There are several ways a person can get involved with jewelry design. They can conceptualize, create, and complete a piece from start to finish. They can make use of online tools which teach them how to make a specific piece, and they can personalize jewelry by picking stones and accessories. Each has an advantage, but for most of us the idea of designing jewelry from scratch is a bit intimidating. Let's look at each process and break it down into its basic components.
Jewelry Making 101
The simplest way to start making jewelry is to work from a jewelry kit. Kits may be customizable, standard, or something between the two. Bead kits are particularly easy to handle and allow you to make something in a few hours. You don't have to come up with the entire idea on your own, as certain projects will already be demonstrated within the instructions.
Many kits come with basic tools which you can then use to try new techniques later on. This gives you an opportunity to try out something new without committing a great deal of resources or effort. You don't have to stick with the patterns in your kit if you don't want to. Using your imagination to design something unique is one way to explore what you like and what you don't.
Starting Jewelry from Scratch
If you are the creative type already and have ideas of what you want to create, start with a few sketches. Which materials would you like to use? What kinds of stones or pendants? Are you willing to invest in a small kiln, soldering iron, wire, tools, and other supplies with which to work? Can you find a teacher who will show you basic jewelry making techniques?
All of these questions and more should be answered when you consider taking your creative energy and applying it to a new passion. Many community colleges offer courses in jewelry making and design. Find out what resources you can access in your area and make an informed decision before you spend scads of money.
Online Jewelry Customization
Customized jewelry has become increasingly popular. Family based jewelry, monograms, individually designed kits, and other such materials are fairly easy to find if you search the Web. The options may range from a kit you design online and order so you can complete your project to selecting stones for a necklace or ring that commemorates your children, your marriage, and so forth.
The degree to which you customize your final product and how much effort you put into the piece will vary tremendously. The advantage here is that you do get a somewhat unique piece, but you don't need to possess many jewelry making skills. Only you can decide if you want to be €hands on€ in your approach or not.
Jewelry Design Rules to Follow
No matter which version of personalization you pick, some degree of design will be involved. It is important to remember that balancing your piece is critical. Maintaining a consistency of scale between the different elements, for example choosing a clasp that is appropriately sized, helps develop flow.
Symmetry is nice, but not always necessary as long as both halves balance out. You could have three large stones on one side of a necklace and several smaller ones on the other side and still achieve the right look.
Complementary color-schemes help create cohesion in a piece. Unless your goal is to be bold and brassy, you want to work with the color wheel and the basics of color design. Many of the lessons you need to start out in the fun world of jewelry design are available at YouTube and jewelry making sites.
Jewelry Making 101
The simplest way to start making jewelry is to work from a jewelry kit. Kits may be customizable, standard, or something between the two. Bead kits are particularly easy to handle and allow you to make something in a few hours. You don't have to come up with the entire idea on your own, as certain projects will already be demonstrated within the instructions.
Many kits come with basic tools which you can then use to try new techniques later on. This gives you an opportunity to try out something new without committing a great deal of resources or effort. You don't have to stick with the patterns in your kit if you don't want to. Using your imagination to design something unique is one way to explore what you like and what you don't.
Starting Jewelry from Scratch
If you are the creative type already and have ideas of what you want to create, start with a few sketches. Which materials would you like to use? What kinds of stones or pendants? Are you willing to invest in a small kiln, soldering iron, wire, tools, and other supplies with which to work? Can you find a teacher who will show you basic jewelry making techniques?
All of these questions and more should be answered when you consider taking your creative energy and applying it to a new passion. Many community colleges offer courses in jewelry making and design. Find out what resources you can access in your area and make an informed decision before you spend scads of money.
Online Jewelry Customization
Customized jewelry has become increasingly popular. Family based jewelry, monograms, individually designed kits, and other such materials are fairly easy to find if you search the Web. The options may range from a kit you design online and order so you can complete your project to selecting stones for a necklace or ring that commemorates your children, your marriage, and so forth.
The degree to which you customize your final product and how much effort you put into the piece will vary tremendously. The advantage here is that you do get a somewhat unique piece, but you don't need to possess many jewelry making skills. Only you can decide if you want to be €hands on€ in your approach or not.
Jewelry Design Rules to Follow
No matter which version of personalization you pick, some degree of design will be involved. It is important to remember that balancing your piece is critical. Maintaining a consistency of scale between the different elements, for example choosing a clasp that is appropriately sized, helps develop flow.
Symmetry is nice, but not always necessary as long as both halves balance out. You could have three large stones on one side of a necklace and several smaller ones on the other side and still achieve the right look.
Complementary color-schemes help create cohesion in a piece. Unless your goal is to be bold and brassy, you want to work with the color wheel and the basics of color design. Many of the lessons you need to start out in the fun world of jewelry design are available at YouTube and jewelry making sites.