How to Make Beaded Jewelry -
Beginner Jewelry Making Instructions

Want to learn how to make beaded jewelry? Master the basics of bead stringing with step by step jewelry making instructions!

Beading Jewelry by Stringing Beads

If you're asking, "How do I begin making my own jewelry"? Great!

Step by step, I'll guide you through what you need to know to make your own jewelry.

Since you are new to bead jewelry making, I will cover a lot of jewelry beading basics for the jewelry making technique called bead stringing.

Stringing beads is the jewelry beading technique that a lot of jewelry makers learn first.

Beginning Bead Jewelry Making
Bead Stringing

Stringing beads is perhaps the most basic and easiest to learn of all jewelry making techniques.

Simply put, the art of stringing beads is to thread or pass stringing material through the hole(s) in beads.

How to Make Bead Jewelry
Table of Contents

Bead Stringing Tools and Supplies

Here is a list of the basic jewelry making supplies that you'll use to learn how to make beaded jewelry...

• Jewelry making beads
• Jewelry making tools
• Stringing materials
• Jewelry findings
• Jewelry Beading Board

Each type of jewelry supply is explained below.

Jewelry Making Beads

To learn how to make beaded jewelry, you will need beads of course.

I love beads just as much (if not more) as actually making jewelry!

If you are unfamiliar with beads (or have never purchased a bead in your life), check out my article on buying beads. There, I describe the whole bead buying experience.

Then, explore the many types of jewelry making beads available for making beaded jewelry.

Jewelry Making Tools for Stringing Beads

Making bead jewelry requires only a few jewelry making tools

To learn how to make beaded jewelry you need wire cutters and these must have jewelry pliers...

• Round nose pliers
• Chain nose pliers
• Crimping pliers

Here is an explanation and pictures of jewelry pliers used in bead stringing projects.

Stringing Materials Used to String Beads

And, how could we learn how to make beaded jewelry without finding out a little about the materials used for stringing beads?!

Stringing material is the stuff we put beads onto to make jewelry necklaces and bracelets.

Here, find out all about beading wire and other materials used to sting beads into jewelry.

Jewelry Making Findings for Bead Stringing

One way to string beads into a necklace or bracelet is to connect a strand of beads, strung on the stringing material called beading wire, to a jewelry clasp with a finding called a crimp bead.

This jewelry making technique is called crimping.

Findings are small components that make jewelry functional. One use for jewelry findings is to make connections.

Don't worry, you'll see how easy bead jewelry making is once you know how to make the right connections.

Some typical bead stringing findings include jewelry clasps, jump rings, split rings and crimp beads.

Here, learn about many more jewelry findings and when to use them.

Beading Board

When you first start to make jewelry, it helps to layout your pattern and to measure the length of your jewelry necklace or bracelet.

To do this we use a jewelry design aid called a beading board.

Top of How to Make Bead Jewelry Menu

Bead Stringing Tools and Supplies: Where to Buy

By now you may be asking, "Where do I buy my jewelry making supplies"?

Jewelry supplies are now found in lots of retail stores or bead shops.

Here are a few excellent sources for finding the beads and jewelry making supplies that you will need...

Online Bead Stores

One of the easiest places to buy jewelry supplies is from online bead stores. Shopping is convenient and sometimes the variety cannot be beaten.

Arts and Crafts Stores and Bead Shops

Also, visit bead shops and arts and craft stores in your area.

When you're new to jewelry making, examining beads and jewelry making supplies first hand allows you to become more familiar with the many varieties and brands available.

Also, the sales staff at most bead shops are indispensable for answering questions on bead jewelry making. Usually, they know how to make beaded jewelry. So, just ask your questions (none are too silly or outrageous).

Bead Shows

And, there is nothing like attending a bead show. Here's a list of some of the best major bead shows in Canada and the USA.

You're going to have so much fun!

Top of How to Make Bead Jewelry Menu

Jewelry Beading
Instructions and Techniques

Beginner Bead Stringing Technique: Crimping

To learn how to make beaded jewelry you'll need some beading techniques.

Let's learn an easy jewelry beading technique called crimping.

Crimping is a jewelry beading technique used to finish off necklace and bracelet ends.

We'll take a look at two variations of the crimping technique using different stringing materials.

And don't worry...You'll succeed by using step by step illustrated jewelry beading instructions.

Basic Beading Technique #1
Crimping Crimp Ends

Learn to use fold over crimp ends to finish cord ends like leather, suede or ribbon.

Basic Beading Technique #2
Crimping Crimp Beads

Learn to use crimp beads to attach clasps to finish necklace or bracelet ends strung on beading wire.

Crimping is an easy way to learn how to make jewelry. And a very simple way to learn how to make beaded jewelry! Right?

Top of How to Make Bead Jewelry Menu

How to String Beads

Now that you've learned the jewelry making technique called crimping, let's learn to string beads. And, of course I give you options for stringing beads.

How to String Beads
Stringing Beads Using a Beading Board

First, we'll learn how to use crimp beads to secure beading wire after stringing beads of the same size to make a beaded necklace.

Let's learn how to string beads using a beading board as a design aid.

Next, try a little more challenging beading project.

How to String Beads
Stringing Irregular Shaped Beads Using a Beading Mat

Sometimes a beading board is not necessary or practical to use.

We may be taking a jewelry making class, stringing bulky or irregular shaped beads or simply have been beading for a while and don't want to use a beading board.

These are the times when it's handy to use a beading mat.

Though at first it's a little more challenging, it's well worth learning to string beads using a beading mat.

Top of How to Make Bead Jewelry Menu

Beginner Bead Jewelry Projects

Here are a few more beginning jewelry bead projects for you to try...

Make a Y Style Necklace

A Y necklace is easy to make. Best of all you make it with one length of beading wire!

Make a Simple Beaded Bracelet

Learn how to make a beaded bracelet. String a bead bracelet and finish the bracelet ends with French wire, or bullion.

Or, choose from several more bead stringing projects.

You're learning how to make bead jewelry by stringing beads. How easy and fun!

Top of How to Make Bead Jewelry Menu

More Resources on How to Make Bead Jewelry

Jewelry Making and Beading Magazines

There are many bead magazines available today.

The range of beading projects and beading techniques offered seem almost endless (lucky for us!).

The beading magazine devoted to bringing us lots of bead jewelry projects using bead stringing techniques is called BeadStyle.

Here, read my review of BeadStyle magazine.

Then, take a look at several other bead and jewelry making magazines in my Best Beading Magazines List.

Enjoy hours of browsing for inspiration and how-to techniques!

And ladies, that's how to make beaded jewelry.

At least that's how you get started. After making a few bead designs, share them with us...

Share Your First Bead Stringing Jewelry Projects

I invite you to join in the fun and...

• Share a Photo of Your First Bead Jewelry Projects
• View and Comment on Bead Jewelry Projects Submitted by Others

We all share the same passion and sometimes crave a little praise!

Have fun on your Beginner Jewelry Making journey into how to make beaded jewelry by stringing beads!

Wanda

Return to Top of How to Make Beaded Jewelry page

Return to Making Beaded Jewelry home page