Called Jewelry From Home, The London Jewellery School are bringing their jewellery making courses to people up and down the country. This is a great idea for those who are interested in making jewellery but don't live near London where they are based. The online video based courses are delivered by jewellery professionals in the comfort of your own home, and come with a lifetime access and downloadable course notes to support your learning. Information is also given on where to source the materials you need.
Recently I tried their first course, which is free, called 'Jewelry Making For Absolute Beginners.' This is presented by Jessica Rose the young entrepreneur and director of The London Jewellery School.
What I liked about the first video is that Jessica appears to have a natural teaching style. Her descriptions are very clear and the video angles are excellent to capture exactly the steps she goes through when making the jewellery. At certain stages it was also useful to have the important points highlighted on the screen to reinforce it.
Jewelry Making For Absolute Beginners - A free course
The first part of the course takes you through what materials and equipment you need. I suggest you check this carefully, as my husband said we had everything we needed and then I had no round nose pliers.
Then onto making my first piece of jewellery!
The first pair of earrings were very easy to make. Jessica explains in simple terms how to cut the findings and put together your earrings. I was pleasantly surprised how great they looked as well. Although I found creating the loops on the headpins a little tricky, these earrings are certainly an achievable project for the complete beginner. A key note is that practice makes perfect here.
Then I went onto making the three drop earrings. I have to admit, I did have problems again creating the loops, so they ended up as two drop earrings, but I think they are very effective still! Luckily my husband who used to repair jewellery showed me how to create the little loops. Again I think it is practice creating the perfect round loops with the round nose pliers. I put too much pressure on the wire, and bent it, so I have learnt my lesson there.
The next section shows you how to make a bead bracelet. For this you need elastic type plastic twine and a selection of beads. I found this very therapeutic to make and enjoyed picking out the colours. That's the beauty of making your own jewellery, you can design the piece however you want, to go with an outfit or colour scheme. In the end I was pleased with my finished product although the twine I used wasn't the correct one I found out later. The beauty of making your own jewellery yourself however is that it is easy to change, I just snipped the twine, measured out the more stretchy one and made it again.
It's obvious here that there are some skills involved in making the jewellery, which at first can be time-consuming, but persevere as it is surprising how quickly your skills develop.
I'm now going to source some different beads to make my next project - a necklace.
Then I went onto making the three drop earrings. I have to admit, I did have problems again creating the loops, so they ended up as two drop earrings, but I think they are very effective still! Luckily my husband who used to repair jewellery showed me how to create the little loops. Again I think it is practice creating the perfect round loops with the round nose pliers. I put too much pressure on the wire, and bent it, so I have learnt my lesson there.
Simple drop earrings and bracelet
The next section shows you how to make a bead bracelet. For this you need elastic type plastic twine and a selection of beads. I found this very therapeutic to make and enjoyed picking out the colours. That's the beauty of making your own jewellery, you can design the piece however you want, to go with an outfit or colour scheme. In the end I was pleased with my finished product although the twine I used wasn't the correct one I found out later. The beauty of making your own jewellery yourself however is that it is easy to change, I just snipped the twine, measured out the more stretchy one and made it again.
My first bracelet
I'm now going to source some different beads to make my next project - a necklace.
Camera angles help show techniques required, highlighted text to reinforce points
What do you think of this course? Would you give it a go?
What a lovely idea. I used to make a lot of jewellery when younger to sell at craft fairs. It's really good fun! Obviously this is taking it to the next level, some lovely pieces.
ReplyDeleteYes it is a great idea, I agree. You should have a go, after all the first course is free.
DeleteWhat a great idea....I've never thought about making my own jewellery...It looks so simple to do!!
ReplyDeleteOnce you get used to the techniques I think it would be so easy to do.
DeleteWould love to do something like this they look fab .x
ReplyDeleteYou should have a go Hannah.
DeleteInteresting post, I used to make jewelry but haven't done it in a couple of years! still got loads of stuff stashed away I really should use! x
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you already have some materials, why don't you try the beginners course out?
DeleteThis looks great! I can imagine it is a very relaxing thing to do but fiddly. You have made some lovely pieces though-I would not know you were a beginner from looking at the jewellary you made!
ReplyDeleteA little fiddly but look at the results :)
DeleteLovely idea looks fiddly though, I would still like to try this though.
ReplyDeleteSophie
Xx
Www.pocockins.co.uk
I think you will be surprised how much fun it is!
DeleteI'd love to have a go at this x x
ReplyDeleteIf you do let me know how you get on.
DeleteThat looks great, I'd love to make my own jewellery one day.
ReplyDeleteTo make something like these pieces, it doesn't cost a lot either.
DeleteOoh looks interesting but not sure if I have the patience for it myself!
ReplyDeleteThe first course is free so have a go, you haven't got anything to lose.
DeleteThis sounds like a lovely thing to do. I wouldn't have time at the moment but I'll keep it in mind.
ReplyDeleteI do hope you will have a go when you have more time.
DeleteI think this is a fab idea, I have friends that would be interested in this.
ReplyDeleteForward this page to them, as the first course is free they have nothing to lose :)
Deletelooks like a really fun thing to do with friends!
ReplyDeleteYes they have a jewellery making course with your partner for Valentine's Day, but this isn't online.
DeleteI bet you are really pleased with your results, they look great!
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteI have always wanted to make my own jewellery! Might have to give this a try
ReplyDeleteGood luck Kara!
DeleteI love the colours you have used. Like you say, the beauty of making your own is that you can design it however you want! Thanks for linking up with #TriedTested
ReplyDeleteThanks Katie!
DeleteWhat a great idea - I love that you can just watch the video in your own time.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up this week :)
#TriedTested
Yes it's easy to have a go in your home own.
DeleteLooks brilliant. I love learning new skills and video seems like a great way to start with something like this.
ReplyDeleteYou should have a go Emily.
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