Hobbies and Crafts

I know we have an ex GR member who is fabulous at this and an existing member who also makes beautiful jewellery. But is there anybody else who does it? I must admit to being tempted when I go round hobbycraft, all those pretty beads and makings but am a bit daunted by taking on another hobby so try to resist. :-)

The way I started with this hobby was to attend a nightschool 'taster' session. Then I was hooked on it! Mine was a free session and all the materials to use were sold very cheaply at the session. We made some earrings and a simple pendant. It's a good way to see if you like it without any commitment or expense.

Once you start, beads and chain can be got very cheaply by searching at charity shops or car boots and buying things to dismantle. Even buttons can be used to make attractive things. The equipment needed to start is just cutters and a couple of pairs of pliers.

The main advantages of making your own things are that you can make things the right length for yourself, you can make things in colours and styles to match your outfits, you can make a set of matching earrings, necklace, bracelet and rings and you can make presents for friends. Once you have the basic skills, you can make Xmas tree decs, candle decorations, keyrings, napkin rings, tiaras.....all sorts of lovely things. The last gift I made was a red and white netted silver christmas tree bauble for someone who had a red and white themed christmas tree.

i did try it
made some braclets and sold some of them

but not made anything for a while

Our classes have started again now. We made some pretty rings with bugle beads the first week and now we are doing items that would look good in Downton Abbey! We are using patterns to follow now which isn't always easy. The bracelet this week was back to front to follow to me so I suspect a lefthanded person had drawn the sequence from left to right.....very confusing.....I had to turn my pattern upside down to make sense of it! The necklace we are doing next week has larger round beads with a thin thread of beads that weave up and down between them, with a pretty edging around the bottom, lacey looking. I've just rummaged through the beads I have and found some nice diluted ribena coloured glass beads with matching small beads that have a silvery sheen that should look good.

Littlelegs, I tend to go in fits and starts making things. Did you teach yourself? Some of the books and youtube tutorials are brilliant.

i did teach myself only really did it for something different to do

the braclets i did wasnt really that good or i didnt think so but sold some of them so they must of liked them :-D

I started selling jewellery about 3 years ago now but I have also started making some bits myself. Earrings, wine glass charms necklaces, etc, now into making notice boards, bread baskets, wrist warmers, and knitted keyrings. thoroughly enjoying myself. I do have a website if anyone is interested. :-)

Sounds good Anita......can you let me know your website....I would love to see it.

I am making a beaded bauble at the moment!! They are so beautiful and I want to do a few for my tree this year. I have also made some decorative bauble hangers in silver coloured wire that you can stretch to just the right length for each bauble.

Annx can we have a photo of the bauble when finished please for the blog? Thanks it does sound pretty. :-)

Will do Ann and I have a couple of new necklaces too. :-)

did I put these on the photo blog Ann? I can't remember. I bet you made lots of Jewellery Christmas presents and anyone would be pleased to receive the fabulous things that you make. Happy Christmas to you. :-)

I forgot to take photos of the necklaces Ann and they were wrapped and given as presents. I have sent a few more pics of baubles I beaded.

I'm having a couple of new Beading books for Christmas.......fresh inspiration I hope!

Thanks for the bauble photos. Will put them on the blog after Christmas. They are lovely.

In case people think that book clubs are all that exist on the hobbies board I am nudging this one up. Hopefully the jewellery makers will add to it. :-)

Well, the NEC exhibition will be starting on 21st March (friday) and there are usually some nice stalls for jewellery makers and some bargains to be had! I shall be looking for some nice lampwork focal beads to make pendants for necklaces and match other beads to.

I look forward to seeing what you make with them Ann

Well I had a fantastic time at the NEC. The stall run by the chinese people is always a magnet, lots of pretty sparkly beads. When you see something pretty you think you may not see it again so have to buy it. I also got ribbon and odds and sods including a sweet little rabbit button that I intend to use as a pendant in a daisy necklace.

There were so many lovely things, including pretty fabrics, that you wish you could have a go at everything! Now my head is buzzing with ideas of what to make with my purchases. :-)

I envy you going. My problem would be having to buy all these things even not knowing what to do with them :-D :-D

Sounds like me talking as I enjoy starting something new.

I'm getting married (again) in August and finding it difficult to find jewellery to wear, never been big on it but now I have added interest.

I've decided to save money on flowers by buying silk / foam instead of fresh, these are a craft in their own as have jewellery added. Hunting the charity shops & car boots I've picked up pearls & broaches to use in by bouquets, now do I get in to jewellery or bouquet making!

Think I'll look into a jewellery class though, as will need something to keep me busy after all the wedding planning is over.

Sounds like a good idea Kim. I hadn't heard of adding jewellery to the bouquet but it sounds like an attractive idea. Have you seen it done?

There was an article on this lady in a magazine I read recently. She makes lovely bouquets from old jewellery/brooches she finds at markets/car boots etc. She also does some lovely vintage button ones. I like your idea of silk flowers with pearls/ jewellery added for your bouquet Kim. It will be a very personal piece.

Have a look at this lady's website if you still need inspiration.......but not at the prices which are mouthwatering!!!

http://www.dcbouquets.co.uk/bouquets_brooch_buttons.html

It is well worth doing a few beading classes. I started with a free 'taster' lesson and have never looked back. They do one day tiara and fascinator making classes round here. (very easy to get......stunning results!) If I was getting married again I would make all my jewellery and bouquet. :-)

Charity shops are good places to pick up jewellery to dismantle for remaking. You can reuse any chains and often the clasps are like new and can be reused as well.

Good luck with your bouquet!! :-) :-)