Baubles and Beads: My Favourite Things

hand made beads

A few weeks ago Jewellery Maker TV asked me to write a blog post about some of my favourite things in jewellery making so here goes!

I LOVE making charm bracelets!

There is just something about wearing a bracelet that jingles and moves on your wrist with a satisfying weight. I have been making jewellery for over three years now and I think I have made more charm bracelets than anything else.

amethyst drops

I really enjoy choosing the gems, the colours and sizes that will go together and I usually try to find a range of different metal charms to add or even make my own with either jewel enamel or polymer clay.

Choosing the right chain is important because you need a good sized link to enable you to put add the charms and to help you space them out to give a balanced look.

faceted shell pearls, shell discs and hand made jewel enamel beads

I have tried a variety of techniques but I think the one I use most often is to use a head pin and then roll it down and either attach it straight onto the chain or use a jump ring to give a little extra movement. You do need quite a few headpins and I think these with the heart end from Jewellery Maker TV would really add that special touch

http://www.jewellerymaker.com/en-gb/product.aspx?c=mraz92&d=rose-gold-flash-copper-findings-kit-approx-100-pcs.

I love this little kit which gives you all you need to get going with a chain, S clasp and some little charms and if you add a few of your favourite gems you'll have a great result.

http://www.jewellerymaker.com/en-gb/product.aspx?c=updl98&d=rose-gold-plated-copper-finding-pack-inc-charms-approx-35pcs.

For those who like to embellish their charms I like these silver flash brushed flat charms because you can leave some as they are, stamp some and add detail embossing powder or use alcohol inks in a random pattern to add a bit of colour. That way you would get a range of colour and texture but using all the same charms

http://www.jewellerymaker.com/en-gb/product.aspx?c=aaaz52&d=silver-flash-copper-brushed-fancy-charms,-pack-of-(25-pcs)

There is a bit of a craze for having charms that the wearer can re-arrange themselves. I have a pretty summertime one with enamelled beach themed charms and they are all on little lobster clasps. You could easily do this yourself or if you prefer you can add real gemstone ready made charms like this faceted amethyst

http://www.jewellerymaker.com/en-gb/product.aspx?c=nrjd69&d=925-sterling-silver-3.5ct-amethyst-faceted-drop-approx-11x5mm-charm.

This is a stunning moveable sterling silver charm with topaz for a very special bracelet

http://www.jewellerymaker.com/en-gb/product.aspx?c=xmkt39&d=925-sterling-silver-star-charm-approx-18mm-inc.-0.50cts-white-topaz.

Here is one of my favourite charm bracelets made using some beautiful peridot rounds with little freshwater pearls. This little beauty went to a good home for someone with an August birthday!