Let's face it we've all been there at some stage. How do you move to the next stage? Ask an expert! People make a living off making jewellery, ask them.



I bet you've look at those reels of beading wire and thought, hmm now that looks like fun, but what and how do I make anything with it? Want to know the secret to mastering wire? Ask the retailer, afterall, if they are selling it, chances are they know how to use it!

Bead retailers that make all their own jewellery pieces are the best place to start. That way you can view the jewellery pieces and know exactly what you will need, to make that item. The fact that they sell beads means you should also be able to purchase the required beads and findings directly from the jewellery artist.

A customer friendly bead retailer will gladly offer their free advice on how to make their jewellery and what items to use. Apart from being flattered that you love their unique pieces of jewellery, it means that they increase their bead sales as well. They'd be crazy not to help you out!

If you are a beading beginner, check out the items of jewellery you think you might want to create. Then ask the bead retailer what beads, chain and findings they have used to put this unique piece of jewellery together. Better yet, ask them to give you a copy of their instructions on how to make that piece of jewellery. If they are a trusty and reliable retailer they will gladly hand out the instructions.

For those of you who have a little more experience up your sleeve in beading, have a look at what jewellery takes your fancy. Study it, bit by bit. Then go off and collect the goodies you will need to make that item. And don't forget, if you get stuck, ask the experts.

How do you visualize putting a 2mm bead next to an 8mm bead without ending up with something completely wrong? Simple, replicate ready made pieces til you build your knowledge and confidence. It's much easier to pair up different sizes when you can see that they will work well together.

It is so easy to get carried away buying hoards and hoards of beads. You end up with this mound of beads you have collected, especially if you found them cheap, and then don't use them. You are tired of making jewellery with the same old beads, you want something fresh. Sound familiar? Solution? Buy small packets of beads. That way you don't end up with boxes of beads that are just going to sit there or 10 necklaces that all look the same. Buying small quantities of various style of beads means that every jewellery piece is an individual.

What you should buy in bulk are the findings. Findings like head pins, eye pins, jump rings and crimps are things you will use over and over again. No matter how unique your jewellery pieces are, chances are you have used the same findings to put them together. So save money by buying these items in larger quantities. Then you have more money available for beads.

Passionate bead retailers are more than happy to share their ideas with you. They will save you money and time by equipping you with all their expert hints and tips, anything to keep your passion growing. Why spend loads of money on fancy gadgets when you can use household goodies for the same result. The more money you save means the more money you have for the bling bling beads.

Starting a new hobby or interest can be overwhelming. Learn from the experienced experts in the industry and enjoy your new hobby from day dot. Go on, ask them now.