Thread: Making own jewellery

Does anyone make their own jewellery/metalwork/coin-work costumes/jewellery?

I used to do a lot of this. Haven't been lately but still have my tools and a hoard of supplies. Just thinking yesterday about putting together some huge and long earrings to go with a certain costume.
Rosette

I make jewelry (bead-and chainwork) and coin belts, but no soldered work or metal casting. I don't have pierced ears, so if I couldn't do a little jewelry making, I'd hardly ever have earrings to match my costumes.

I make jewelry as a side-business. I usually make jewelry when I am not working on a costume. I have only made a few pieces for costumes though. My jewelry fits more into the casual wear category.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/andalee

Jewelry making and bead work is my newest hobby. I started because I had several vintage pieces that broke. They were just "junk jewelry" from garage sales, but I really, really liked them and they went well with my favorite costumes. So, I fixed them, and from there make a few bead and chain pieces, and some earrings. Right now I'm making some woven beadwork for a scarf. The woven beadwork is kinda time-consuming, don't think I'll be doing much more of that. But I did enjoy making the jewelry, and really enjoy the freedom of creating my own.

I'm an avid chainmailler -- in fact, for my first costume (which I should really get a picture of) I substituted maille for where coins would normally go. I've also made several sets of maille earrings (of various sizes), a headdress, and a necklace. I make other jewelry as well, but my maille is the only thing that I consider worthy to wear with my dance costumes (and only certain costumes at that!), as it stands out better than the other delicate work I do...

Oh, Andalee.... They are gorgeous... Do you only ship to the US?

I have been making jewelry for awhile- I got to learn to market myself better- like an etsy store. which I got to get my butt into gear this year.I make earrings, necklaces earrings, historical pieces, coin jewelry(when my tendonitis on my wrist doesn't act up) I usually make them to match costumes. I also make them for gifts my clientele is usually bellydancers, re faires, and sci-fi conventions. I don't do trendy or mainstream

Mr. Latifa is an amazing jewelry designer. And look at these cool tribal-y dance ensembles he designed recently!

http://web.me.com/davidarts/DavidArt..._Ensemble.html

I make much more jewelry than I wear, for various reasons. (No metal work here.) But it started by me just being attracted to beads. Then when I started dancing, I wanted stuff that went with my costumes, so I gradually acquire beads and every once in a while go on a jewelry-making binge.

I highly recommend Fire Mountain Gems. They have great sales, great prices and some equally great online tutorials.

Equip youself with a tool at a time as you need them ... everyone is different. I have at least 3 kinds of small pliers, one small-wire nippers and one heavy-wire nippers (from the hardware store), a set of four 1 1/2 inch clothespin-like metal clamps to hold onto things (also from the hardware store). I like my loop pliers! Crimps and a crimp bead clamp-thing are my friends!

And ... if you end up not liking it, you can always re-string it.