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Stuck In A Rut? Here Are Some DIY Jewelry Design Tips
Sometimes you need a little bit of extra help when it comes to designing your own DIY jewelry, so here are some of my favorite tips and tricks that I use to design and make my jewelry.
My number one rule when it comes to designing jewelry is to go with your gut, I usually find that too much planning stifles creativity. My personal DIY jewelry design process is quite intuitive; I might choose a feature bead or a particular material and then select my colors and materials accordingly.
Choosing a color scheme can also be an interesting starting point for your designs. Selecting colors that are complimentary, contrasting or using a monochrome color scheme can lead to some stunning results. Color blocking your beads can also be a fun way to use different colors in your designs.
This bracelet design uses color blocking and texture blocking. Or you can just throw caution to the wind and a random assortment of multicolor beads like I have in this charm bracelet design.
This cute charm bracelet was made using a random assortment of colored seed beads. Check out my tutorial on how to make a beaded necklace for an example of a monochrome color scheme. I used mostly white and clear glass beads to create a monochrome background for the turquoise feature beads at the center of the necklace.
The fundamental steps for making your own jewelry are easy, once you’ve got them mastered you can start to explore, experiment and inevitably create your own incredible and unique DIY jewelry designs.
Go on, get making!
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How to Make a Chain Necklace (With A stunning pendant in the middle)
Here’s another way to make a necklace. Using some chain and a handful of beads, this pendant necklace is quick to make and lovely to look at!
You will need the following tools and materials to make this necklace:
1. For this necklace you will need the round nose pliers, flat nose pliers and cutting pliers.
2. Some jewelry chain.
3. Three eye pins.
4. Two head pins.
5. A lobster clasp.
6. Beads for the body of your pendant.
I used a carved bone bead, two round lapis lazuli beads and one round garnet bead for my pendant.
7. Beads for the tassels that will be attached to the body of the pendant.
I used some black seed beads and two carved bone beads to make my tassels.
8. Two accent beads that will be added to the length of your chain.
I used two lapis lazuli tube beads as my accent beads in this necklace.
The Steps
1. Start with threading the pins. Thread your two accent beads onto two of the eye pins.
2. Then thread the beads you’ve chosen for the body of your pendant onto the third eye pin.
3. Finally, you need to add the leftover beads onto the two head pins so that they match.
4. Once all your pins have been beaded, bend the tops of the pin at a right angle to the beaded portion. Make sure you do this for all the pins.
Here are all my beaded pins with the ends bent at a right angle, ready to trim. 5. Trim the pins using the cutting pliers so that you can curl the ends into a small loop. I try to leave approximately 1centimetres (0.4 inches). Make sure you hold onto the pin on either side of the pliers to prevent it from flying away from you.
6. Once all your pins have been trimmed, use the round nose pliers to curl them into a loop that ends close to the bead.
7. once all your loops have been formed you can start putting the charm together. Take one of your beaded tassels and open the loop slightly.
8. Slide the pendant body onto this loop and then close it. Repeat this step for the second tassel as well.
9. Now your beaded pendant is complete!
10. Now you can start preparing your chain to form the necklace. My chain came in a loop, so I had to open two links to form two separate pieces of chain. Open the chain link like you would a jump ring, using round nose and flat pliers to pull the ends apart.
11. Open the top loop on your beaded pendant and slide one end of both pieces of chain onto the loop. When you have added the pendant to the chain you can close the pendant loop again.
12. split the chain again on both sides, keeping close to the center pendant.
13. Open the loops on the accent beads and add them to the gaps you have made in the chain. Once you have done this you can close the loops on the pin. Make sure you add the bead to both sides of the necklace.
14. Now all that is left to do is add the lobster clasp! If you make your necklace long enough you can slip it over your head and skip the clasp all together (you’ll have to rejoin the chain links instead). Otherwise, take the jump rings and open them so that they can slide over the final links of your chain.
15. Slide the clasp and tag onto each of the jump rings and then close them using your pliers.
16. And you are done! Now you can head out wearing your freshly made charm necklace!
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A Little bit of (Awesome) Inspiration
Need to feel inspired for your next DIY jewelry project? Check out these beaded jewelry designs.
Inspiration can come from anywhere, get stuck into making jewelry and experiment with different beads and jewelry making materials to create your own amazing jewelry designs.
You can use all kinds of beads to make unique handmade jewelry. 
These earrings were made by gluing some stunning Paua shell onto earring posts 
This necklace was made by attaching an existing tassel charm onto a strand of green seed beads. 
These cute earrings were made using glass and semi precious stones. 
This necklace was made using an array of white colored beads in different shades and materials. 
These pretty Paua shell beads make for simple but stunning drop earrings. 
This ring is made using a special ring finding, covered with an array of special glass beads. 
This simple design has the ‘it’ factor. It is made using glass e beads and a hot pink tassel charm. 
It looks complicated, but this twisted bracelet made with pink freshwater pearls is easy to make at home. 
This sweet glass bead bracelet is great for layering with other pieces. 
This stunning handmade necklace was made using coral and black glass beads. 
A cute layering necklace handmade with multicolored seed beads and a sweet silver charm. 
A choker length necklace made using an assortment of glass beads in different shapes. 
This red necklace was made using some simple glass beads in different sizes. -
You’ll wanna Make so many of these beaded rings. Here’s how to make them…
Here’s another method you can use to make a ring! This DIY beaded ring is easy to make because it requires no findings at all, just some beads and wire. This beaded ring design is perfect for layering along with your favorite jewelry to create a look that is uniquely you. Please note that this tutorial contains affiliate links. I hope you fine some fun beads to make this design :).
You will need the following tools and materials to make this ring:
1. Cutting pliers
2. Fine metal wire. I used 32 gauge wire but you can use something thicker if you prefer.
3. Assorted seed beads. I used two different colours to make a simple pattern.
The Steps
1. Cut some wire. Measure the length you need by wrapping it around your finger. Remember to add a little extra to make sure it fits. I cut my wire to 12cm long (4.7 inches)
2. Add the first bead.
3. Thread the other end of the wire through the bead in the opposite direction forming a loop. Pull on one end so that the loop closes and the bead is fixed into place.
4. Add the rest of the beads to your desired length in your chosen pattern.
5. Thread the short end of the wire through the last bead you threaded.
6. Loop the long end around the opposite side of the bead and then pull it tight like you did on the first bead.
7. wrap the ends of the wire securely around the ring on either side of the fixed beads. Trim off any excess wire. Dab on some clear nail polish to each wrapped end to help keep them secure.
8. Now your beaded ring is finished. These DIY rings are so easy to make you’ll run out of fingers to wear them on!
A completed DIY ring You can find some more DIY rings here 😉
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How to Make a Beaded Feature Ring and Make Your Finger’s Feel Fancy
Ever wanted to know how to make a ring? This ring is pretty easy to make, the ring finding really does all the work for you! The techniques needed to make this ring are pretty basic, but the results are nothing short of stunning.
You will need the following tools and materials to make this ring:
1. Pliers
To make this ring you will need your flat nose pliers, round nose pliers and cutting pliers.2. A ring finding with loops on it.
3. Head pinsFor this particular ring finding I needed to use nine head pins.
4. A selection of beads.For this design I used a variety of glass beads.
The Steps
1. Add the beads to all the head pins.
2. Bend each pin at a right angle to your beads using round nose pliers.
3. Once all your pins have been bent, trim each pin using cutting pliers. Leave approximately 1cm (0.4 inches) protruding past the beads. Remember to hold the end of the pin when you are cutting so that it doesn’t fly away from you.
4. Once each pin has been trimmed you can start bending the charm loops. To do this you need to bend the pin around one of the round nose barrels in the opposite direction to the previous bend you made. Keep each loop slightly open, this will allow you to easily attach the beaded pin to the ring.
5. Attach the beaded pin to the ring finding. Slide the pin on and then close the loop using the round nose pliers. Repeat this step for all your beaded pins until all the loops on the ring finding have been filled.
6. That’s it, all done! The burst of beads on this ring is so bright and cheerful, people won’t be able to tear their eyes away from your fingers!
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How to Make a Beaded Necklace (Just quietly, It’s really easy)
Do you want to learn how to make a necklace? Well then you have come to the right place! Making your own necklace doesn’t to be an intimidating task… it’s easy as! In this DIY jewelry tutorial you’ll learn all the steps you need to make your own beaded necklace with the beads of your choice.
You will need the following tools and materials to make this necklace:
1. Pliers
To make this necklace you will need flat nose pliers, round nose pliers and cutting pliers.
2. Tiger tail wire.
3. Four crimp beads.
4. A lobster clasp.
5. A jump ring.
6. A selection of beads.
In this design I have used three turquoise beads as feature beads and a selection of e beads, seed beads and metal beads.
The Steps
1. Cut wire the tiger tail wire to the length you want it. You can quickly measure and test your length by pulling the wire around your neck and checking where it falls on your chest before cutting. For this necklace I cut my wire to 46cm (approximately 18 inches). Remember to cut it slightly longer than you want the length of your necklace to be.
2. Add two crimp beads and the lobster clasp to the end of your tiger tail wire.
3. Bend the tiger tail wire around the clasp and into the crimp beads.
4. Squash the crimp beads using the round nose pliers to secure the clasp in place.
5. Start threading your beads.
6. When you start getting close to the middle of your length of wire, add the first of the three feature beads.
7. Continue your beading pattern until all feature beads have been added.
8. Continue beading until the necklace is beaded up to the length you want it and the middle feature bead hangs in the middle of your wire. It helps if you keep count of the number of beads you have used before the first feature bead to ensure that your necklace looks even.
9. Once the beading has been completed, add another two crimp beads and a jump ring. Bend the wire around the jump ring and back through the crimp beads and a few necklace beads.
10. Use round nose pliers to pull the wire tight.
11. Once the wire has been pulled all the way through, secure it in place by squashing the crimp beads using your round nose pliers.
12. Once your crimps have been secured you can trim the extra tiger tail wire.
13. Open the jump ring using your pliers and slip on the clasp tag. Close the jump ring once the tag has been put into place.
14. Now your necklace is complete. How easy was that?!
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How to Make Some Simple and delightful Earrings
Do your ear lobes look a little bare? Do you need some new earrings? DIY Jewelry Hub has all the information you need on how to make earrings and it really couldn’t be any easier! Follow these step-by-step instructions and you’ll have your own pair unique earrings to dangle from your ears in no time.
You will need the following tools and materials to make these earrings:
1. Pliers
To make these earrings you will need your flat nose pliers, round nose pliers and cutting pliers.
2. Two head pins
3. Earring Hooks
4. Beads of your choice.
For these earrings I used some square amethyst beads and some hematite accent beads.
The Steps
1. Add beads to the head pins
2. Once all your beads are on the pins, bend them on a right angle using the round nose pliers.
3. Trim each pin so that they there is 1cm protruding from where the beads end. Make sure you hold onto the pin to prevent the cut end from flying away from you.
4. Bend the trimmed pins using the round nose pliers to form a circular loop, to do this you need to bend the pin around one of the round nose barrels in the opposite direction to the previous bend you made. Make sure you do this for both earring charms.
5. Use pliers to open the earring hooks.
6. Slip a beaded charm onto each earring hook.
7. Once your charms have been attached you can close the loops so that they are secure.
8. Well done, Now your earrings are complete! You can put them on right away and wait for the compliments to roll in.
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How to Make (my favorite) Beaded Charm Bracelet
Do you want to learn how to make a bracelet? Look no further, DIY Jewelry Hub has got all the details on how to make a stunning beaded charm bracelet.
This charm bracelet design is easy to make, but it sure doesn’t scrimp on style! Using glass e beads and your choice of charm, you’ll want to make one in every color. This charm bracelet can be worn on its own, it’s also a great piece for layering with your other favorite pieces.
You will need the following tools and materials to make this bracelet:
1. Pliers
To make this bracelet you will need your flat nose pliers, round nose pliers and cutting pliers.
2. Tiger tail wire.
3. Two head pins.
4. One jump ring.
5. A selection of e beads.
For this bracelet I used a range of green beads, but the choice is yours… go nuts! Just remember that you will need enough beads to make up the length of your bracelet).
6. Ten extra e beads
I have used two different colors as these beads will be used to make your charms.
7. A charm of your choice.
8. Four crimp beads.
9. A toggle clasp.
The Steps
1. Cut your tiger tail wire to length using your cutting pliers.
You can measure how much you need by wrapping a length loosely around your wrist (make sure you cut it a little bit longer than you think you need, you don’t want your bracelet to be too small). I cut my wire to 22cm (8.5 inches).
This is the tiger wire, cut to length. 2. bend the end of your tiger tail wire around one end of your toggle clasp (it will stay folded).
3. Add two crimp beads to the tiger tail, make sure the crimp beads are covering both the long and short ends of the bent wire.
4. Crimp the beads using the round nose pliers.
5. Once the crimp beads have been secured you can start stringing your beads!
6. Once you’ve strung the beads to reach your desired length, add another two crimp beads and the jump ring.
7. Fold the other end of your tiger tail around the jump ring and pull it through the crimp beads and through three of the glass beads using your round nose pliers.
8. Once the tiger tail has been pulled through the beads as far as possible, use the round nose pliers to squash the crimp beads.
9. Once the crimp beads have been secured you can then trim the excess tiger tail, being sure to trim it close enough so that it sits under the beads (This will ensure that it doesn’t scratch you while you are wearing your bracelet).
10. Use your pliers to open the jump ring. This will allow you to attach the other end of the toggle clasp. Once the clasp has been placed on the jump ring it can then be closed using the pliers.
Your bracelet will look like this before you put on your charms. 11. Now it’s time to make your charms! Take your extra e beads and add them to the head pins.
12. Once the beads have been placed on the pin it needs to be bent using the round nose pliers at a right angle to your beaded section.
13. Once your pins are bent you can trim them using the cutting pliers. Trim the pins so that they are approximately 1cm (0.4 inches) from the beads. Repeat this step for both bead charms. Be careful when trimming your pins, it helps to hold the pin either side of the pliers to prevent the end from flying away.
14. Now your charms are ready for bending! Use your round nose pliers to bend the end of each pin into a circular shape, to do this you need to bend the pin around one of the round nose barrels in the opposite direction to the previous bend you made.
the pin on the left has been trimmed and bent. 15. Once the loops have been formed you can attach your bead charms to the bracelet. Open the loop slightly so that it can be hooked around the jump ring on the bracelet. Repeat for both bead charms and again for your chosen charm. My charm had a jump ring on it that I simply opened and closed carefully using pliers to attach to my bracelet.
16. Once your charms have been attached your bracelet is finished and ready to pop on show off!
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Ring Findings
Here are some examples of pre-fabricated ring findings that you can use to make DIY jewelry. You can customize these findings to make your own rings by attaching the decorations of your choice in different ways; by attaching beaded head pins (the silver ring) or gluing decorative elements in place.
This ring is made using a ring finding to which an array of glass beads are attached using head pins. Learn how to make a beaded ring like this one in our how to make a beaded feature ring tutorial.
This ring was made by gluing a range of decorations to an existing ring finding. Here are some ring tutorials that use ring findings:
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Crimps
Crimp Beads
Crimp beads are small metal ‘beads’ that are attached to the end of your DIY beaded necklaces, bracelets or anklets and squashed using pliers to keep your beads securely in place. You can learn all about how to use crimp beads for making DIY jewelry in my beaded necklace and beaded charm bracelet tutorials!
You can buy some here:
Pinch Ends
Pinch ends are an alternative to crimps. They are gently ‘pinched’ around the ends your beaded strands and feature a loop that can be used for attaching clasps or charms.
Flat crimps
These are great for adding ribbons to your jewelry designs.
Here’s where you can buy some. They come in different sizes too!
