From hair to toes and all parts in-between, the body is a canvas to exhibit an artistic representation of your individual style through jewelry.

Primarily used in modern times as decoration, jewelry was originally crafted for practical uses such as pinning clothing, currency and religious symbols. Regardless of application, jewelry remains a prominent piece of modern fashion and culture.

Whether hunting for a staple piece for everyday wear or a once-in-a-lifetime purchase, finding jewelry that perfectly suits your personal style makes for a long hunting season.

Instead of settling for “good enough,” why not get a “perfect fit” by making your own jewelry?

Even if you consider yourself uncreative, making a fabulous piece of jewelry is closer to your reach than you think.

INSPIRATION
Flip through the pages of fashion magazines to see the hottest trends in jewelry. Often, these pieces can be duplicated easily using materials found in local craft and bead stores. Additionally, visit retail stores for inspiration and materials. Check out the sales racks, because often times you can purchase sterling silver at huge discounts. You can recycle the chain, pendants and earring posts and use different beads to alter the appearance.

DESIGN: STRINGING
• You can select from a variety of stringing options. Nylon-coated wire is very popular but be careful to keep on the spool as you work because it will crease. Elastic thread is also a great choice, especially if you want to make a piece without a clasp…simply stretch over your head or wrist to wear.

BEADS
Picking the focal beads of your project is one of the most exciting events of development of your jewelry. Depending on the style you are aiming for, purchase these beads carefully and with an idea in mind. Beads are sold a variety of craft stores, local bead supply stores and online. Try ebay for bulk purchases.

FINDINGS
• “Findings” is the term used to describe all the other parts of your jewelry piece. Clasps, spacers, jump-rings, crimp-beads, etc. Using findings in your jewelry piece is a necessary and important step. Findings can be found at the same place you shop for loose beads.

TOOLS NEEDED
Most tools needed for jewelry making can be found in your garage or existing toolbox. You can also purchase these tools at your favorite hardware or craft store. TIP: Jewelry tools are often more expensive, so shop in the hardware or fishing section first.

• Flat and clean surface. Felt works very well and helps beads to stay in place.
• Flat-nose pliers.
• Round-nose pliers.
• Wire cutters.
• Crimp pliers.
• Organizer (recommended for beads and findings).
• Ruler or tape measure.

Leann Kocon, co-owner of fizzo jewelry, said “Start simple until you’re comfortable with your tools. Spend a little extra, and get pliers that fit your hand perfectly with a good grip. You will use pliers for every project.”

CONSTRUCTION
On a flat and clean workspace, lay out your newly acquired beads, strings, tools and findings. The first thing to do is to arrange your piece. This is when it’s time to play around with all the beautiful things you’ve procured for your piece.

Start putting beads on the string. If you don’t love the way the piece is looking, take off the beads and start again.

Take your time on this step.

“If the piece is not working … put it down and walk away,” recommends Tammy Doverspike of Gulf Breeze, co-owner of fizzo jewelry. “It’s much better to love your final piece than to feel mediocre and never wear it.”

FINISHING
Finishing the piece takes a little skill and practice but is very rewarding. You can tie your string to the clasps or use the crimp technique. Crimping beads and a crimping tool can make a piece look store-bought, but it takes a little practice. If you used stretchy cord, you can simply tie the ends together and push the knot under a bead … no one will ever be able to find the start or end of your necklace or bracelet.

Jewelry design and construction does not have to be a mystery. With so many options for learning via online, local artists and classes, you never have to go out without wearing a piece of jewelry that represents your personal style and taste.

Local jewelry and craft stores

Michaels Arts and Craft Store
4721 Bayou Blvd.
Cordova Collection Shopping Center
Pensacola
850-484-7665

Joann Fabrics
6601 N. Davis Highway, No. 25
Pensacola
850-473-3926

Hobby Lobby
6235 N. Davis Highway
Pensacola
850-478-4200

The Bead Shoppe
Quietwater Beach Boardwalk
Pensacola Beach
850-932-0404.

Blue Girl Beading Co.
4930 Wharf Parkway, Suite 107
Orange Beach, Ala.
251-224-2323

The Rock & Crystal Shop
711 W. Garden St.
850-432-3400
Unbeadable!
2408 Langley Ave., Suite D
Pensacola
505-7551

Training and tutorials
http://jewelrymaking.about.com

Wholesale jewelry making supplies
www.firemountaingems.com
www.shipwreckbeads.com
www.artbeads.com

Online communities
www.craftster.org (jewelry forum)
www.etsy.com (easy registration to sell your pieces)
www.justbeads.com (an online auction site for beads)
www.find-beads.com (an online directory for everything related to beads)
www.lapidaryjournal.com (The first gem and jewelry-making magazine in the world (60-years). The leading source of information, supplies, and services in the jewelry, bead, and gem fields. Training and tutorials
http://jewelrymaking.about.com
www.beadinghelpweb.com