If you’re just getting into beadwork and jewelry-making, you’re bound to come across a few confusing words. Here’s a brief glossary to help you pin down the meaning of ‘Head Pins’ and find the definition of ‘Findings’.

If you’re looking for the perfect gift, you might not find it -- so why not make it yourself? Handmade beaded jewellery is an easy and inexpensive gift -- and fun for givers and receivers.

Make it Anytime

Making it yourself means you can make it at the time that works best for you. This is especially helpful when it’s 11:00 at night and you realize that you need a gift -- for the next day! It’s easy to pull out some beads and make something special, even when all the stores have been closed for hours.

Personalize It

It can be hard to decide on the right gift when nothing seems quite right. There’s no better way to personalize a gift then by making it yourself. When you design beaded jewellery for your friends, you can design it with their favourite colours, style, and wardrobe in mind. And if you’re giving clothing as a gift, you can make matching jewellery to go with it.

Match Maker

Once you have one piece designed, you can easily make a set. And you can make exactly what your friend likes, instead of buying a lot of extra stuff just to get the one thing she’ll wear. 

Jewellery That Matches Everything…Even Your Wallet

Glass beads come in a wide range of prices, so you’re sure to find something that works for your budget. You can also find beautiful but inexpensive acrylic beads. Or if you want to spend more, you can go with semi-precious stones or crystals. Since you’re making it yourself, it is easy to keep things inexpensive and spend just as much as you want to.

Perfect Fit

Since you’ve made the jewelry yourself, you also have the power to change it. If your friend tries on the piece and finds that it doesn’t quite fit, you can easily adjust it.

I’ve even given my friends unfinished bracelets -- after she takes it out of the box, I measure her wrist and finish it for her.

Give Me Something to Talk About

A gift of handmade jewelry makes a great conversation piece, especially at parties. As soon as you say “I made it myself”, people will ask you how you made it, where you got the beads, and how you came up with such great ideas.

It Just Means More:

Perhaps the best reason to make jewellery as a gift is the added meaning attached to it. In this age when everything is pre-packaged and mass manufactured, your friends will appreciate you taking the time to make something by hand, just for them.

About the Author:

Vanessa has been making jewelry for the last 8 years and loves it! In 2005 Vanessa received a subscription to a beading magazine. Frustrated by the magazine’s complicated, tedious projects, she decided there was an easier way to make jewellery – the inspiration for Beads By U. Her jewellery-making video series focuses on fast, fun, and simple designs and can be found at www.beadsbyu.com. When she is not beading, Vanessa enjoys playing the flute and biking.

A how-to article about a fun game you can play with your kids using only paper, pencils and crayons.  It’s a craft and game all in one.  It’s fun for the whole family.