| As beading sweeps the nation, more women are | | | | the hardware. A beginning jeweler's kit should |
| taking up this rewarding and inexpensive hobby to | | | | have earring findings, head pins, eye pins, jump |
| create handmade earrings, necklaces and | | | | rings and stringing cord. |
| bracelets. Not only do women get to create and | | | | Beads |
| wear things of beauty, the jewelry makes special | | | | The eye-catching designs, colors, textures and |
| gifts for loved ones as well. Most beginning | | | | features of beads make them the star of the |
| beaders start by making earrings, as it gives | | | | jewelry making show. Beads come in a wide |
| them experience in using the tools and materials | | | | range of materials, from wood and glass to plastic |
| needed for larger projects. | | | | and metal. A complete bead supply should also |
| While experienced jewelry makers acquire a | | | | include spacer beads. These are plain small beads |
| variety of tools and materials to craft exquisite | | | | that frame larger beads and set them apart from |
| pieces, the beginning beader can get started | | | | each other. |
| making handmade earrings with a few essential | | | | Storage |
| supplies for handmade items. As the beader | | | | Without adequate storage, the essential supplies |
| progresses in her craft, she can accumulate more | | | | needed for handmade earrings could get lost, |
| materials, as well as convenient storage items. | | | | scattered or damaged. Especially for the beads, a |
| Tools | | | | secure storage case is essential. Most beaders |
| A jewelry maker needs a few essential tools. A | | | | have handy compartmentalized boxes that store |
| pair of jewelry pliers is essential and they are also | | | | a variety of beads, as well as all the supplies. |
| often called needle nose or chain nose pliers. They | | | | There are several ways to get the essential |
| come in various sizes, but a standard size will do | | | | supplies for handmade earrings, necklaces and |
| for most beginning projects. Wire cutters are also | | | | bracelets. Many stores, both online and |
| essential for a jeweler's beginning kit. | | | | brick-and-mortar, sell jewelry making kits to get |
| Hardware | | | | started. Often the essential supplies can be |
| The materials that string, support and otherwise | | | | purchased for less in a kit than if you were to |
| hook the parts of a jewelry piece together are | | | | buy each piece individually. |