Do You Want to Make Jewelry?

Hey, you can make really pretty jewelry too! I thought I'd list a few resources I have found helpful while learning new techniques for stringing and wire wrapping.

The very first book I read about wire wrapping was All Wired Up: Wire Techniques for the Beadworker and Jewelry Maker by Mark Lareau. Mark and Vicki Lareau own a local bead store called The Bead Factory where they offer awesome classes and workshops. Speaking of bead stores, if you have one close to you, chances are really good that you could take a class there and go home with a beautiful handmade piece of jewelry of your own.

There are several magazines that give step by step instructions on how to make beautiful pieces. You'll find projects on their websites too. Here are a few:

Bead and Button
Step by Step Beads
Lapidary Journal

A great forum for asking questions of other lampworkers and beaders is WetCanvas! in the glass art forum.

When you start creating works of your own you can join metalchasers.com, a new social networking site for jewelry and metal artists. The site has great potential for promoting and selling, but what I like best is checking out the gallery everyday for new inspiration.

So, I given you a handful of places to check out to start. When you start making your own jewelry and you need some lampworked beads to make your jewelry really unique and special, you'll know where to turn! (I'm talking about me, but you'll find lots of talented lampworkers out there - something for everyone.)