Getting Started
By Marcy Gelfand

The best way to get started is to find a pattern of something you like. Your first necklace or bracelet should be a simple, single strand (one thread/wire) project. Our first ideas came from pictures we came across in beading magazines. There are many beading magazines (and books) out there. You can find them at your local craft or book store. If you are unable to find them locally, contact us and we'd be happy to email you with some popular magazine or book names.

Next, you'll need to get your jewelry making tools. The tools you will use the most are 1) a side cutter, 2) crimp pliers, and 3) flat nose pliers. These can be obtained at your local craft store or from many online beading sites. Although there are many other tools on the market, they can get expensive, so we suggest you purchase these to start with. Some local craft stores or online beading places offer you a set of tools that might be more economical than purchasing these 3 tools individually.

Click on any tool for a close up picture:


You have the hardware now you need a stringing material. We suggest stringing your pieces on Accu-Flex® Professional Quality beading wire. There are many brands of wire on the market, while we suggest this brand you are open to use whatever is easiest to start with until you learn more about the types of wire. Wire can be purchased online or at a local craft/bead store.

All pieces will need to be finished - to finish a necklace or bracelet you will need a clasp of some type on the ends, and crimp beads to hold your wire closed. You will learn more about these later.

And finally, you need to purchase your beads. For your first project we suggest you go to an actual bead store in your area (if you can). This gives you the opportunity to see the beads in person. Not only will you be able to see the colors of the beads up close, but you can also feel each beads different texture. Take a picture of your project with you so the store clerk can assist you with your bead selection.

Let's see. You have your project picture or idea. You have your tools, and you have your beads. Great! You are now ready to make your first piece of jewelry! You have graduated, "Beading 101."

Please move on to our, "How To" section to begin your project. Here you will learn how to string and finish a piece and use the tools mentioned above in simple getting started projects.