Make your own?

Ever thought of making your own jewellery? There are few things that are as satisfying as making something yourself. Especially when you can wear it and have others admire it.

I am self taught and believe that everyone can make jewellery especially wire jewellery I tend to think that if I can do it everyone can!

Wire wrap jewellery is one of the oldest forms of jewellery, its simple construction method mean that with little tools you make stunning jewellery, I tend to stick to four pairs of pliers and a pair of snips with these you can make just about anything. With the aid of some household items you can make most of the others. For instance I have never purchased a wrist mandrel to use as a shape for my bangles I tend to use a peanut butter jar and the neck of a wine bottle. When I first started I was really limited with the ring sizes I could make because I used lipstick tube and marker pens to shape the wire around.

I have been teaching wire jewellery at “In The Studio” for about 8 years now and I love to share what I have learned over the years with my students, we have a facebook page and stay in touch that way if a student gets stuck they can ask for advice. I am a great believer in sharing information I hate that when sometimes you buy a book and several stages from the process are missed and you have to guess what to do. I have also experienced classes where there is same some vital part is missed or fudged over so that yours is never quite right. I like to give my students all the info they need including how to package and sell your work if this is what you want to do. In fact there is very little that I know about jewellery that I do not share with my class, if you ask, I will tell you to the best of my ability.

Many students ask if I mind showing them my designs, don’t I think they will steal them? The answer is no! maybe to begin with you will use the designs as a template but soon your own personality will infuse your work and then it will be all you!

I am hoping to get some simple demonstration videos for this page and hopefully in the not too distant future I will be selling DVD’s or downloads to show you more complex ideas and designs. They are not the same as they classes where I can interact with you but for those that have done a class and want more ideas and how too or for those that cannot attend the classes I hope these will be great.

So watch this space Rachel x