working with.

I primarily do sterling silver wire-wrapped jewelry.  The cost of silver + the gemstones I buy may very well break me if I do it on a larger scale too soon.  lol

I haven't taken classes - I've pretty much played around with it until I found something that fit my style.  There have been a few tutorials I've gotten just to try new techniques, but other than that it's been finding my way in the dark.

Just start with the cheaper materials to get the hang of it, and to find a style that works for you.  You can always graduate to the more expensive stuff later on!

localbs05

Thanks, I think I may start if this "long bedrest" they speak of kicks in soon. I may need to consult you for some pointers!

taelir

No problem!  It definitely makes for good time-wasting

HeyyRed

Tae - remind me to take a picture of the necklace I'm currently wearing for you. My mom bought it for me for Christmas. I wear very big and chunky pieces and this one - well I can't even describe it but I think you will totally appreciate it.

taelir

HeyyRed:

Tae - remind me to take a picture of the necklace I'm currently wearing for you. My mom bought it for me for Christmas. I wear very big and chunky pieces and this one - well I can't even describe it but I think you will totally appreciate it.

Definitely!  Some of the pieces I've seen you wear are awesome, I bet this one is too.

I LOVE the big chunky multi-strand necklaces.  I've got one I just finished with citrine, dark amethyst, and ametrine (citrine/amethyst in one stone) beads with a 37.5ct wire wrapped citrine as the focal point.

HeyyRed

This one is a double strand (one longer than the other) and is chunks of turquoise, what looks like gold nuggets and then assorted glass gemstones. Think if Betty or Wilma wore some glam colourful in turquoise/golds/reds/oranges nuggeted necklaces.

taelir

Sounds gorgeous!

MLOVER<3

:: butts in post::

I totally thought about getting into jewelry making to get in touch with my creative side again, but wasn't sure how to start. Any tips in addition to the ones you gave in pp?

taelir

Holljade:

:: butts in post::

I totally thought about getting into jewelry making to get in touch with my creative side again, but wasn't sure how to start. Any tips in addition to the ones you gave in pp?

Buy good tools from the start.  Seriously.  If you plan on doing it for a while, anyhow.  You'll kick yourself in the ass if you buy crappy ones.  I know I did.

Practice wire is your friend.  Same with cheapie plastic beads.  

As far as other tips, it really depends on what you want to make.  Give me some ideas of what you like and I can certainly help out!