How to make my own jewelry
How I did it: I had been making jewelry bits since I was a little girl. My mother saw my talent for the creative and always gave me little kits to keep entertained.
It wasn't until about seven years ago that I started to take it seriously and started to teach myself techniques and how to make different pieces. I read all the books and magazines I could get my hands on in Borders ( at the time they were too expensive for me to buy) bought some basic tools and started to make some things, mostly with seed beads. I see pictures of those today and see how far I have come in my craft!!!
About four years ago people around me started to get interested in the things I was making, and started to buy them too!!! That lead me to start selling in local craft fairs for three years. Then, two years ago, I approached some boutiques with my pieces to see if they would be interested in selling them. Some actually said yes!! I now have two upscale boutiques that sell my jewelry. I have appeared in the local press and have had also my jewelry featured in fashion shows this year alone!!!
I am currently working on getting more boutiques interested in carrying my jewelry, and I plan to open a boutique of my own too.
It's all been very rewarding and exciting!
Lessons & tips: Never give up on yourself. If it doesn't work out the first time, just take it apart and start over. The beads aren't going to be mad at you.
Read as much as you can and keep yourself informed of jewelry trends.
Keep a small notebook with you to jot down ideas, supplies you need and designs.
Take walks and see how Nature combines colors. It's much better than having a color wheel.
Resources: Beadstyle magazine is awesome for beginners.
Also read fashion magazines to see what other designers are doing, and to keep up with jewelry trends, color combinations and materials that are in fashion.
