by Angie Yomo

Created on: May 14, 2008

So you're fed up with overpaying for mediocre jewelry and wearing pieces that one million other women own. You are ready to join the ranks of beaders, to channel your creativity into the unique accessories that have eluded you all these years, and to experience the satisfaction of artistic creation. So how do you begin?

VIST THE LOCAL BEAD STORE

If your neighborhood lacks a bead store, visiting a chain such a Michael's or JoAnn's will suffice. However, if you have access to an actual bead store, do drop in. Here you will find professionals and oftentimes an owner whose life is devoted to beads. I can guarantee you will feel overwhelmed, but that's part of the process. What seems foreign will soon be familiar and bead stores will become your second home. For now, wander around, take note of jewelry samples that you like, and inquire as to what they are. Good stores have samples of many jewelry types including stringing, knotting, wirework, macram, woven crystal, etc. Seeing what's out there will help you identify what you're especially interested in and where your focus may eventually lie.

SIGN UP

While jewelry can be self-taught, I highly recommend taking a class on beading basics. Regardless of where you interest lies, getting some fundamental techniques under your belt will prove very useful in your beading endeavors. Usually stores offer a beginners stringing class and a beginners wirework class for reasonable prices. Take both. Even if your greatest desire is to make hemp anklets, understanding the nature of stringing and simple wirework is invaluable. A class setting will not only provide you personal attention by an experienced beader and familiarize you with tools and beads, but also make you privy to tips and techniques you would remain unaware of if you stayed holed up at home.

EQUIP THYSELF

So you can make a semblance of a wire loop and know how to use crimps. Now it's time to buy your own set of tools. Your basic tool requirements includes a flat nose pliers, a round nose plier, a flush cutter, and a tweezer. I recommend buying two flat nose pliers for opening and closing jump rings. You also don't have to plop down a fortune for expensive German tools. While I have many pricey items in my collection, I also use inexpensive tools from Pakistan and China which work just fine. Start out cheap because you may find you want smaller tips or wider handles, and upgrading won't come at a huge loss.

INVEST IN SOME READING MATERIAL

Bead stores as well as bookstores

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