Your Jewelry Making Portfolio

Hi Everyone:  I just wanted to share a Jewelry Making for Beginners tip.  Because (like me) you are just starting out at jewelry making, you should keep a log book or portfolio.  In your book (the format of which is totally up to you - a 3-ring binder would be ideal, so that you can add pages easily) you should include lessons so that you can refer back to, things you may learn, how-to articles and instructions for some of the pieces of jewelry you wish to make.  Also, when you are going through magazines, or finding jewelry pieces you like on the web, print or scan them and  include these in an 'idea' section of your book.  Then when you get to the stage where you feel you are ready to make a piece like that, you will have a model to follow.  And it makes a great 'idea' source.

You may also want to include an inventory section in your book, just so that you know what items you have on hand (beads, findings, tools, etc.).  Then when you go to make a jewelry piece, you will know if you need to get more supplies.  This can also help you keep on a budget for your jewelry making (as beads and things can get quite expensive). 

Also take photos of jewelry items that you make.  Like me, you probably will make jewelry pieces to give away as gifts.  Taking a picture and storing it in your portfolio gives you an idea of what you have made, if you want to make a piece like that again.  Also, it is a bit of a 'brag' book that you can show other people.

Anyways, the time to get started on your log book or portfolio is now, when you are beginning jewelry making.  Jewelry making for beginners is a gradual process.  You will not learn how to do everything overnight.  It takes practice to become good at it.  But it is a lot of fun too...and it helps your creativity flourish.

Here is an essential book for beginner jewelry makers that I found useful:

The Complete Bead Guide Answers All Your Questions About Beads, Beading And Beadwork And Is The Ideal Ebook For Beginners & Experienced Bead Lovers! To get your copy...

Click Here!