| By :
Jamie Simpson
More and more people are getting creative with wardrobes and making their own jewellery. Some can look at a store piece and duplicate it closely for a fraction of the cost. Others may design a piece from scratch. Possibilities are endless and range from simple to dramatic. And don't forget that children can come up with some marvelous designs. Do make sure to supervise if necessary. For necklaces, it helps to know what to look at when designing a piece. There are things like clasps, spacers, and knotting. Decide whether it's done on beading thread or wire. Some rigid shaped necklaces require the stiff wire to hold their shape such as hoop style chokers. These can be beaded right on the form, or beaded eyepins, looped and strung on the form. This is an excellent way to have a large variety with a simple base piece. A broken strand of beads can be revitalised with this simple method. Eyepins can be added or removed and made various lengths to suit a need easily. A traditional necklace on beading thread may not hold good shape if the beads are a little heavier. This is a good time to use spacer beads or smaller decorative beads in between. An alternative, if only the same type bead is to be used, is to add a bead and then knot in between each one. It's a bit painstaking, but it makes a lovely presentation. Just a basic knot similar to knotting sewing thread is what is used for this. It helps to have an awl or nail to insert into the loop to draw it as closely to the bead as possible. If fingers aren't quite nimble enough for this and they will fit, use a double strand of thread and tie simple square knots between. The beads will be so close together the type of knot won't be noticeable with out close scrutiny. If a clasp is desired, attach one end to the thread prior to beginning the strand. Earrings can be made pierced or with clip-ons. There are many ways to bead these. Some are done with eyepins, hoops, or forms such as a button style with many holes in it for looping multiple strands of beads or chandeliers for beautiful dropped styles. Lengths are your choice. A good investment is a set of pliers made for jewellery. Some have a wire cutter also. These are not expensive and will last for years. New sets have comfortably padded handles. One pair of pliers should have tapered round tips. These will not mar metals and make weaknesses or burrs that might snag. Beads, tools, and hardware, and one is all set to begin.
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