Where Does a Person Start....to Make Jewelry Art?

This is the old "Messy Workshop" at B'sue Boutiques, where so many first 'met' me, through my You Tube videos.

There was a long process for me to even get to the place where I could put **this** workshop together, and it's being re-done, right now, as I write this blog post.

My workshop at our little place downtown looks busier, but it never saw as much jewelry making as the old Messy one did.   Since we're in a rented building, I hesitate to do some of the things I'd do back in the basement.  But it makes a great video set!

If you've been watching the videos (they can be found at the B'sue Boutiques channel here:  https://www.youtube.com/user/bsueboutiques/videos ) you'll see that we specialize in mixed media projects, patina and color on brass stampings, assemblage and simple wire and beading projects.  

A great place for beginner to intermediate jewelry makers to pick up ideas and jump in and try something new.

Today on my Facebook Business Page I received this question:

"I am overwhelmed with the selections and eclectic beauty of your items. How do I, "newbie," here get my start; what are the most essential items to purchase while finding my style and discovering a new way of doing...art?"

I have to agree.   By design at B'sue Boutiques we have an ever-expanding line of some of the loveliest products for jewelry making, the best mixed media supplies, and the basic tools you need as well.   But it can be daunting to select just the RIGHT thing.

TOOLS are first.

For me (and I preach this in most of my videos) the short list is:

Round nose pliers

Flat nose pliers (I like the kind that are pointed on the end)

Good flush cutters (for the money, I think ours are as good as many of the pricey ones.   You'll find them here: http://www.bsueboutiques.com/product-p/plier18.htm

Needle nose tweezers

A jump ring turning tool  

Metal shears....ours are the best for cutting up brass stampings: http://www.bsueboutiques.com/product-p/tool07900.htm

A hole punch.   We have both screw type and hand-held, both work about as well but I find I use the hand held most often: http://www.bsueboutiques.com/product-p/plier07810.htm

It's good to have things like simple files and #0000 steel wool around, too.

Those things will get you started and if you get them at our place, it won't break the bank.   I consider them all essentials.

After that, perhaps review the videos....what sort of jewelry do you like to make?

If you like assemblage, you'll need some blanks:

http://www.bsueboutiques.com/category-s/1846.htm

You'll also need some E6000 glue for assemblage, as well as things like leaf stampings, flower stampings, bits of chain, resin flowers, flatback pearls, bits of broken jewelry, charms.....you'll have to choose what appeals to you!

If you want to do resin work, get ICE RESIN (we carry it) and some bezels:

http://www.bsueboutiques.com/category-s/1848.htm

We also have some nice videos about using it.

If you want to make beaded necklaces, we usually work with wire here at B'sue Boutiques    At the You Tube channel you will see my easy methods that are very forgiving.   20 gauge wire is your best bet and our best seller is silver:

http://www.bsueboutiques.com/product-p/wire05390.htm

You will find some simple videos on scrapbook jewelry using paper, and simple wire wrapped bracelets like this one:

BUT TO START.....MOST OF ALL....ya gotta figure out what trips your trigger!

What's your style?

What appeals to you most, what sort of jewelry do you think you'd be comfortable with trying out first?

What do YOU really want to make, what sort of jewelry artist do you see yourself becoming?

Answering those questions first will help you to focus on JUST the right place to start, and keep you from buying stuff to make every new project that comes down the pike.  Let's face it, even if all you did all day long was make jewelry, you could never master or even TRY every style that comes out.   So choosing what you feel is your best bet is THE FIRST STEP.

Again, our videos can help, also our GALLERY OF INSPIRATION:

https://www.pinterest.com/bsueboutiques/bsue-boutiques-gallery-of-inspiration/

There are over 800! photos in this gallery.  Some are thing I have made, but far more are things customers who love our products have made from the things we carry.   Many visit this gallery because it does indeed help them get a feel for what they like best.

Once you know that, you can always contact me, B'sue, through the B'sue Boutiques website  or you can friend Brenda Sue Lansdowne at Facebook.  If you feel unsure of ordering, we can agree on a dollar amount and I can try to set you up with your first things needed.

You can also join us at the B'sue Boutiques Creative Group   The inspiration and sharing there is excellent.   Even though the group is sponsored by my supplies site, we do occasionally allow folks to post pix of things they have done in other genres besides the things we sell at our place.   This is so that we can all see what all is going on out there, and what WE might need to be learning---or WANT to learn next.

The group is caring, nurturing, a no-drama, no-ego zone where newbies are welcomed with open arms.

Why don't you just come on over today and join us?

 

 

Related articles

Jewelry Making and Beading For Dummies

Build A Line Master Class Blog Hop, The FINALE! Believe You Can......

Build A Line Master Class Blog Hop, Part TWO, B'sue Boutiques

Are You Coming to the Workshop? B'sue Boutiques Second Annual, May 15-18, 2015 - Jewelry Making Outside The Box

Comments

[Jann Tague]

Brenda .. I'm doing my design room also .. still cleaning everything outof that room so we can paint then do tile wood floors and last a work counter and cabnets .. Im so excited .. looking forward to seeing your finished room .. xo

[Sue Shade]

Brenda this is a great article for helping a beginner get started. I definately recommend they view your video tutorials. Your video tutorials are real and honest. It helps beginners see how to do it and that sometimes little errors occur. I think that is a confidence builder. You carry so many beautiful stampings at the shop that most any style of jewelry maker can find components that will work great.

Looking forward to seeing your workshop make over.

[Lori Beekman]

This is a great post. I really stumbled through a lot of things trying to figure out where I wanted to "go" I wish I had stepped back and put more thought into it other than "That looks fun!"

[Cynthia Wainscott]

What a great post my friend! I remember when I started making jewlery in my kitchen just in a little corner I had a extra folding table where I had my things and you were there with me keeping me company while I worked at night! Siempre Estare eternamente agradecida!

[Janet Calardo]

What a great post for someone new wanting to start out making assemblage type jewelry. I started out watching Brenda's videos and joining her Facebook B'sue Boutiques Creative Group. I followed all the posts and watched the magic of all the artists posting their beautiful creations that they made from B'sue's stampings. I also followed and looked at the designs on the Pinterest pages and on Flickr. It helped me realize what kind of jewelry I wanted to make. I first ordered some necklace and bracelet blanks with some basic items to add to them. I made a wish list on her store website which helps me know the things I like and things I want to try. By the way I love her metal shears they are the best as is her other tools. If you have any questions post them to the group page and you will get many informative responses from the artists. It is the best, most helpful, loving group on FB.

[Chi]

Brenda, this is a great post. Your videos are THE place to start to find out what style you like - and how to build it! The B'Sue Creative Group is an amazing place for inspiration, encouragement and getting a question answered. Your knowledge is a wonderful gift you share with us all. Thank you for all you do. I can't wait to see the new Messy Workshop! Xo

[Marica Zammit]

Loved reading this! I remember when I first stumbled across your videos and then went on to have a look at the site, that I too felt overwhelmed. So many pretties to choose from!

This is GREAT advice for those just starting out. I'm sure that many will find this post helpful.

[gail]

Wonderful post Brenda. And I can attest to the nurturing caring of the FB group!

[Brenda Sue Lansdowne]

WOW, thanks everyone for all the wonderful comments....so glad to be of help and I think we are all having a great time together at the B'sue Boutiques Creative Group! I hope more and more will join us. Great ideas breed MORE great ideas. It is a super place for new jewelry makers because we nurture them.

[Teresa Schurter]

I'm an absolute newbie too, so I can honestly say -Joining the B'Sue Creative group and shopping at B'Sue's Boutique are the best steps.
Tools of course are a must, instruction is too, but having received all the loving help, care and instructions from the BALC Classroom group, the design team, the Creative group and especially Brenda herself is an awesome and uplifting experience not to be missed.

[Leslie]

The best advice I ever had for art in any form is to make/paint/create what you love. If you love earrings, make earrings, if it's bracelets, learn how to create bracelets, necklaces, etc. Expect a learning curve, but don't stop, keep making all kinds of things. I have found all the creative stages I have had in life have helped me in what I create today (painting art work of many types and I am now painting B'Sue metal pieces for my jewelry and love it). I love the journey I am on making jewelry, love the people I meet and create for and with, love that there is so much more to learn every day. Enjoy the journey.

[Pamela Anger]

Wonderful post, Brenda Sue! Indeed your videos are a wonderful place to start ... watching them can inspire a person to find out what kind of jewelry style they really would enjoy creating. Having such a great selection of goodies at your website makes picking out supplies for any style a breeze, and fun! ;) Joining the Creative Group on facebook is also a great inspiration. Create what you love, and you'll love what you create ..... <3

[Carole Carlson]

If you go to the B'Sue website, there are helpful videos posted with each category of supplies. For example, if you are interested in brass stampings, click on that category and there you will find a number of videos on what to do with them. If you check out a few on each page, that should give you an idea of what you might like to try first.

[Melissa Latimer]

Of course the jewelry making is great fun, the videos are awesome, the pieces B'Sue sells are of the finest quality, but what I love most is the group. Almost everyone truly feels like a friend.

[Catherine]

The very first stamping piece I made was using the Victorian shoe stamping. It was nothing to sneeze at, but I liked it and I learned from just trying. I've come a long way since then and am continuing to learn. I really enjoy making my own little pieces of art with the Lumiere paints, Guilders paste, and so many other colorizing media. Thank you so much, Brenda, for sharing your vast knowledge. :)

[Susan Bowerman]

I started making jewelry quite by accident--with a kit, some pliers, and some wire--all spontaneous purchases. They beauty of engaging in this craft is that the sky is the limit as to where one can take it, once the basics are mastered. If a person has a creative heart, the making of jewelry is fuel for the soul and inspiration can be found everywhere. Just give me my favorite tools, some great parts, and a leisurely day tinkering in my studio and all is well with the world.

[Coral]

Totally agree with Susan. I lost interest in learning quickly. I can't learn to play any instrument or sport well. For making jewelry, the passion is always there. I can't believe I love it so much.

[Rhonda]

You will find Brenda to be one of the most kind funny patient and knowledgeable artists out there, I've made a few boo boos in my posts and she has always dealt kindly and respectfully with me. Also I have to say she's just a hoot on her YouTube vids. It's an easy very fun way to learn knew techniques. So just jump in watch and get inspired by her and all her friends and the amazing things they make. As they say let your imagination take you as far as you want to go. Good luck!

[Marcia Tuzzolino]

Wonderful post, Brenda. Great answer to the question that was asked of you. Lots of information for not only the newbies, but all of us. Thanks for sharing your expertise, once again.

[Renee Hong]

B'sue, great article! I tried to comment from my phone and don't think it went through. I just had to chime in to say that I agree about the tools...those are a great place to start and you've got good ones. And if you are just starting out, get the "good stuff" from B'sue...so many of us started out buying cheap stuff from wherever before we found you!