Jewelry Making Journal

by Candy Carlile. (Central Texas) I am forever picking up pretty focals with the best intentions of making them into lovely necklaces, brooches or bracelets. Alas, many of these wonderful pieces ...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/holiday-destash-ornament/

by Terri Marie Wlaschin. (Key West, FL) I feel this past year I am crawling out from a decades long self-imposed lockdown on color and patterning. I know I can be fearless, but first I usually ha...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/texture-and-color-take-front-stage/

by Izelle. (South Africa) I love working with Alcohol ink, and bezels with glass domes. Every piece is one of a kind. With an eye problem, (due to Lupus ) I lost my central sight (cailed‘bulls ...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/pretty-in-pink-jewelry/

by Candy Carlile. (Texas) I love miniatures and have found a way to combine cute miniature tea sets with my obsession for jewelry making. You can usually get several pieces from one set. If the l...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/tea-set-treasures/

by Audrey Cottle. (PENNSYLVANIA) I use genuine leather and suede to make diffuser jewelry which means it is designed to absorb and slowly diffuse essential oils throughout the day. I started maki...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/leather-and-suede-diffuser-jewelry-by-audrey-cottle/

by Diana White. (United States) One of the best ways to keep growing as a metal artist, in addition to researching videos, tutorials, and taking classes, is to join in with a metalsmithing group ...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/growing-new-skills-by-taking-on-tough-challenges/

by Cheryl Barnes. (United States) I am a Memory Wire fan. But, most memory wire bracelets tend to look similiar and I try to break out of that model. I love working with various natural gemstones...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/memory-wire-revisited/

by Margriet. (Canada) Using wood from our property, letting it cure/dry then combining it with resin, color, small rocks, pouring it in layers which require curing after that it is all cured I ha...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/handcrafted-wood-resin-jewelry-by-margriet/

by Jillian Granik. (Northern New Jersey) My dear mother passed away recently leaving me with almost 100 pairs of costume clip-on earrings. She was a real fashion maven but was squeamish about get...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/repurposing-moms-earrings/

by Michelle Miller. (Great Falls MT) Hey Just thought I would show some of the bracelets I have been making lately. I make mostly Aromatherapy bracelets. Trying to branch out into different shape...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/aromatherapy-bracelets/

by Melissa Jones. (Annapolis, MD) Not sure what to do with your mask between errands? Problem solved! I made these for me and my husband when our Maryland mask mandate went into effect, and they ...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/mask-saver-what-to-do-with-your-mask-between-errands/

by Debra Lowe.(Colorful Colorado) Having arthritis is a HUGE drag, I constantly drop things. Like, yesterday, I knocked over an open case of teeny tiny rhinestones, on to carpet. After I screamed...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/tip-for-a-mess-of-rhinestones/

by Candy Carlile. (Central Texas) If you enjoy working with gemstones, but find the prices a bit steep, you might consider the vast array of beautiful gemstone chips available for jewelry making....

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/creating-with-gemstone-chips/

by Leah. (Alaska) I am trying to start selling my jewelry and am struggling to figure out what quality of materials to use. I have always bought my wire and earring findings and clips at Michaels...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/starting-to-sell-my-handmade-jewelry-what-kind-of-quality-material-to-use/

by Virginia Milner. (United States) With Native American Heritage Day coming up (on November 27, 2020) I decided to create a pretty cuff with a Native American inspired pattern. All you need is 2...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/native-american-inspired-cuff/

by Virginia Milner. (United States) I’ve been very taken with the fun and creativity of “chaos beads” lately. And I thought that chaotic, twisted wire could be the perfect backdrop for a Da...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/day-of-the-dead-2/

by Sharon Wise. (Bonne Terre MO) I love the colors and variety of seed beads. There’s something meditative about seeing a pattern develop and your design coming to life. I’ve tried lots of be...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/seed-bead-designing/

by Char. (USA) I make handmade items from air dry clay. They are mostly earring charms. The clay is sculpted, dried, painted, and then varnished. I use a polyurethane varnish on my pieces in vary...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/how-to-store-varnished-jewelry/

by Lee Sebastiani. I want to try to make purse dangles. The ones I see online have charms, etc. attached to lengths of chain, but I want to try leather cord. Would just passing the cord through t...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/purse-charms-how-to-attach-a-charm-to-a-leather-cord/

by Lynda C. (Spring Valley, CA) I read somewhere that when you photograph earrings, you should tilt them toward each other as if they are in conversation…talking to each other. What could these...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/what-did-you-say-earring-arrangement/

by Chris Rehkop. (Ashland, MO) My community kicked-off “Second Saturday” small business/crafter events in August. I participated twice, and am preparing for November and December shows. Sales...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/small-business-event-designs/

by Dianna. (Ohio) Can anyone offer a good source for raw or antiqued brass components to use in my earring and necklace designs? Was hoping to keep within US or Canada if possible, but open to su...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/sourcing-for-quality-brass-earring-necklace-components/

by Susan I Pickering. (United States) I was inspired this summer by your tutorial on adjustable metal fabric wrapped bracelets to create this collection from materials I had: copper wire, fabric ...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/bohemian-bracelets-with-wire-and-fabric/

by Jennifer Prim. (California) I started off making the strung necklace, inspired by fall colors; as I gazed at my leftover beads, I had a new inspiration! Why not two different versions? I am cu...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/same-beads-different-styles-by-jennifer-prim/

by Jackie Locantore. (Bridgewater, MA) If you are like me, you have more beads than you can ever foresee using! I wound up with lots of “leftover” gemstone beads, so I decided to combine a bu...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/clouds-of-color-with-beads/

by Kathy Zee. (Fiddletown, CA) I have boxes of chain and artistic wire and I bought these center pieces from Michaels over a year ago. I needed to get inspired and this is what i came up with. Th...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/bracelets-with-chain-and-wire/

by Terri Wlaschin. (Key West, FL) I recently started selling my poly clay earrings to a local store. As we discussed ideas, they suggested I might want to use a “signature” shape that custome...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/breaking-a-creative-logjam/

by Marlies G Derby. (Salisbury, MD) I started this back in April and took about 3 months to finish. I let the piece talk in her own way and let me know what designs she wanted to come through. It...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/buffalo-spirit/

by Terri Wlaschin. (United States) My latest love is creating veneers on raw poly clay and then making jewelry from that. This earrings were made using just such a process. They are my Mango Moon...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/mango-moon-collection-in-poly-clay/

by Sande Gene. (Phoenix, AZ USA) A friend gave me a string of Lava beads. At first glance they were not a very pretty bead. Then I took a second look and remembered a pattern from Beadwork magazi...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/lava-beaded-necklace/

by Elizabeth A Reid. (Rockville, MD) This solitary time due to Covid has resulted in some wonderful new ways to learn since we can’t attend actual classes. I took advantage of the opportunity t...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/jewelry-fruits-of-covid/

by Jackie Locantore. (Bridgewater, Massachusetts, USA) I am now the “grandma” of the title, with 6 grandchildren. When they come to stay with me, they love looking through my various “treas...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/grandmas-jewelry-treasure-box/

by Lynn Callahan. (Kernersville, North Carolina) Please tell me someone near me, (mid-state, North Carolina) that can cut or  facet into a pendant, my large Amethyst stone that I found gem minin...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/source-for-raw-gem-stone-cutting/

by Dianne Jacques. (United States) Autumn is my favorite season, but I live in Vermont so that probably goes without saying! It’s definitely my easiest time to create, given the glorious colors...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/welcome-autumn-jewelry/

by Lynda Carson. (Spring Valley, CA) These arabesque-shaped wire frames are easy to make with just a few simple jewelry making tools. I posted a tutorial on my blog that can get you started. So v...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/frame-it-up-with-wire-and-beads/

by Michelle Maple. (Dover NH USA) Bought a couple strands of beautiful carnelian beads. They are perfect for fall!! I haven’t been creating much lately but these beads inspired me to get back i...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/autumn-beauty-carnelian/

by Anita Campbell I know this is a new area given the issues with Covid-19 and in-person craft shows (which have been cancelled). Has anyone had experience with the new virtual craft shows that a...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/anyone-experienced-with-the-new-virtual-craft-shows/

by Cindi Bernloehr. (Winter Garden, FL) Remember Summer Camp? As a tween, I went every year and loved learning new crafts. Well this year I attended a jewelry making “virtual” summer camp and...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/summer-camp-jewelry-whoo-hoo/

by Mary. (UK) Hi I’m new to metal stamping and i’ve just had my first bad review 🙁 She said she didn’t like how you could see the imprint of the letters on the back of the tag. I’m not...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/help-metal-stamping-seen-through-back-of-blank/

by Lynda Wilsn. (Santa Rosa, CA) I make jewelry out of bits and pieces, sometimes jewelry, some times scrap metal, chains and beads. At times I use polymer clay and natural stone. I’ve been a m...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/jewelry-made-with-what-i-find-by-lynda-wilsn/

by LuElla Spears. (Toledo, OH) I really like this focal piece and I struggled to find beads to build around it. I finally chose the softer blues so as not to overpower it. I’d also like to say ...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/jewelry-a-little-off-the-beaten-path/

by Candy Carlile. (Central Texas) We have access today to so many wonderful charms for our jewelry. They can dress up just about anything. One of my favorite things is to create pendants using ch...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/charm-ing-pendants/

by Cathy Abernathy. (Niceville, FL) This bracelet is a commission, Joanna loves purple and green. The purple is dyed lava beads with green glass beads. Cathy Abernathy Touch The Earth Jewelry by ...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/joannas-bracelet-by-cathy-abernathy/

by Linda Blatchford. (United States) This is a redesign that I hope you’ll love as much as I do. I laid out the glass pendant and matching bead colors and the idea for the Bumblebee Necklace ca...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/autumn-bumblebee-necklace-by-linda-blatchford/

by Maggie. (Retirement Community Florida) I’d really appreciate learning how to make a beaded cake tester. I’ve seen some information – use 20 gauge stainless steel wire but that is about i...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/questions-about-making-beaded-cake-testers/

by Virginia Milner. (United States) I’ve wanted to try making this style of necklace ever since I fell in love with pictures of them on the Paris Fashion Week runways years ago. I finally decid...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/divine-elegance-neckwear/

by Barbara Sims. (United States) I promised to post these today. I was answering another person questions regarding a very large bead. Here is what I did with my very large bead. Used Lucite flow...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/vase-of-flowers-earrings-by-barbara-sims/

by Maryjane. (Bridgewater, VA) So I’ve continued to recreate from my mother’s buckle and button box. Here are 3 of my very first made from either buttons or buckles. Maryjane by Maryjane. (Br...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/are-they-buttons/

by Kimberly James. (Rome, Ga) I have been creating to keep my mind and soul busy. I lost my best friend, my baby sister April 9th. Beads from her jewelry box were given to me, so I’m making pie...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/creating-to-honor-my-sister-i-lost/

by Linda Inniss. (Trinidad and Tobago) A collection of both gold and silver findings with Magnesite teardrop, glass bicones and acrylic round bicones. Linda Inniss Linda’s Beauty Gift Items htt...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/cascading-necklace-set/

by Maryjane. (Bridgewater, VA) Being very new to making jewelry, I am slowly realizing that there must be a better way to sort and store all those beads, wires, parts, etc. I’ve found some grea...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/ideas-for-storing-jewelry-supplies/

by Linda Inniss. (Trinidad and Tobago) Good afternoon, fellow jewelry designer, makers seller, crafters or all the above. This pieces is my first attempts at wire wrap after taking a wire work wo...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/egyptian-wire-wrap-bracelet-set/

by Barbara Sims. (United States) I have a collection of Lucite flowers from the 80’s to now. Always a fan for flower jewelry In the early 80’s my jewelry co was called Gene Sims Designs. I’...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/purple-lucite-flowers-and-crystals-leaf-necklace/

by Nancy Vaughan. (San Diego, CA) Seems like I always have scraps of sheet copper laying around in my work room. Some times I use them to try out new ideas and that’s as far as it goes. However...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/another-scrap-turned-into-a-necklace-by-nancy-vaughan/

by Maryjane. (Bridgewater, VA) Since turning 70 Covid hit and with it a lot of time to clean and create. I am not an artist, just a retired special education teacher who always looks at the possi...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/moms-buckle-and-button-box/

by Lee Sebastiani. I couldn’t resist these on sale. Enormous hole, shown with a Sharpie for scale. They’re pretty heavy too! All suggestions welcome, even non-jewelry. Thanks! Lee Sebastiani ...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/what-can-i-make-with-these-enormous-square-red-beads-with-a-very-big-hole/

by Michelle. (Miami,Fl) Hi there! Any recommendations where to order custom jewelry tags to display your business’ name/logo? Michelle Musa by Michelle. (Miami,Fl) Hi there! Any recommendations...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/where-to-get-custom-engraved-jewelry-tags/

by Melissa Jones. (Annapolis) Life has been interesting as of late, no? I haven’t made any jewelry for months, with so much going on before the world turned upside down, and so much to think ab...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/pendants-inspired-by-reading/

by Barbara Jacquin. (Uzes in the south of France) Like King Midas and his gold coins, I love to plunge into my bowls and boxes of gemstones, playing with different combinations, and usually with ...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/time-to-play-with-your-baubles/

by Candy Carlile. (Texas) I have discovered a couple of jewelry making tips I wanted to share. Tip #1: Forget twisting the lid on and off of E 6000 glue! Just cut a Q tip in the middle and put th...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/glue-and-stamping-quick-tips/

by Candy Carlile. (Texas) I spotted a jewelry trend for the times I would like to share. It seems women are looking for pieces with meaning or purpose. With all of the wonderful charms available ...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/jewelry-with-meaning/

by Dianne Jacques. (United States) I haven’t done any work in silver for a while, it’s been all enamels. I decided to do switch it up a little. I have some bezels completed, but while I’m w...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/changing-it-up-with-pmc/

by Chris Rehkop. (Ashland, MO) My summer designs were inspired by materials I already had on-hand, sometimes by new materials, and often by nature. Continued pandemic restrictions also meant I ha...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/summertime-necklace-designs/

by Connie. Do you have recommendations on the best way to learn torch fired enameling? I know there are good books out there, but I might want to attend a workshop where I can try out materials b...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/best-way-to-learn-torch-fired-enamel/

by LuElla Spears. (Toledo, OH) Sadly my Mom passed away May 15, 2020. I’ve finally been able to see my way to my workroom and wanted to share the first two things I could squeeze out of my brok...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/mom-inspired-tributes-by-luella-spears/

by Jackie Locantore. (Massachusetts USA) After years of making jewelry, I discovered polymer clay, and things have never been the same! The possibilities are endless, and each piece takes me in a...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/the-joys-of-polymer-clay/

by Wayne Kiser. On several pieces I have created I’ve included brass rods, tubes, etc. What would be the proper way to insulate the brass so that it doesn’t tarnish? I have found that if I us...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/whats-the-proper-way-to-insulate-the-brass-so-that-it-doesnt-tarnish/

by Chris Rehkop. (Ashland, MO) Now that I’ve retired, I’ve got time to work on jewelry design. But with continuing pandemic precautions, travel and sales are further limited. I did visit a lo...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/summer-love-necklaces/

by Linda. (Rhode Island, USA) This has me pulling my hair out. I would like to know the EXACT ID measurement of jump ring to use for making Caged Bead Bracelets using 6mm round beads. Pretty plea...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/jump-ring-id-for-caged-beads/

by Debra Lowe. (colorful Colorado) This a completely different direction from my patterned brass. The virus lock down has me spending a lot more time in my garden…thankfully I can. This dragonf...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/dragonfly-in-the-flowers-by-debra-lowe/

by Mary Haven. (Canada and US) My friend was in love. She had found the man of her dreams. They spent every waking moment together, often at their cottage, walking along the beach, talking as the...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/the-ring-of-happy-sad-memories/

by Pati Major. (Missouri) I am learning how to do torch enameling. I was wanting to solder a post to the back of a small copper earring. What type of earring post is best to use with what kind of...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/question-about-soldering-an-earring-post/

by Jackie Locantore. (Massachusetts USA) I’ve been making jewelry for years, starting with using up scraps from my stained glass business. I went through adding beads, then the beads took over!...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/setting-mysel-apart-by-jackie-locantore/

by T. Broussard. (United States) I would appreciate ideas and suggestions please for organizing wire and cord for jewelry making T. Broussard Inside Out by T. Broussard. (United States) I would a...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/how-to-organize-jewelry-making-wire-and-cords/

by Virginia Milner. (United States) I wanted wrap some small rocks just for something different. They were too small to make into pendants, so I wrapped each one differently with loops on both en...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/you-rock-wire-wrapping/

by Dona Rose. (Steamboat Springs , Colorado) Just getting started already make jewelry with semi-precious stones want to add silver charms and pendants one of a kind. Thank you  for your help. D...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/any-suggestions-for-kiln-for-silver-clay-making/

by Debra Lowe. (Colorful Colorado) I have submitted many of my patterned brass creations before, so why stop now. This is a snake skin pattern, I cut the squiggly snake and used epoxy clay to giv...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/snake-necklace-made-with-patterned-brass/

by Risa. (Los Angeles, CA) Can someone can advise me what the best steps would be to have my sketches turned into molds and then casted? I have been beading and wire wrapping for many years, but ...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/casting-fabrication-how-to-have-my-sketches-turned-into-molds-and-then-casted/

by Mary. (Canada/USA) I have been wire wrapping for about a year now, and until now I have avoided wire weaving. It just seemed so complicated and intricate. And daunting. Being cooped up wit Cov...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/wire-weaving-project/

by Seaoats. I found a jewelry piece online that I admire.  I contacted the designer but did not get a response.  Would it be OK to describe the design to another artist who I know is responsive...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/is-it-ok-to-describe-an-artists-jewelry-design-with-intent-to-have-another-jeweler-create-a-replica/

by Hema Rao. (Syracuse, NY) The lapidary work that resulted in the focal beads used in the necklace are artful and creative. I think the necklace is a unique piece with a silk tassel to enhance t...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/pink-quartz-tassel-necklace/

by Nancy Rocknich. (Estes Park Colorado) I had such fun making these little beaded Forget me not flowers that I made so many I had to make a necklace and barrette. The Necklace is a netted base t...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/forget-me-not-necklace-and-barrette-by-nancy-rocknich/

by Jo Ann Graham. (Beaufort SC) This piece was created during the Covid-19. Circles were cut it of sterling silver, domed, hole drilled on center, and two halves soldered together. Threaded and c...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/sterling-silver-bead-necklace/

by Brenda Hughes. (United States) Hope you can help. I have a clay and bead choker I need to restring. What would I use? An elastic thread? There is a thin thread in it now- can’t tell if it’...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/choker-and-beads-what-kind-of-string-to-use-to-re-string/

by Liz Juneau. (Savannah, GA) One of my favorite things in creating is using vintage jewelry and even non-jewelry components to make something current and wearable. I was gifted this beautiful go...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/vintage-baby-bangle-necklace-by-liz-juneau/

by Patti Pojer. (Somers, NY) When my Murano bead supplier had this beauty.. I couldn’t resist, just wasn’t sure what I would design… But as always with me the beads speak their own language...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/murano-magic-beads/

by Beverly Borwick. (Memphis Tennessee) I designed this stunning and SHINY peach-colored Swarovski Crystals and Rhinestone-Studded Pendant Necklace for my dear church friend who loves Angel Wings...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/jewelry-lifted-up-on-angel-wings/

by Sherry Day. (Pointe aux Barques, Michigan) I had the good fortune of sailing around the world for five years. I collected beads, findings and artifacts along the way. My African pieces have be...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/more-african-inspired-necklaces/

by Susan Cowles. (United States) Help!!! I want to start selling my jewelry online. I also make long sun crystal hangings. How do I photograph these?? What cameras & lenses are you using? The cry...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/how-do-i-photograph-jewelry-and-long-crystals/

by Chris Rehkop. (Ashland, MO) It’s official, I’m retired! These are a few designs I finished just on the verge of retiring recently. I can’t wait for art/craft shows to come back. I’m lo...

https://jewelrymakingjournal.com/early-retirement-designs-by-chris-rehkop/