Handmade Gifts: Beaded Jewelry Making for Beginners

(http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wooden_beads.JPG)

Handmade jewelry is a wonderful way to practice and express personal creativity and it also makes unique wearable gifts. Beaded jewelry tends to look more complicated than it really is, but in actuality it is quite a simple endeavor. The best way to get started is to browse through some of the resources below and search for beads and materials at your local craft store. Once your jewelry is complete, you can look for small jewelry gift boxes and soft filler material for an elegant way to present your handmade gift.

Beading & Stringing Basics

There are several different techniques that can involve beaded jewelry made with string, leather, hemp, wire and other materials. When beading, keep in mind that beaded jewelry doesn’t have to be limited to only glass beads. Even natural items such as shells and stones can be used if they have a hole bored through them. Make sure to learn about the exact tools and supplies needed in order to properly follow the beginner guides.

• Introduction to Beading: A useful article for beginners, introducing the basics of beading design principles, supplies, choosing beads, stringing, and types of weaving.
• Beading Tools: A list of the main instruments necessary to cut, bend and flatten jewelry materials.
• Bead Glossary: Learn about all the various specific types of beads available, their sizing specifications and esthetic qualities.
• Beading Basics: A list of articles detailing basic instructions for creating different styles of beaded jewelry.
• Illustrated Beading Instructions: A very informative photographic guide showing the various tools and materials required for beading, as well as some of the basic steps to start beading.
• Choosing Wire Sizes: A tutorial on how to select the right gauge of wire for your beading project.

Beading Instructions & Designs

There are many different ways of making beaded jewelry. The most basic level involves stringing beads linearly and then finishing off the ends with a clasp. From there, it is easiest to progress in small steps, moving up to more advanced projects later. There are several resources containing how-to guides and project ideas to help inspire new pieces of jewelry. Some of it will require an amount of practice before being able to produce a flawless piece.

• Simple Beading Lesson: A very simple first project for anyone new to beading. This short but useful guide includes instructions for making a pretty necklace and a pair of matching earrings.
• Beaded Jewelry Projects: An image gallery of different beading projects with detailed instructions for each one.
• Beading Instructions & Tips: A list of free guide articles on five different beading techniques with additional tips on bead sizing and planning, and several beading project ideas.
• Basic Beading Tutorials: A fantastic resource for beading beginners, with free downloadable e-books and projects.
• Wire Wrapping Techniques: A collection of tutorials on how to create different styles of wire work, including clasps, connectors and decorative wire wrapping.

Bead Weaving Tips & Patterns

Within jewelry circles, there are a number of different types and styles of bead weaving. The easiest style is known as a daisy chain. There are also numerous styles influenced by tribal cultures, such as Peyote stitches. Some weaving styles require a loom, but beginners are advised to try some off-loom techniques at first, to get used to the practice of bead weaving. Apart from necklaces, bead weaving can also be used to create decorative purses, embellishments on clothing and ornamental toys, figurines or ornaments.

• Beading Patterns: A list of resources of free beading patterns including necklaces, bracelets and earrings.
• Hemp Jewelry: A resource page on different styles of hemp weaving and beading patterns as well as finishing techniques, with a few sample project ideas.
• Needlepoint & Stitching Patterns: A collection of free needlepoint beaded patterns to create jewelry and purses.
• Beading Tips & Techniques: A series of tips for beadwork, sizing, and troubleshooting.
• Beadweaving Patterns: This site lists several different resources for bead weaving patterns and tips for better beading.

Other Beading Resources

Since the popularity of beading and bead weaving has skyrocketed in recent years, it has also given way to several related beading magazines, online communities and major events and festivals. For people just beginning to learn about beading, online forums are an excellent way to pitch queries to more advanced peers. Beading magazines are another great resource for finding new project tutorials to help inspire new jewelry ideas. They also report on the latest trends in beading, supplies and styles, which is good to research before visiting beading tradeshows and events.

• BeadStyle Magazine: BeadStyle is the premiere print beading magazine worldwide. Their website features a host of tutorials on techniques and project ideas, how-to guides, video demonstrations, downloadable files, online community forums and plenty more. 
• Beading Times Magazine: An online magazine dedicated to beading and beading artists, with a collection of helpful articles for those dedicated to the craft.
• Birth Stones & Their Meanings: An in-depth chart listing birth stones, their affiliated zodiac signs (as well as birth affiliations in different cultures) and symbolic meanings. A very useful guide when picking meaningful beads for gift jewelry.
• Beading Events: A comprehensive list of beading events in the U.S. Subscribers and site visitors are invited to submit their own listing