Quality To Look For In Beginners Jewelry Kits
At one time or another just about everyone has made their own jewelry. It may have been a macaroni necklace back in school or something a bit fancier constructed at a bead shop. Regardless of what sparked your interest in jewelry design, one of the best ways to test the waters again is to invest in a couple of jewelry kits.
Jewelry kits of all shapes and sizes can be found both online and in stores. If you want better quality, expect to pay for it within reason. Picking up your kit at the local craft store may be convenient, but it is rarely worth what you have paid. Consider your alternatives before you put down your money.
What Does the Craft Store Carry?
Wander your craft store aisles and you will quickly spot the mass produced, cheaply made kits that are ideal for little girl parties. In order to appeal to an older audience, many manufacturers make kits that include beads that look more sophisticated. Once you open the kit at home you discover that what appeared to be silver or stone is actually plastic or pewter.
The same holds true if you purchase your basic tools in craft stores. The tools are truly basic, and wont hold up for very long. Poor materials can quickly rob you of the pleasure of a new hobby. If you have never made any jewelry before, these kits may be appropriate just for trying things out, but not much more.
How About the Bead Store?
If you spent an afternoon at a bead store, you have had a taste of the good life. Stores that specialize in bead-based jewelry making will have a wide selection of beads from around the world. Beads, like any other commodity, follow trends and bead stores keep up with the fashions of the moment. The advantage is that you will be exposed to some of the newest items; the disadvantage is that you will pay for the privilege. Put those materials into a kit designed for a specific purpose and you will pay even more.
Bead stores are great places to get one-on-one help and advice and to try out a variety of tools, materials, and other supplies. Since specialty stores have high overhead, the prices here will be higher than other places; the trade off is typically service. The store may also stock locally produced items such as glass pendants. This is also a good place to run to if you need something on very short notice and cant wait for an order to come in.
Online Vendors; Quality and Price
While it is pretty certain that there are vendors online who are less than spectacular, doing a little research on jewelry making forums will help you avoid the worst ones. Ask around for a good supplier and you are likely to get plenty of advice. Take that advice with a grain of salt and place a small order at first. If you get your shipment quickly and efficiently, it is a very good sign.
As is often the case, quality is worth paying for when purchasing Jewelry Kits. A kit may be ready-made or put together specifically for you. Some online vendors even have software that allows you to create a virtual piece. The piece you designed will be turned into a kit which will be sent to you directly.
Jewelry kits of all shapes and sizes can be found both online and in stores. If you want better quality, expect to pay for it within reason. Picking up your kit at the local craft store may be convenient, but it is rarely worth what you have paid. Consider your alternatives before you put down your money.
What Does the Craft Store Carry?
Wander your craft store aisles and you will quickly spot the mass produced, cheaply made kits that are ideal for little girl parties. In order to appeal to an older audience, many manufacturers make kits that include beads that look more sophisticated. Once you open the kit at home you discover that what appeared to be silver or stone is actually plastic or pewter.
The same holds true if you purchase your basic tools in craft stores. The tools are truly basic, and wont hold up for very long. Poor materials can quickly rob you of the pleasure of a new hobby. If you have never made any jewelry before, these kits may be appropriate just for trying things out, but not much more.
How About the Bead Store?
If you spent an afternoon at a bead store, you have had a taste of the good life. Stores that specialize in bead-based jewelry making will have a wide selection of beads from around the world. Beads, like any other commodity, follow trends and bead stores keep up with the fashions of the moment. The advantage is that you will be exposed to some of the newest items; the disadvantage is that you will pay for the privilege. Put those materials into a kit designed for a specific purpose and you will pay even more.
Bead stores are great places to get one-on-one help and advice and to try out a variety of tools, materials, and other supplies. Since specialty stores have high overhead, the prices here will be higher than other places; the trade off is typically service. The store may also stock locally produced items such as glass pendants. This is also a good place to run to if you need something on very short notice and cant wait for an order to come in.
Online Vendors; Quality and Price
While it is pretty certain that there are vendors online who are less than spectacular, doing a little research on jewelry making forums will help you avoid the worst ones. Ask around for a good supplier and you are likely to get plenty of advice. Take that advice with a grain of salt and place a small order at first. If you get your shipment quickly and efficiently, it is a very good sign.
As is often the case, quality is worth paying for when purchasing Jewelry Kits. A kit may be ready-made or put together specifically for you. Some online vendors even have software that allows you to create a virtual piece. The piece you designed will be turned into a kit which will be sent to you directly.