ECT TV Episode 9: Self-Expression in Jewelry Making
This week's Emerging Creatively Tutorials Television (ECT TV) Episode is all about self-expression!Here's the video episode:Self-exression:To me, the main reason I make jewelry and do other creative things is to express myself.For many, many years {like a lot of people!} I didn't feel like I could express myself or really be myself. I didn't even really know who I was to actually express it. Making things and engaging in creative activities has helped me really to be able to express myself and find my way.The cool part about being a jewelry artist is that after you make it, you can also wear what you made and express yourself even more.The necklace I showed you in the in the episode is really great because it's all about expressing yourself, both in making and then of course in wearing it.The video gives you a couple of ideas that you can use to make your own unique charm necklace, but I really encourage you to run with these ideas and put your own spin on your necklace. {See below for a list of ideas for customizing this necklace further if you're stuck for ideas.}Tutorial:
Tools and Materials:
- 20 gauge wire
- You can use 18 or 16 gauge wire for the spiral charm (or use 20 gauge)
- Beads
- Charms
- Chain
- Clasp
- 4 mm jump rings
- Wire cutters
- Round nose pliers
- Chain nose pliers
- Another pair of pliers (such as bent nose)
I got the charm I used, as well as the beads from Happy Mango Beads.I originally did this same basic tutorial to make this necklace:
Click here to go to the Spiral Charm Necklace Tutorial, where you'll learn how to make a spiral charm and a spiral head pin.After you know how do make those two elements, you can add in other charms as you wish to your necklace.
Ideas for customization:
- Click here for some Alternative Supply Ideas to use as charms.
- Use any beads you like to make bead dangles.
- Add pewter, silver or gold charms you like to your necklace.
- Make a button (or buttons) into charms to add to your necklace.
- Add a key. (And you can wire wrap it first, click here to learn how)
- Really, you can add anything you can think of!
Have fun! Run with this idea and really express yourself!I would love to see photos of your completed necklace! Please share them over on the Emerging Creatively Tutorials Facebook page.