Are you planning on making and selling jewelry as a business? There are certain things you need to know before getting into it. It can be fun as there is nothing better than doing something you love as a job. But there is confusion on where and how to begin.
That said, here's a quick guide to help get you started.
1. Chose the kind of jewelry you want to make
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There are different kinds of jewelry you can make. Spreading yourself thin in the various jewelry types may not be a good idea, especially if you're just starting. It's not efficient, and you may end up spending more. A lack of focus won't improve your jewelry making skills too. Master a particular skill first before making other types of jewelry. (just one paragraph for bullet 1)
2. Learn the basic skills
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Once you picked the kind of jewelry you want to focus on, know the skills needed for it. Beads, glass, clay metal, or any type need a particular set of skills to mold. There are a lot of projects that will need basic know-how, like forming loops and closing rings. Remember, knowing is half the battle.
3. Your skills won't do much if you don't have good tools.
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Contrary to what other people say, you need more than a wire cutter and a pair of pliers. Start by finding out the tools you need and make sure to invest in the best ones in the market. The better your tools are, the easier the work will be.
4. Get supplies. A lot.
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There a lot of places to buy jewelry making supplies. But before you buy supplies in bulk, purchase a small stock of all supplies. Get a feel for it. Be familiar with it. Know the lay of the land, so to speak.
Once you're satisfied and know what you want, buy in bulk. When you're starting, mistakes will happen, and quality will not be consistent. You will go through a trial and error process, so it's better to have a lot of materials.
5. Get yourself a work space
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You can't work in all places at home. You're opening yourself up to distractions and even possible mishaps. Dedicating a small area as your work area will be an effective way for you to focus on your projects. Also, it would guarantee that everything you need will be in one area and not scattered all over your home. All you need after that is to develop a system for working, storing, and handling.
6. Lessons!
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Take lessons from people who have been in the business for years. There's nothing wrong with learning from people who already know how to do it well. Sign up for a class or watch video tutorials online. You might be struggling with something taught easily; the lessons might open your eyes to what you were missing.
7. Be Inspired
Inspiration often comes from what you see. Check different jewelry and crafting websites to get design ideas. It doesn't mean that you will be copying their designs, you'll just be getting ideas. Who knows, you might come up with something unique from getting all those ideas together.
8. Show off your work
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Finished doing your projects? What happens next? Whether you plan on selling or displaying, you need a good display for it. Invest in good jewelry display for photo shoots or when you bring your pieces to stores and events. There are different kinds of basic jewelry displays available in the market. So, depending on what you make, there is something for you.
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That's a good start. Work hard, be creative and be open to criticism. And never forget to love what you do. It's a great way to insure amazing quality when you do your projects.
Also, have fun.