Jewellery Maker's Guide

A BEGINNER'S LUCK IN JEWELLERY MAKING

2012-09-15T11:54:00.000+01:00

Jewellery making is a unique way to allow your creativity to come to light and design something that suits you and your style. As a beginner, you make take a little longer to find the right colours for you piece of new jewellery, but make sure you choose colours that don’t clash. Find colours that compliment you – and the only way to do that is to experiment with colours.

Colours can be difficult especially when you don’t know what colours suit you. But it is entirely up to you. You may like clashes of colour or you may like pastel colours. Be free and explore the potential.

Designs are the hardest to come by. When I began jewellery making, I was trying to think of a new way to design jewellery pieces – in a way that hasn’t been done before. It is surely brain-aching. But who knows, let you mind explore the possibilities of shapes and lengths when designing your pieces.

Also, jewellery making takes time. Patience is key. The more you practice the quicker you become. So get started and in the beginning it may take 3hours to create a necklace but a year later it may take only half an hour. Earrings in the beginning can take an hour, but more experience changes that into only 5mins. You become more skilled in your jewellery making, and your knowledge of how to make something is working faster, therefore your hands are working faster.

Out of all of this, jewellery making needs to be unique. When I began I started trying to copy what was being sold in the shops and then selling it at the same price, but no one seemed interested. So I began looking at other people’s jewellery pieces that were handmade and I was amazed.

I was amazed at how original their pieces were. I thought to myself – I would buy something like that. It got me thinking...make something that is unique to others and that you can’t find anywhere else and then that is when true unique styles start evolving. It is good to get ideas from others, but avoid by all means in copy everything about theirs – give it a new twist, could be something the other designers hadn’t thought of and that you could add to your creations. It’s what makes your work unique.

In the end, enjoy everything that you do: explore colours, come up with crazy designs, have patience, and most of all be UNIQUE.

2012-02-25T21:21:00.006+00:00

Hi dear readers,

Well, I did manage to finish my next project.

Here is a little step by step guide on its process:

I began with two tiger tail strands; one green and one copper colour. Working from the centre, my bright selection of glass beads form little circles; from small to large.

I wanted to go for a very summer touch and named this necklace 'Colour-Me'.

Here are some closer images of the final join before heading off the rest of the necklace design.

The finale:

The piece is complete with its beautiful array of summer colours.

I can create the same design with any other colour(s).

If someone loves this design but prefers it in solid blue or gold or black or even white - it can be done.

The only challenge I found in making this piece was trying to put the two tiger tail wire through a size 11.0 seed bead.

Otherwise it took me only an hour to create this piece.

I decided to make this necklace into a set, and added another family member; some earrings.

Orange is a good strong colour in this selection, and these earrings will be ideal for any hair lengths or hair colours; as the earrings will be easily seen.

The beads are mostly cats-eyed beads which really reflect perfectly with any light and particularly sunlight.

Here is the final set all completed.

Please let me know what you think - all comments are welcome.

A couple of pictures showing my design, measurements and layout.

To be honest, I've never drawn designs before. This is my first time ever and I have to say it is a good idea.

Happy Beading

xxx ValbiesJ xxx

2012-02-25T15:55:00.002+00:00

Hi all dear readers,

It's now 15:50 in the UK and the sun is still out, which is always a good thing.

Despite it being late in the afternoon and I'll probably have to start cooking soon, I'm going to begin my next project with another necklace.

The design I drew yesterday.

I was going to complete it yesterday, but the 'tassel-me-softly' necklace got the better of me :)

So now, I'm going to give this one a go.

But the weirdest thing about today is, is that it feels like I've skipped about 5months ahead and landed in the UK June's summertime.

Yip, it's that warm here in the UK in February. It's supposed to be freezing, not chilly.

Happy Beading
xxx ValbiesJ xxx

2012-02-25T15:23:00.000+00:00

Smashing Red

I began this project yesterday. I seem to be loving red this week or just in general, not sure yet. But I wanted to make a necklace in red, but I didn't want to create the typical cliche colour necklace of white/red, which spells Valentines Day all over it, or black/red - boring, green/red - too Chrismassy, yellow/red - child's playground.

So I began by taking out all the red glass beads I had from breaking down a lot of my old jewellery yesterday, and just laid them out to see what I could come out with.

These are the beads I chose for this necklace, a nice variety.

As you can see, red is certainly in your face. It's too overwhelming and somehow I need to soften its brazenness.

But first of all let me see if I can come up with a layout design.

Originally, I was going to attempt creating a layered necklace, but instead this is what I got.

Tassel-me-softly necklace.

I thought it would be a more comfortable and casual design for ladies to wear for the early summer days to come.

But still you can see it is 'way' too red.

Here are all my beads still in the queue for their place in the new 'tassel-me-softly' necklace design.

Here is a close up of some of the new coloured beads I've placed in the necklace, and some silver charms.

Purple and red are relatively close in the scheme of colours, and it helps to break the redness a bit.

Things seem to be lightening up now.

Last night I managed to get this far. I began working on my jewellery since 8:30am and by 6pm (no break) I got a tad bit tired. I tend to get a bit involved when I start creating something.

By 11:30am today I managed to finish my piece, which began at 8:30 this morning.

How I have to figure out how much this cost me to make, but I want have a competition with all you lovely readers.
Carry on reading to find out more - a prize will be won.

The centre-piece

A close-up image

Time for the competition. All is required is for you to guess how much you think this necklace is worth. The person with the closest answer will win a free pair of hand-made red Swarovski crystal earrings worth £11. The competition will begin today and will close Monday morning by 9am. I will announce the winner on Facebook. Just send a comment on this blog or on Valbies Jewellery Facebook page with the answer, along with the code 'tassel-me-softly competition'. *A picture of the prize is further down the page- feel free to have a look, and have a go. It's all in the name of fun and you get a free pair of earrings if you win.

Here are my measurements of the necklace and layout design I had created.

*The competition prize - have a go :) x

Happy Beading
ValbiesJ xxx

2012-02-25T14:30:00.001+00:00

BREAK-DOWN

Again yesterday I had to break-down some of my pieces simply because I wasn't happy with them. Some pieces needed some sprucing up. This is what happens when you improve in your jewellery making. You will take a look at some of your older pieces and nearly die at how bad your skills were at that time.

In jewellery making there is always room for improvement.

Here is one example. I made this bracelet about 1 1/2 years ago, and this was the end result. Now you must understand, I thought this was a perfect piece at the time.

There were several things that I wanted to improve. After trying it on I realised it was too big. The clasp didn't seem to match the style I was going for; classic and elegant. And lastly, there was just too much wire wrapping that needed to be condensed.

So I literally just cut the bracelet up and took it apart; back to it's bare basics.

I measured each wiring for about 6.5cm long, which gives enough wire to play with and not to waste too much.

As you can see in the background, some of the bracelet had been done already. I begin by giving myself about an inch or so to wire wrap the one end.

Here you can see how much less wire wrapping I decided to do; compared to my previous wire wrapping episodes.

Here my pale green rondelle crystal bead has been added, but I also added some shiny 2mm spacer beads to give a little more depth to the bracelet, instead of an empty "plain-Jane".

Then in the end you have the finished result. It does look a lot better than the previous year old design. Jewellery making always needs improvement.

Here's a close-up image.

The new length. A perfect 7in fit.

Doesn't it look lovely?

Please feel free to let me know what you think.

Happy Beading

ValbiesJ xxx

2012-02-25T13:43:00.001+00:00

Yesterday I started taking the initiative in getting on with making jewellery and creating designs, colours and textures that are different to the normal kind of jewellery.

About a week ago I went off to Ikea and took what little money I had left to find myself a new table to work on. I completely tranformed our bedroom (since I'm living with my parents) to create a space for my jewellery making.

I threw out an oldish Ikea draw set and replaced it with a table for only £15 from Ikea (thanx Ikea). Finally I made a space for me. Here take a look.

As you can see, if you look closely, I'm already laying out an idea to get myself started. For the past week I really wanted to create a set of red earrings, and I just recently purchased some red glass seed beads size 11. Then I stared at the little gold glass sitting near the lamp and begin thinking - loop earrings.

My second earring project was going to involve using crystals, and I'm usually unsure about using crystals only because they are so beautiful and I feel you need to get the colours right or else it will look tacky and cheap.

Step One: Preparation

Anyway, below is an image of the beads I want to use for my first earrings project. Solid silver-plated leaves, and rose spacers. Red glass seed beads size 11.0, 4mm glass pearl baby blue beads, and a red metallic rose. Obviously, don't forget other findings like wiring, and earring loops.

Here is my crafting wire 26 gauge soft. I would suggest using a slightly harder wire and thicker; maybe a 24 gauge wire instead.

Step Two: Shaping
The purpose of my golden glass we to create the loop I need to make the earring design I want. All I did was simple wrap the wire around the bottom of the glass and measured to a size I felt comfortable working with.
You can adjust to the length of wire that makes you comfortable in using. There is no right or wrong answer - unless, of course, you decide to measure a ridiculous amount of 20cm long and then I'm just going to shake my head.

Here is an example of my "wrap around the glass" measurement. You can clearly see it isn't 20cm long.

Step Three: Design & Layout
All you need to do now is think. Think carefully about how you would like to layout your new design. Here is an example of my design.

Now that my design is done and I'm happy with it, it's time for me to bring the two ends together and finish the earring. To be honest, this process can be frustrating and annoying. At the start of it my methods of getting the two ends together got all a bit messy - but I can assure you that practice does make perfect. Here is what I ended up with.

Step Four: The Finished Design

The outcome looks pretty good and I really love the colours and design. The main reason I challenged myself this task was because I was shopping in BHS with my fiancée and found myself near the jewellery stand; where I found a pair of earrings in this shape but the design was simpler, using only small glass bicone beads and guess what BHS were charging? (Send a comment and tell me what you think BHS charged for a pair of earrings similar to these. Then tell me the price you would be willing to pay for these earrings - be honest - me love honesty.)

Now for my 2nd project. The steps are exactly the same - the only change you will be making is the bead type, design and layout. I'm challenging myself to crystals. Orange rondelle Czech crystals, pale green bicone Czech crystals, the lovely silver-plated leaves again, and 2mm silver spacer beads.

Here is my end result. It ended up being a totally different design to what I thought. When it comes to making jewellery, sometimes the jewellery itself chooses to make something instead. If you do ever try fight it - it can be overwhelming (I speak from experience). I always allow the jewellery to speak for itself. That's what makes hand-made more unique.

I have to say, they do look very pretty - let me know what you think and again tell me how much you think these earrings are worth.

My adventures and challenges will continue - look forward to the next chapter.

Happy Beading

ValbiesJ xxx

2011-11-20T19:23:00.001+00:00

Hiya all dear Jewellery makers and readers,

I apologise for not updating my blog for a very long time, but so much has happened.

I've managed to get involved in holding jewellery making classes that will begin in March 2012. So if you're interested I'll let you know more about it :)

But I'll do my best to keep you all posted.

Thanx so much for reading and if you want to keep posted then just click 'Join this site' icon :)

All products from ValbiesJewellery

2011-08-25T10:26:00.000+01:00

All products from ValbiesJewellery

CLICK AWAAAY....

2011-08-24T00:27:00.000+01:00

Dear readers,

I just wanted to say thank you all so much for reading my blogs as I constantly send them through.

It make me very positive to see people taking a small interest in some things I put on here.

I encourage you to keep reading my updated blogs as I send them through, but most of all - I ask one very small favour, (if you haven't done this yet) could you please click on all the adverts that you see on my blog. The reason for this is so that I can earn a small income (very small) on each click you make on each advert you see.
If you have done this for my blogs already, then sit back and just enjoy.
For those who haven't feel free to read and then CLICK AWAY maties.

Thank you so much for your support xxxx

Yes, this is me (Judith) once upon a time when I lived in Thessaloniki, Greece.

Different earrings altogether....

2011-08-23T19:56:00.000+01:00

Dear jewellery lovers,

I got extra creative and made these two pairs of earrings to slightly match some of the pieces I had recently made.

Let me know what you think :) xxx

My new lovely SPIKEY ORANYIA....

2011-08-23T19:51:00.000+01:00

Hiya dear jewellery lovers,

Here is another piece I had made.

I really wanted to make something different and just break all the rules of conventional jewellery.
So, I literally broke the wires.

This necklace took me a long time to make.

This is a two strand necklace, and had to cut the one to add in the spikes.

It was a challenge but I love the outcome.

It's so different xx

Here is a close-up of the beads used.

Swarovski orange crytals, orange polished stone, peachy flat shell, silver spacers,

and orange seed beads.

Then to add the finishing touch, an extension with a charm bead.

This has become a favourite of Valbies Jewellery, we love to add on a little charm

to give a little accentuation on the piece.

Ladies, this will look good in any outfit.

If you find that your outfit isn't doing it enough for you, then add in a lovely piece of

jewellery like this, and you will change your look completely.

You'll look gorgeous, besides you deserve it!! xx

Marketing Your Jewellery...

2011-08-23T01:19:00.000+01:00

Hiya jewellers and friends,

Just thought I would share some helpful advice on marketing your homemade jewellery that you wish to sell.

This comes from my own personal experience that I encountered today.

But over a while, it was suggested to me to join jewellery making forums and tell others about my range of beauties out there. How amazing, it never occurred to me to do this :(
I did it, but never got really involved and felt very frustrated.

So today I plugged away and just read people's own experiences and advice, their replies and conversations.
Man, was I fascinated!
It truly is amazing what you can find out there.

Next minute I came across some websites (besides from Ebay) to sell your jewellery on, and then from those websites I found other websites to market my items for sale for people to see. I managed to find twelve so far. I have more to encounter.

I does take a lot of work, but who says anything happens easily. And when it's your own business - you find you have more of a drive to get on with it.
The world is very big out there with the internet.

Enjoy! xxx

Up and Coming....

2011-08-23T01:12:00.000+01:00

Hiya all,

Tomorrow I'll be posting some new designs I made on the same day that I got creative with my PINKALICIOUS beauty :) x

Ciao x

Jewellery Maker's Guide: Pinkalicious Necklace

2011-08-23T01:05:00.000+01:00

Jewellery Maker's Guide: Pinkalicious Necklace: Hiya all, This is a beautiful necklace that I made yesterday. I was thinking about this design for a couple of days, and got so frustrat...

Pinkalicious Necklace

2011-08-23T01:04:00.000+01:00

Hiya all,

This is a beautiful necklace that I made yesterday.

I was thinking about this design for a couple of days, and got so frustrated because I really wanted to make it but just wasn't sure what to put together.
When that happens I just need to get on with it and start making the piece, because the more I get focused the more detailed it starts to create itself. It's amazing, really!
That is why the jewellery I make is so precious, because it creates itself and it's designed to make you look fabulous and outstanding.
My jewellery aims to accessorize your outfit for the day. If you want to draw people's attention away from a particular part of your body, then wear a piece of my jewellery and you'll see people starring more at your new necklace or bracelet than the 'I don't want you to notice that' area :) xx

But here is my piece. It took me less than half an hour to make and is made with a rose quartz pendant. The focus was on that authentic gemstone. I have a beautiful collection of gemstones, and decided to use them and this was my first attempt.
It took me ages to wire wrap the pendant, but I finally got it.
Then I looked for glass beads and other gemstones to form the rest of the necklace.
I think the beads called each other together really :)

This is the only design I have, so if you choose to buy it - I haven't seen anything else like it around. Ideally dark skin toned ladies (tanned, or natural dark skin) will accentuate this necklace beautifully. Otherwise, you could wear it with a dark polo neck top to show case this beauty to your friends and family.

The necklace has an extension - so don't worry about being chocked to death - you can alter it to any length you want - but not too long :) x

Who am I?

2011-07-04T23:49:00.001+01:00

I wanted to share with everyone the person who makes all the jewellery that you see listed on my blog and on my website www.wix.com/afrojude/valbies. It is 'I' - Judith Charles who mainly makes most of the complicated and time consuming jewellery pieces

This is a very recent picture of me - but yes I love making jewellery and I'm still learning. It's all about growing and developing new and fantastic designs that interest people. I also love people's honesty. If there is a piece you don't like - tell me. I'll change the design to make it more stylish for the majority of you who wanted it changed.

The other person involved in my lovely fiance - Brett Bamberger. He enjoys making more simpler jewellery, combining loads of intersting colour to suit anyone's needs.

Despite long days at work, Brett will often come home and feel inspired.

So, there you go. These are the people who are involved in Valbies Jewellery. We are not that old either LOL xx

Valbies "Googled"

2011-06-20T16:29:00.000+01:00

Valbies roamed around Google for a while today, and we decided to see if we could be found if you simply just 'Googled' our name Valbies Jewellery and to our surprise this is what we found.......

We were listed first on the Google search engine with our facebook page.

This is a great hit for us.

We encourage you to give it a try and let us know what you find.

We appreciate any support that you provide to Valbies, and we thank those who are already supporting our passion for making jewellery. Thanx guys :) xx

Valbies favs....

2011-06-16T13:59:00.000+01:00

This is one of Valbies fav designed necklace, with the Valbies logo as a pendant

BANGLELICIOUS......

2011-06-13T13:34:00.000+01:00

Valbies would like to introduce to you the all new....BANGLELICIOUS.

So far we have two colours, the first a mixture of purple shades, and the second a mixture of beautiful exotic blue shades. Both bracelets are made with glass and crystal beads and are able to fit any wrist. The aim of these bracelets is to really shine and glow in the sun, and they sure do - particularly the blue. It sets off the real tone for summer, creating a tropical and exotic feel.

Above are close-up images of the finished touch to each bracelet. A beautiful silver shine finish, and very secure. No glue or nots are used in the finished touches, just chain linked with another chain.

Feel free to let us know what you think.

Keeping busy...

2011-06-13T13:22:00.000+01:00

Well, Valbies Jewellery has been keeping themselves busy. We have taken a few of our older jewellery designs, broken them down and rebuilt a few new designs. A new look is taking Valbies by storm, and we wanted share the start of our new beginning of designs. A taste of vintage with a dash of modern is what's inspiring Valbies Jeweller's.

This new necklace was inspired from the summer sun, and we therefore chose to call this necklace 'Soliou' [so-LI-oo]. All the beads were individually chosen and consist of glass, crystal teardrops, and shell. The necklace was finished off with a golden chain and spiced up with golden charms.

Also, Valbies always ensures that the finishings of any jewellery we make is to a perfect close. We only make sure that our finishings are very secure, to prevent any breakage for a long long time, and to give the piece a beautiful handmade perfect design. The necklace is long but we added a golden lobster clasp for the ultimate ending.

Valbies Jewellery would love to hear your opinion. If you would be interested in buying this necklace let us know, and if you want a set with this specific design we can arrange it.

NEW TOOLS

2011-06-13T12:49:00.000+01:00

Valbies Jewellery just recently purchased a whole new set of tools to help improve our jewellery making techniques, and partly due to cutters becoming blunt.

Since we are on the post about tools, I would like to add that it is very important in using the right tools on certain materials. Valbies has learnt that if using cutters they would need to be useful for certain wires, and that you can't use your cutters for every wire. Wire comes in different strengths, and if your cutters are not able to cut wire, like memory wire, they will become blunt very quickly and possibly even damage the blades. If your wire is soft or thin(ish) then your cutters should be able to cut through, but if you use your cutters on harder wire, then consider getting stronger cutters. Many jewellery suppliers are able to supply a selection of cutters, just read closely and see if you need a particular pair. It may become costly, so just make sure that you're willing to advance and invest in good tools. Good tools will pay off in the long run.

Valbies purchased this new tool set from 'The Great Big Bead Shop' via Ebay. We were a little worried about the sizes of the tools, but on average a tool will measure 5in long, which is the correct size, give or take a little. We paid a lovely £19.99, which we were very happy to pay. I have to say a big thank you to 'The Great Big Bead Shop' for a lovely supply of tools and recommend anyone else to go for this tool set.

The tools are very easy and manageable on the hands. Compared with my old set, they have an easier grip and don't feel so tight. My hands would ache a lot when I used my old set, but the new ones provide more relieve, which enables me to produce more jewellery.

Learning

2011-05-19T00:28:00.000+01:00

I always had a keen eye on making jewellery, but was so afraid to get involved. The pressure of probably going on jewellery-making courses didn't impress me, and time sure had to be a factor to consider.

So I continued just reading about people who made jewellery, and became even more inspired when my fiance's mom told me she made jewellery. She would often give me some of her pieces. I looked with amazement, and thought 'how on earth did she manage this?' I was even more afraid to begin, thinking I would never be as good as Val (fiance's mom name).

Until one day Val could no longer be with us, and during this sad time - things changed. I had found her jewellery-making magazines and decided to give it a go. I kept on thinking where to get a few pointers from, and remembered an important website - Youtube. If you ever need to find out how to do something - go to Youtube - sooo useful!

After a few videos I was on the go and I learnt to make my first pair of earrings. I was so excited I showed my fiance and even he had to get involved. And that's how Valbies Jewellery began. I continuously watch videos and ideas on Youtube, buy books or find other resources.

In the beginning...

2011-05-18T23:13:00.000+01:00

Jewellery has always been of interest to me. I find jewellery beautiful and can be used in any form. It's another form of artwork that can be appreciated. For now I'm just focusing on the beginnings of jewellery making. This would be jewellery beading and wiring. This is where I began in September 2010 whilst in South Africa. First it was simple beading, and then I wanted more of a challenge and found 'wiring' - learning new techniques. I currently live in the UK, but originally come from South Africa. A country where handcrafts is very popular, and is part of South African culture.
This blog will explore what I have learnt in jewellery making, and the new paths I will take. The end results will be pictured for anyone to view and comment on; with the possibility of buying an item or two.
So, please join me on my journey to a continuous discovery in jewellery making.