redmonkeystudiowv: How to be creative jewelry making ideas

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Gather up elements and hang them on something

Before you go purchase your elements to work with try to have a few guide lines such as
all nature stuff
or
gold metal tones only

think about what colors you like
what shapes you like
and do some surfing on ebay you can get some realy good deals if you try.

Also I look for elements at yard sales and thrift shop and dismantle as needed.

Think about what you want to hang your stuff on Leather cords come in a variety of color and size.

think about size, I have trouble working with items smaller than 6mm so my range is 6mm to about 10mm on beads. Think about connectors you can buy or make your self such as the copper wire.

When I begin to create a new design, sometimes I have a clear vision of what I want to make but sometimes I like to just pull something together most of the time it works out well.

First find space in your home where you can put a good sturdy table to work on. You will need to leave your work and come back to it as time allows so get a few sturdy clean boxes to keep you materials free from damage, dust and dirt. Get a good light source to place in that area

Second determine what it is you want to create I am creating a necklace on this project

Third collect materials to work with and place them at your work area.

You will need a few tools such as a pair of pliers, a small wire cutting tool and wire. Then begin collecting materials that you would like to work with. I find most of my supplies online search and sometimes i find things at the flea market. You will need findings as well.

It helps to have a rich source of materials to pull from

I can't express that strongly enough and it takes time to find what best reflects your own creative energy.

Think about

colors - I bought a pocket color wheel that inspires me and teaches me the right colors to mix together

texture

shape

stones

wood

plastic

theme

age group

budget

I decided I want to make something for a girl.

So that is the type of material I am looking for in my supplies

I Look through my supplies and pull out some items to lay on a clean white surface.

I will work with a 18" silver plated link chain to build my sclupture necklace I can make the matching earrings last. This photos shows a few elements that I have collected.

I am trying to find the right elements, they should all flow together in harmony, make a good presentation.

This can sometimes come together fast and sometimes I like to take a few days to make my finial selection before I start to assemble.

I decide I want to work with the green rough rock that I have already wrapped in copper wire.

Next I lay out the necklace and move some of the elements in to place to see if it pleases my eye and my brain.

I decide that I may want to make the chain longer than 18 inches so i bring in another chain and a few other chains in several sizes,

I also know i want the green stone as the center focal point

I want to create at least 3 dangles on this necklace.

I have also decided to use copper wire in this piece.

Now I am thinking that I don't want the green stone, it is to masculine I think I will work with the pink quartz stone I have wrapped in copper wire,

I have also decided not to use the peace sign charms

I have already added two inches to the length of the necklace before placing the center focal pendant

I checked my inventory and found new elements that may be absorbed into this piece

Here I have added the a wood bead that I combined with two pearl beads and end caps to the quartz pendant

notice I have used 3 different sizes of copper wire for this project

Now is a good time to take a critical look at your piece, i like to pin it to the white foam board I have. Be sure to leave space between all your bails this will allow the elements to move freely