Advice on stringing/findings

[weejane]

Hi, I am a newbie and I've been on a course which taught me how to make some basic beads. My question is where do I find information on/does anyone have any recommendations for what to string beads on or how to turn them into pieces of jewellery- bracelets, earrings, etc. I have looked online and there is a vast and confusing array of options but I have no idea which to buy, I don't even know what half the things are for.
Any information would be much appreciated as my lack of knowledge of what to actually do with my beads is stopping me from making anymore, I don't want to end of with piles of unused beads.
Thanks,
Jane

[Lynnybobs]

There are places that do basic jewellery making courses or you tube have a few tutorials. You could also get one of the beading magazines for some help on what everything is and how to use it. Lamp work beads are quite heavy so you need a strong stringing material like beadalon stranded wire or tiger tail then the ends need to be secured to a clasp of some sort. Earrings are quite simple to make just need ear wires and some headpins  - add beads then make a small loop at the top and hang on the earwire. Hope you have fun experimenting!

[ruth]

Welcome to Frit Happens.  I find Pinterest to be a wealth of of ideas and instructions.  There is guidance on what gauge of wire to use for what purpose, advice on how to do things from the simple classics to highly complex masterpieces. It is free and always available.
Warning
It can eat time.
Good luck with your new obsession.

Ruth

[babyshoes]

Hi & welcome!

I've found you tube very useful. Just search for jewellery making videos & watch a variety. Once you've got a feel for the common tools & findings, you can wander into a craft shop & buy what you need, or get a stater kit online. There are lots of starter options with a few basic pieces to get you going without spending too much at first.

[Moira HFG]

There are some useful books that might help. If you put 'lampwork bead jewellery' into a search on Amazon, a few alternatives come up.: for example https://www.amazon.co.uk/Creating-Lampwork-Beads-Jewelry-Leonardo/dp/0896895491/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1488115966&sr=1-1&keywords=lampwork+jewellery

It's also worth looking up books on wirework, which goes well with lampwork beads. I began with 'Bead on a Wire' by Sharilyn Miller. You can stick to simple techniques like making bead dangles and connectors; or continue on to complex gorgeous wound wire creations!

Be careful when looking up 'how to make jewellery' books. Sometimes they are aimed at silversmiths, and expect you to have special metalwork tools. Check the reviews to see what other people think. And beware the ones with a very low 'used' price - good books hold their value!

Try the same searches on Youtube, too.

[flame n fuse]

I started with 'Bead on a Wire' too. our local library had it and I eventually bought myself a copy. You do need a few tools for wirework, and the wire gauges are given in US dimensions.
I also bought an awful/useless book on bead stringing from a supplier of silver wire which isn't worth the paper it's printed on.

[cbeadies]

A basic jewellery making book should help you get to grips with tools, equipment and stringing techniques and making your beads into fairly simple bracelets and necklaces. The first book that I bought was a really cheap second hand one with clear pictures, like this...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Getting-Started-Stringing-Beads-Campbell/dp/1931499799/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8


But there are lots of others available and your local library may stock some. And YouTube is great, as others have mentioned.
If you have a bead shop in your area you may find that they run beginners classes too.

[Kimster]

Simple lampwork beads can look stunning simply knotted onto good quality leather as a starter. I never buy leather thong online any more though as the quality is so variable - some snap when you pull a knot tight. Waxed cotton or faux suede is a good alternative. Kate Drew Wilkinson has a great DVD on turning lampwork beads into simple jewellery if you can get your hands on it.. Good luck!