Tips and Websites
I was going to create my own tips and tutorials for this site, but then I thought, why re-invent the wheel? There are many websites out there with fantastic tips and tutorials. Plus I don't really have the time, but what I just wrote sounds better! The following are some websites well worth a visit if you make your own jewellery or would like to learn to make your own jewellery.
Free Business Cards (sort of)
Get 250 business cards from Vistaprint.co.uk for only the cost of the postage and packing (which is about £3.50). This is great for start ups, ebay sellers, etsy sellers etc. It only costs a few pounds and the quality of the business cards are pretty good. You also get to choose from lots of nice templates. You can also design your own cards from scratch, but this costs more. Vistaprint.co.uk often have special offers, so look out for those.
Websites to Visit
These are the websites to visit whether you are a beginner or a seasoned beader.
Some basic jewellery making tips can be found at firemountaingems.com.
Lapidary Journal has some fantastic free tutorials. I especially like the ones that shows you how to make a simple wire-wrapped ring and the brangle.
Some great wire-wrapped jewellery examples can be found at enioken.com. There are also some excellent tutorials available for purchase at a small price.
Laura McCabe is an amazing beadwork artist, examples of her work can be found at justletmebead.com. She also has on her website instructions on how to bead bezel crystal rhinestones and wonderful beading kits.
Taking Photos of Small Objects - Useful Websites
http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/nenam/reflect.htm
http://www.bizymoms.com/ideas/photo_silver_jewlery.html
http://www.home-jewelry-business-success-tips.com
http://lapidaryart.com/projects_2.html
Online Places to Sell Jewellery (Apart From eBay)
Other Useful Links
http://www.bead-world.com/facts.html – shows how many 2mm/3mm/4mm etc. beads you need to make a 16” strand (useful if you want to make a beaded necklace), seed bead information and a glossary of glass surfaces and finishes.
http://www.beadinghelpweb.com - the name says it all!
http://patternsforyou.com/en/pattern_maker.html – upload a photo or image and turn it into a beadwork pattern.
http://www.beadandbutton.com – the website for a US beading magazine ‘Bead and Button’. Some free beading patterns and tips and tricks. You may need to create a free membership account to view some of the free beading patterns. Bead and Button magazine is also available in the UK, in W.H. Smith and Borders Bookshop. The magazine costs less in W.H. Smith (£2.95).
http://www.beadmagazine.co.uk - the website for the first ever UK beading magazine.
Beading Magazines can be purchased from W.H. Smith (but only from the larger stores).