i am seriously considering trying to make my own jewelry and sell and market my pieces. I think it is something I could do on the side and it would be something that I can include my children in (by purchasing some low cost materials and let them create their own while I work on mine).

I am not to worried about the sales, displays, and organization of the jewelry. I have experience and knowledge in that area.

What I am seeking is more advice on place to some up with ideas, tools, materials, and samples of different pieces. I need to know where I can find more info about creating jewelry and tips on creating jewelry and where to find suppliers.

Any advice as to where to turn would be helpful, so I can do some additional research and trial and error to see if this is the business for me.

Hi,
I wish you the best. For ideas, I would go to museums with a pad and pencil and write down what you find interesting about certain pieces. I know my local museum has a lot of small sculpture and glass work art that would help me. Some museums let you take pictures without flash.

I would also check out local jewelry and art shows. If you are making the jewelry, I think you have no choice but to make and sell fine jewelry, because imported jewelery has the lockdown on low cost mass manufactured jewelry.

This article is interesting: http://www.designboom.com/contemporary/naturalarchitecture.html

As far as the actual processes involved, I would check out a jewelry making or metalworking course at a local community college. A friend of mine took a few and now is a bench jeweler.

One website you might want to check out is
www.instructables.com - a really great resource for do it yourselfers.

>Hi,
> I wish you the best. For ideas, I would go to museums
>with a pad and pencil and write down what you find interesting
>about certain pieces. I know my local museum has a lot of
>small sculpture and glass work art that would help me. Some
>museums let you take pictures without flash.
>
>I would also check out local jewelry and art shows. If you are
>making the jewelry, I think you have no choice but to make and
>sell fine jewelry, because imported jewelery has the lockdown
>on low cost mass manufactured jewelry.
>
>This article is interesting:
>http://www.designboom.com/contemporary/naturalarchitecture.html
>
>
>As far as the actual processes involved, I would check out a
>jewelry making or metalworking course at a local community
>college. A friend of mine took a few and now is a bench
>jeweler.
>
>One website you might want to check out is
>www.instructables.com - a really great resource for do it
>yourselfers.

I have to but ditto Joe... He's given you great advice here.

I will add that when you are ready to start selling your pieces, you can find some low-cost craft fairs, but will warn you that the better shows are overflowing with waiting lists for jewellers, so you'll really want to differentiate yourself from other jewellers if you want to find your way into some of these shows.

Tina Brooks, VP Marketing
Brooks Pepperfire Foods, Inc.
Makers of Peppermaster Hot Sauces
http://www.peppermaster.com

Eat more peppers!

I am a Founder in a designer jewelry company - If I can help just contact me (mmcjewels@yahoo.com). Jewelry is such a great fun business and can give an amazing future. Keep up the good work.

I have a jewelry business that I do on the side (I'm actually closing it down this year but may still do small shows) You definitely have to differentiate yourself in some way. Pick an edge - whether it's jewelry made from recycled materials, products targeted to a specific market (like moms), or something that will set you apart. Stringing beads is easy and that's why there are so many jewelry vendors at craft shows.

Beadstyle magazine is a fantastic source for ideas and supplies. There are lots of weekend gem/bead shows which are also great for supplies since you can see what you're buying first-hand. Check out firemountaingems.com for tons of supplies. Big bookstores will have lots of books on different techniques, so it's very possible to become self-taught rather than taking classes.

Alyssa