Yesterday on the way home from work we decided to meet at Target for some much needed grocery shopping. I got there before Joe so I was browsing the jewelry section when I came across this pretty bracelet … but it was $20. That seems like a lot to me only because I rarely buy jewelry, least of all bracelets. I’m more a necklace kind of gal. However, I am on this girlie kick lately and I like shiny things so I got it anyway. I can’t wait to wear it tomorrow!
Speaking of necklaces, I have a hard time finding ones I like because I’m picky. I don’t like anything that looks busy or has big pieces on it. I like beads in tasteful arrangements like the ones I see for $30+ at those craft booths at the local fests, but I don’t want to pay that much. Plus I prefer chokers.
I started thinking that maybe I should learn how to make my own jewelry so I could get exactly what I wanted and save money too. At Hobby Lobby this weekend I picked up a few tubes of glass beads and some stretchy cord. The plan is to start small with a bracelet or two and go from there. I want to make sure I have the patience to do this before investing in tools and supplies.
So do any of you make your own jewelry? If so, do you have any recommendations on where to buy supplies or tips on creating necklaces? I’ve looked online for ideas for pieces but I haven’t seen anything I’ve liked, plus most of the bead sites have the ugliest layouts ever. It’s like the author is stuck in the early 90’s. If someone can guide a newbie in the right direction, I would be grateful.
In the meantime, I’ve got Jewelry Making & Beading For Dummies and Complete Idiot’s Guide to Beading on hold at the local library.
Back when I was in college and they were big, I was able to make the woven hemp necklaces. Some with and some without beads. I was pretty good at it, too. All kinds of twisting and turning of the stuff. Fun distraction from homework. Of course these probably all fall in the “early 90’s” category that you loathe considering I was in my UG years from 93-97. Sorry I’m not much of a help there.