I really want to get into a hobby and Im thinking about jewelry making...

I however have no experience and do not know where to start...

Does anyone know if there are classes to take...
Where is a good place to buy materials (ie. beads, clasp, hooks, etc...)
If its worth making your own jewelry...

Have any of you made your own jewelry before... please post pics!

Thanks in advance!

I love making my own jewelry!
It depends where you buy your supplies though, if you buy it from an expensive store (where you could get it cheaper), then I say it isn't worth it, unless you're just doing it as a hobby and not selling or something.
I have a bunch Ive made, but I dont have pics, Ill take some soon so you can see!
I mostly do things with big pendants and nothing too extravigant for the chain/rope part.
Depends what style you have, i guess!

is it really hard.. i have no experience what so ever, but really want to get into this as a hobby for myself...

any cheap places you reccomend to buy the pieces...
i always feel that i should just buy those 10 for $10 items at like claires and re-invent them ahah but yeah i know its cheap

ardene at new west (the outlet) has like RACKS AND RACKS of 10 for $10 items

i think its worht making your own jewerly, cuz at the stores you get a necklace with like a 4mm gem for like $23 and its not even a special gem

art stores (michaels) can be good if u keep the 40/50% off one item coupons

I usually buy my stuff from Wal-Mart, they always have tons of selection!
As for the claire's idea, I think that's actually a good idea. Ive never done it before though!
And are the necklaces they sell at claires, what can you salvage from them?? Just the beads?? The clasps are the most expensive part. If you can re-use the ones from claire's, then Id say go for it!
I havent really gone in a claires to see those deals, but thanks for letting me know!
Just a tip: Have patience! If you don't, you'll get very frusterated, especially if the beads are small!
haha :)

Check out Daiso in Aberdeen =) They have a huge section of clasps and materials that you may want to use for jewlery. Also, there's the art stores Loomis and Opus.. they carry a wide range of art supplies of all variety. I know that Loomis has a huge section of beads and etc. =)))

is it worth making your own jewelry though... or is it just something to do for fun and a hobby?

hm...when i was a kid i bought those beads and stuff and made necklaces...but they don't turn out that super nice...like it wasn't trendy enough...

i had sets like that too... i would always drop the container and the beads would fall everywhere! and they were the small ones too...

I'd say its more as a hobby, and to wear yourself.
You probably won't be able to sell them for as much as you buy the materials for. (unless you can get a really good deal, like from ardenes like someone mentioned earlier)
I think it's just a little hobby for me; and my stuff turns out nice! (Nobody else has what I have, and I get lots of compliments! ;) )

please post pictures.. im eager to see it!

i want to c them too!!

yeah, beadworks at graville island has some nice beads and a store on 4th ave as well. But it is quite expensive, and they have swarovski crystals and the likes. Anyway, it's really not that hard, i just started out with some books from the library for ideas and have made some pretty nice stuff!

Hey guys!
Sorry for the late pics!
Here are 2 necklaces that I just finished making!
The pendants are obviouslly the most expensive, since I only buy the hand-made ones. Each of them were about $7.00 from Wal-mart. The beads, I buy glass beads, but the one on the right has wooden beads. Each package I buy is about $3.00 or so, and I use half the pack usually. The one on the left, I had to buy a large pack, so about $4.00 or so.. They come up to about...$12.00 for each necklace. I don't know if I'd be able to sell them for more than that... What do you guys think? Would you buy one for about $10.00?? It's all handmade (by me!) The string I use is also pretty expensive, becuase it lasts longer.
Anyway, here are the pics!!!!

Let me know what you guys think of these!