How to make your own jewellery

Jewellery is a very quick way to enhance an outfit by adding some detail or a splash of colour. Complete your look with a pretty necklace, bracelet or ring. You don’t need to buy expensive jewellery to get this effect; you can make your own and create something unique.

How to make your own jewellery

• 1

  There are lots of methods for making jewellery and some techniques require specialist tools. It’s not worth spending a lot of money on expensive equipment until you know what type of jewellery you would like to make.

• 2

  First try a simple and cheap method to make jewellery and then explore more detailed techniques.

• 3

  Beads are an easy and cheap way of getting started making jewellery. You can buy a wide range of different types of beads including coloured plastic, wooden, glass and resin from the high street and online craft shops. The Bead Shop website has a good selection of beads and jewellery making equipment. (See Resources below)

• 4

  Start with an easy piece of jewellery such as a necklace. Select your beads by colour and size. Maybe match them to an outfit. Look at craft magazines such as Make Jewellery magazine for ideas and tutorials. (See Resources below)

• 5

  Decide how long you want the necklace to be. Lay the beads out on a table or flat surface and experiment with how the final beads will look strung together.

• 6

  You will need to decide what to string the beads on to. You can choose from lots of different materials including: leather thong, ribbon, silk cord or clear elastic. Consider which will match your beads.

• 7

  Thread the beads on to the thong or cord and simply tie at the length you require. A shorter necklace or choker can look chic with a pretty dress or leave the necklace longer for a more relaxed or 'boho' look.