Making handcrafted jewelry is a household hobby that could become a profitable and award winning business. An excellent example is Alane Weissman. She uses many different, common jewelry making items and has turned her handmade jewelry into moneymaking fashion jewelry that even the celebrities wear. What items can be used to make this jewelry?
Semi-precious stones
Semi-precious stones such as quartz, jade, jasper, or turquoise are excellent choices for handcrafted jewelry because they are cheaper than precious stones (ruby, diamond, sapphire, emerald), but just as beautiful. These gemstones can be purchased as beads of many sizes, or as cabochons sized perfectly for mounting for rings, necklaces, or earrings.
Metals
Common metals used in handcrafted jewelry include pewter, brass, sterling silver, and gold. The metals are used to make many things like pendants, clasps, chains, and beads. Wire is molded into shapes or wrapped around other focal points on the jewelry. Metals have tons of uses with jewelry. All it takes is the crafter’s imagination.
Beads
Beads are the most common jewelry making item. Almost any substance can be turned into a bead, including gemstones, metals, rubber, crystal, paper, clay, and glass. They come in almost any shape. The crafter can even find beads shaped like animals, flowers, bugs, and leaves. Sizes range from tiny seed beads to a bead that fills the palm of the hand. The possibilities are endless.
Cord
Sometimes the thread or cord used to make jewelry is hidden away beneath the beads so it just needs to be clear or opaque. What about using cord that stands out and becomes a part of the jewelry design? Craters can find cords made from hemp, leather, plastic, rubber, nylon, and satin. The colors, size, and texture can all be incorporated into the bracelet design. The cord can be braided, knotted, or twisted.
Turning the Alane Weissman Jewelry Into Business
With all the essential items, it’s time to make jewelry and sell it. Design jewelry that hasn’t been seen before to catch people’s attention. It is also a good idea to see what the celebrities are wearing, and then tweak that design into a new one. That way, they are similar and yet different. Sell the jewelry at local craft shows and online to gain a following before sending the work to boutique shops.
To learn more about handcrafted jewelry and how it can become a profitable business, check out Alane Weissman at http://www.alaneweissmanjewelry.com/.
http://www.alaneweissmanjewelry.com/ 