Beading and jewellery making

fiathina · 08-09-2005 3:26pm #1

Helloooo all,

Anybody interested in the above? Was wondering if anyone had good ideas as regards sourcing materials. I've only found 2 bead shops in Dublin and 1 in Galway so far, and while they're good, they're a bit expensive if you're buying more than a few bits.

I've bought online from the UK and the US (although the VAT and customs charges on the latter were a bit offputting!) but it still works out as expensive!

Anyone done any beading/jewellery making evening classes?

snorlax · 08-09-2005 8:53pm

yeh i did a bit of jewelley making in college but we just got the beads from that shop off grafton street although i have to admit it is a bit pricey.

have you ever tried making your beads, eg using pasta shapes/ feathers etc.

i find you need really nimble fingers and good hand eye coordination for making the stuff, as the beads go everywhere. i do say it would be tough to do with big fingers (eg to grip the really small beads etc)

Larianne · 08-09-2005 8:59pm

Only two places I know of that sell beads in Dublin are Crown Alley and Yellow Brick Road although I'm sure there's more. I think Crown Alley give discounts if you buy a good bit of stuff. Two of my friends are really into making jewellery so I'll find out for ya.

FAS run a course in stone setting/jewellery making and Snorla posted up a link to a course in Kilkenny if you're interested in doing that. I'm sure there are loads of courses about.

snorlax · 08-09-2005 9:10pm

Larianne wrote:

Only two places I know of that sell beads in Dublin are Crown Alley and Yellow Brick Road although I'm sure there's more. I think Crown Alley give discounts if you buy a good bit of stuff. Two of my friends are really into making jewellery so I'll find out for ya.

FAS run a course in stone setting/jewellery making and Snorla posted up a link to a course in Kilkenny if you're interested in doing that. I'm sure there are loads of courses about.

beads must be so cheap to manufacture, i suppose they have to charge the high prices because they'r targeting such a select market.

if you get embroidery thread (use lots of different colours and you can make really cool friendship braclets aswell).

i think some of the fabric shops like hickeys have a small selection of beads, and inspiring ideas might have a few things. Larianne does Evans sell beads? they would be the cheapest option.

NCAD are running a jewellery making course during the autumn (21 weeks long) http://www.ncad.ie/faculties/education/cead_short.shtml they also are running courses in short courses include: Painting, drawing, ideas generation, print-making, photography, sculpture, ceramics, stained glass, fashion design, textile printing, creative embroidery, design for print, principles for design, bronze casting, sculpture and port-folio preparation.

the yellow brick road are also running an 8 week course in it during autumn http://www.yellowbrickroad.ie/classes/classes.asp?Item=000

you might find some classes here aswell http://www.irishjewellerycourses.com/

Larianne · 08-09-2005 10:03pm

Not Sure about Evans selling beads to be honest. Haven't been in there in about two years since college.

Also check out Dublin Woolen Mills (beside Ha'penny Bridge) for beads. A small selection.

Ya should check out second hand shops for old necklaces and bags that have beads.

fiathina · 09-09-2005 1:36pm

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys - brilliant stuff!

Larianne, I've scoured a few charity shops for beads - actually Claire's Accessories isn't bad if you're looking for cheap and cheerful stuff, you can buy things for next to nothing and cannibalise them!

Snorlax, I've tried making beads from Fimo but they never seem to come out the way I want them to! Used to make lovely friendship bracelets in school but haven't done it in ages.

snorlax · 09-09-2005 4:21pm

Fimo is great stuff for using with kids as it's really bright and colourful, eg you get instant results from it.

i love moulding with it as clay tends to crack and fall apart on me. has anyone ever used the terracotta clay? iv heard that's supposed to be good but iv never actually tried it out myself.

deedee lepoopoo · 12-09-2005 11:33am

I have gotten into making jewellery. The lady in Crown Jewels is very helpful. There is a bead shop in Blackrock Market called BDI - great name. I got beads in a shop in Brighton and bought a basic booklet about making jewellery. I can send you a copy, PM me.

Can anyone recommend any bead design books??? I was looking in the library for some there, but to no avail.

Larianne · 12-09-2005 2:27pm

Was looking for an evening course and came across a Jewellery making (bead work) course that takes place in Ringend.

http://www.cdvec.ie/Ringsend.htm

Don't know if it's any good. But just thought I'd mention it for anyone interested who lives in the area.

I'm sure there's many of those type of classes held around the country.

smileygal · 13-09-2005 12:33pm

snorlax wrote:

Fimo is great stuff for using with kids as it's really bright and colourful, eg you get instant results from it.

i love moulding with it as clay tends to crack and fall apart on me. has anyone ever used the terracotta clay? iv heard that's supposed to be good but iv never actually tried it out myself.

The key with shaping and working clay is moisture - friction creating heat & it gets tired(just like us).

Iif it is beginning to crack and feel dry to the touch, just add a LITTLE water (literally a drop or two if making beads). Less is more. like adding liquids to flour when baking. You can always add more again if needed.

Terracotta beads will need to be fired to make them hard.

Also you need to allow for a small bit if shrinkage, so make the holes large enough for your desired string.

sailorsdaughter · 26-09-2005 1:05am

deedee lepoopoo wrote:

I have gotten into making jewellery. The lady in Crown Jewels is very helpful. There is a bead shop in Blackrock Market called BDI - great name. I got beads in a shop in Brighton and bought a basic booklet about making jewellery. I can send you a copy, PM me.

Can anyone recommend any bead design books??? I was looking in the library for some there, but to no avail.

If your having trouble finding some good books on beading ideas at library try some magazines from the bookstore. Two really good beading magazines out there is Bead & Buttons and Beadwork. I know while I was in the UK I did find the Bead & Buttons magazine. Can find them easily enough online and get subscription to them.

Found this site while trying to see what sort of bead stores are in Dublin!

Tiriel · 26-09-2005 2:55am

hey guys, usually buy stuff in yellow brick rd. where is Crown Alley?! In Cork.. there's a craft shop in Paul St. Shopping Centre, have an ok selection there and woman is lovely that works there. V. helpful!

Laurs · 11-10-2005 12:29pm

i would really like to start making jewerally again i used to make small friendship braclets when i was at school but they weren't very good quality and coz now its seems to be all about beads in fashion at the mo and gypsy style necklaces and stuff i wanna know what i can do to get started my mum said the next time we do down to southhampton hoby craft sell loads of beads and stuff and there is a shop near me called venerable beads which i used to buy all my stuff from,

Is it best to start off making the smple stuff then move on to harder stuff i think it will be a good little hobby for me as all i seem to do now adays is read books and whinge that i am bored!!

it really interests me to make my own jewerally so im not wearing what everyone else is wearing and i can sell it and make a profit!! good investment i think!!

addie · 11-10-2005 12:58pm

Cork_girl wrote:

hey guys, usually buy stuff in yellow brick rd. where is Crown Alley?!

CROWN JEWELS is actually the name of the store, although years ago it used to be located in Crown Alley, Temple Bar so maybe that's the confusion. It's in Castle Market, Dublin 2, which is next to George's St. Market Arcade. It's beside the wonderful fabric store Murphy Sheehy's, as well as the vintage clothes store The Harlequin. someone was asking about books, and you can buy instruction books for beading in Crown Jewels. I got a little one there which was great help when getting started to insure that I was doing things properly and my projects wouldn't fall apart!

snorlax · 11-10-2005 3:28pm

Welcome Addie

, you should post under who's who to tell us what crafts/ types of art your interested in.

Tiriel · 12-10-2005 12:29am

addie wrote:

CROWN JEWELS is actually the name of the store, although years ago it used to be located in Crown Alley, Temple Bar so maybe that's the confusion. It's in Castle Market, Dublin 2, which is next to George's St. Market Arcade. It's beside the wonderful fabric store Murphy Sheehy's, as well as the vintage clothes store The Harlequin. someone was asking about books, and you can buy instruction books for beading in Crown Jewels. I got a little one there which was great help when getting started to insure that I was doing things properly and my projects wouldn't fall apart!

thanks Addie I will definitely have to look out for it

ZygOte · 27-10-2005 9:09pm

Guys i was doing some research and stumbled across this page, i see someone mentioned BDI jewellery, and i cant help but put in a plug for them here (my girlfriend and her farther are the owners) they are currently opperating in blackrock market (SAT,SUN and bank holidays) plans are afoot for a full shop (fingers crossed) they have a huge selection of seed beads,crystals,beads,findings and pearls as well as ribbons,wires etc. they also have books with simple to complex projects depending on your level. they also currently run an evening class for beginners twice a week in deansgrange (this may be the last one there, if they get a full shop they will run in the new premesis). Jewellery repairs are also catered for as well. So come on down even if you just want a chat or some friendly advise or help.

p.s
they also give discounts on larger orders.

p.p.s
your money generally goes further here than with other shops and can generally order anything they dont have that you need.

couple of pics, not very good quality

http://www.bdijewellery.com/images/010.jpg

http://www.bdijewellery.com/images/003.jpg

freespiritlisa · 30-03-2006 1:59pm

hello all. i'm lisa from niagara falls canada and i've just opened a new shop called queen in sixmilebridge in county clare (just outside shannon). i've been making jewellery for 10 years and have access to hundreds of suppliers so i can get any beading supplies you need. i can get tools, sterling silver findings, gold filled, base metal, black metal, sterling wire, craft wire (all colours), gold filled wire, chain by the foot in sterling, gold filled and base metal, czech fire polished beads, czech or swarowski crystals, sterling components, gold filled components, sead beads, metal beads, any kind of semi -precious beads and also sapphire, ruby and emerald beads, pearls, wood beads, fimo beads, fimo itself, lampworked beads, liquid silver, you name it i can get it. i am also going to hold jewellery making classes this summer to learn the basics, also wire working, simple stained glass techniques for pendants and the best part is lampworking-so much fun! i know this seems a shameless plug, but what actually pushed me to opening a shop is the absolute lack of access to any type of jewellery components on this side of the country, so i feel your pain! there is also a bead store in galway called the bead store, but i couldn't find anywhere else. if you have any questions about getting supplies or techniques, maybe i can help. email info@queen.ie. thanks! lisa kelleher.

clodo · 21-04-2006 8:16pm

If any of you are interested in jewellery Classes / Lessons I can teach you. My workshop is near Fairview, Dublin northside, and I am open to individual or group classes.

dubwan · 25-04-2006 5:52pm

Hi Clodo

I live in Fairview and am interested in classes. I have done the 8 week class in Yellow Brick Road which just teaches the basic beading techniques. I've also signed up for another one night class. Can you send me details of your classes:)

clodo · 26-04-2006 10:26pm

Dear dubwan

What kind of jewellery do you want to make? I can teach you the basic jewellery techniques or do you have something in mind that you would like to make?

joyce3 · 05-05-2006 2:13pm

Hi all

I am very interested in starting to make my own jewellery in Cork city. Does anyone know of anywhere running courses or of anyone that offers private tuition?

KLyng · 31-05-2006 11:29am

Clodo- could you send me contact details re lessons. I am very interested in getting some private lessons/ workshops. In particular, I want to learn some beading techniques and how to finish necklaces, and use the tools properly.

ooh_sister · 13-06-2006 9:40pm

hi there, i make lots of jewellery &i live in ireland to so i know how hard it is to get beads+stuff but crown jewels in dub gives a pretty good discount if u pick 90€ u get it for 60. ie 30%. ebay is relly good for stuff tho, u get some great deals.for silver theres an online store, il post the address again as i gotta go.

fiathina wrote:

Helloooo all,

Anybody interested in the above? Was wondering if anyone had good ideas as regards sourcing materials. I've only found 2 bead shops in Dublin and 1 in Galway so far, and while they're good, they're a bit expensive if you're buying more than a few bits.

I've bought online from the UK and the US (although the VAT and customs charges on the latter were a bit offputting!) but it still works out as expensive!

Anyone done any beading/jewellery making evening classes?

BDI Jewellery · 11-07-2006 3:50pm

Hi All

Just to let you know that the new bead shop in Bray is nearly ready for opening. We will be opening on the 26th of July. We would love for you all to see it. It is very big and we stock Beads, buttons, seed beads, findings ribbons, stringing material and lots more.

We have a large selection of sterling silver findings and chain.

Unfortunately the move does mean that our stall in Blackrock Market will be closing down but I think you'll find that the move is worth it!!!:D

Anything that we missed in our buying let us know and we'll try to get it in for you.

hope to see you soon
John and Velda

Wanderer222 · 12-07-2006 9:10pm

BDI Jewellery wrote:

Hi All

Just to let you know that the new bead shop in Bray is nearly ready for opening. We will be opening on the 26th of July. We would love for you all to see it. It is very big and we stock Beads, buttons, seed beads, findings ribbons, stringing material and lots more.

We have a large selection of sterling silver findings and chain.

Unfortunately the move does mean that our stall in Blackrock Market will be closing down but I think you'll find that the move is worth it!!!:D

Anything that we missed in our buying let us know and we'll try to get it in for you.

hope to see you soon
John and Velda

have you got a name or an address or a website?

BDI Jewellery · 13-07-2006 9:43am

Sorry

Unit 10 The Boulevard Centre
Quinsborough Rd
Bray
2116630.

It is on the road with the cinema and the leisureplex on it. the shop is opposite Dunnes stores. Any problems finding it let me know and I'll try and give better details

Velda

australianskip · 19-10-2006 11:42am

Hey all,
I'm desperately hunting a tutor! I work for a homeless organisation and was looking for someone to do 2 hours, one evening each week until christmas. It would be working with homeless women, giving them direction just to make their own simple designs and maybe some to give as gifts. Are any of you interested??? Or maybe know someone who would be??? Tutor rates involved.

Cheers
Suzanne

nicedub · 20-10-2006 11:03am

Hi Suzanne

I volunteer with homeless 1 night a week. I do some beading - and I wouldn't mind helping out with your request. I'm not a teacher - I just like making jeweller and I know the basics if thats any good ?

BDI Jewellery · 20-10-2006 4:01pm

Hi

I run the bead shop in Bray with my father. we are unavailable to teach the course but we would be willing to help with course content and the like to the tutor that you do get. sorrry i can't be of any more help

velda

karen harper · 13-10-2007 1:37am

Just to let you all know there is a newsletter out there called NOTICEBOARD, to all artists and craftspeople in Ireland. You can subscribe by emailing me at karen.noticeboard@gmail.com.
Also I teach wire-work jewellery, a full day workshop will have you making 1bracelet, 4 necklaces and at least two sets of earrings. Depending on the time left you can then make anything you desire, since you have the skills after just one day. The course works in silver and gemstones, and you will be extremely fimilar with the tools by the end of the day!

Bt the way BDI is a god send! The prices are good and the selection is amazing. There is a new shop open in temple bar, noone has said anything about it yet though.

Would any jewellery makers be interested in joining a jewellery guild since the last one folded!
On Thursday I was at a seminar with the Federation of Jewellery Manufactureurs of Ireland. I spoke with the president of the federation and expressed my interest in having a section for the not-so-big designers and I can see this happening in the very near future. If there is too big a gap I could arrange a jewellery designers group, where there would be good advantages for the members, including Insurance at great rates, courses on photographing jewellery and many more in the pipeline.
Let me know what you think!
Karen Harper
www.irishcraftupdate.com/blog

karen harper · 15-10-2007 7:52pm

Could you contact me to see where this is, I am just setting up to teach in three places and with a specialised group. Contact me if you still are looking for someone, regards, Karen Harper
karen.noticeboard@gmail.com

Debbiedoo2 · 06-12-2007 11:58am

Hey,

I done a course with yellow brick road, very basic! A lot of stuff I could already do but they do supply all the tools, beads and findings! BDI in Bray also do a course, but that too is for beginners.

When I'm away in USA or any of my friends going I stock up, it is so much cheaper!

fiathina wrote: »

Helloooo all,

Anybody interested in the above? Was wondering if anyone had good ideas as regards sourcing materials. I've only found 2 bead shops in Dublin and 1 in Galway so far, and while they're good, they're a bit expensive if you're buying more than a few bits.

I've bought online from the UK and the US (although the VAT and customs charges on the latter were a bit offputting!) but it still works out as expensive!

Anyone done any beading/jewellery making evening classes?

crystalrainbow · 14-04-2008 1:04pm

Hi,I used to buy my jewellery making supplies from abroad,but it worked out very expensive with import tax etc, so now I usually buy my beads from ebay as there is so much choice,i would recommend this seller who is based in Ireland and offers free delivery if you spend €50,so it saves a lot :http://stores.ebay.ie/Taramars-Treasure-Trove

sarahirl · 20-04-2008 3:04pm

Hi, Does anyone have any good jewellery making techniques using recycled material? Just did an ECO-UNESCO volunteering stint and they used magazine pages rolled up tightly into beads. Has got me thinking that there must be a ton of other good ideas out there. Have signed up to RSS feeds for http://www.greatgreengoods.com/ as they have some great things for sale but sadly no instructions.

Merrycat · 28-10-2008 11:54am

Hi, Just moved into our new house near Gorey...moved here from NY and I'm a jeweler and a beader. I'm looking to meet people who know or want to know beading. I have the space here. As to supplies? we'll find sources that won't break the bank!!

Marie J · 28-10-2008 4:30pm

Hi there in near Gorey. I am interested in beading and jewellery making. I purchase my beads and materials in BDI and supply store in Bray. They have a good selection of beads and materials.

Merrycat · 28-10-2008 7:45pm

I'm so glad to find someone near that's into making jewelry/beading. My equipment including all my beads are due to arrive some time between the 30th of Oct. and the 6th of Nov. so I'm just making due with what I brought with my and a little that I bought in Dublin. Can we meet for tea in town?

Maureen

Marie J · 29-10-2008 12:04pm

Hi there Merrycat,
Must be difficult not having your materials and tools for your craft. I am very interested in jewellery making but am really only new to the craft. I did a 6 week course in the bead shop in Bray and found it very helpful. I am still learning and trying new projects all the time. I buy the magazines, all mostly American, and try some of the projects in them. I am always looking for new ideas to try. The internet is good for this. Its only a hobby for me at the moment but I find friends admire some of the projects and I make some for them too. Some of the completed works of art! are ok but sometimes I am disappointed with the finished result, way too critical I guess! What type of projects / beads / wirework are your interests. I would be interested in meeting up at some stage for a coffee. I have a friend in Gorey and visit there sometimes.

Merrycat · 29-10-2008 12:28pm

Hi Marie,

Beading and jewelry making is an obsession. I do all kinds of work...beading, silver smithing, wire wrapping, enameling, PMC, you name it! Like your self I not always happy with the result. I do take things apart all the time. I really miss not having someone to bounce ideas and technique around with. Would love to meet for coffee, anytime! Oh I have a web site...
artisolda.com. What are you working on now? I'm just working on a crochet bracelet, something to keep me from going mad till all my stuff gets here!
Can we exchange phone numbers on this site? I don't know what's allowed???!!! Maureen

Merrycat · 29-10-2008 12:32pm

I see we can post our email address, so here's mine...m.isolda@earthlink.net

meli001 · 16-12-2008 7:16pm

Hi Guys, I've preapred my website and would like to share with you! I have a lot of photos of my necklaces there and there will be soon many patterns as well.
http://mybeadworks.com

wiseowl.ie · 18-12-2008 5:55pm

Just been reading the blog - very interesting, I wish I was creative. Just to let you know if anyone is interested you can purchase the following kits online @ www.wiseowl.ie.

Walter Foster Make your own Jewellery Kits

101 tips and techniques http://www.wiseowl.ie/product-detail/88830/Walter+Foster/Jewelry+Kit_+101+Tips+_amp_+Techniques

Wire Jewellery http://www.wiseowl.ie/product-detail/88829/Walter+Foster/Jewelry+Kits_+Make+You+Own+Wire+Jewelry

Beaded Jewellery http://www.wiseowl.ie/product-detail/88828/Walter+Foster/Jewlery+Kit_+Make+Your+Own+Beaded+Jewelry_

each kit contains hundreds of colourful, fashionable beads, specialised tools and a full colour 40 page instruction booklet that delves into the principles of jewellery making and design. An ideal introduction, and starter pack for the beginner in jewellery making.

if you need more info drop me a line.

gigi1 · 08-06-2009 11:39pm

Marie J wrote: »

Hi there Merrycat,
Must be difficult not having your materials and tools for your craft. I am very interested in jewellery making but am really only new to the craft. I did a 6 week course in the bead shop in Bray and found it very helpful. I am still learning and trying new projects all the time. I buy the magazines, all mostly American, and try some of the projects in them. I am always looking for new ideas to try. The internet is good for this. Its only a hobby for me at the moment but I find friends admire some of the projects and I make some for them too. Some of the completed works of art! are ok but sometimes I am disappointed with the finished result, way too critical I guess! What type of projects / beads / wirework are your interests. I would be interested in meeting up at some stage for a coffee. I have a friend in Gorey and visit there sometimes.

Hi Marie J, I did classes in Blackrock for higher than beginner level. It was great and would suit you if you have done a 6 week course. Melinda has beads and accessories as well. And her works are beautiful a little bit complicated though. Also, I have got patterns from her. That would be good for you if you want to get completely different ideas.

gigi1 · 08-06-2009 11:40pm

gigi1 wrote: »

Hi Marie J, I did classes in Blackrock for higher than beginner level. It was great and would suit you if you have done a 6 week course. Melinda has beads and accessories as well. And her works are beautiful a little bit complicated though. Also, I have got patterns from her. That would be good for you if you want to get completely different ideas.

Oh and her website, you can contact her there: http://mybeadworks.com

Daisypicker5 · 11-06-2009 6:19pm

Awww I love beading!! I used to make fimo beads when I was younger and gave them to my mom.. She wore them a couple of times which made me feel like the best necklace maker ever.

fiathina · 06-07-2009 2:19pm

Wow, just checked back in here for the first time in (literally) years and it's great to see so many people interested in beading!

Think making your own stuff will only get more popular now that the recession is upon us...

meli001 · 06-07-2009 2:58pm

fiathina wrote: »

Wow, just checked back in here for the first time in (literally) years and it's great to see so many people interested in beading!

Think making your own stuff will only get more popular now that the recession is upon us...

I agree with you Fiathina, people have less money to purchase and more time when get unemployed. I also started like that ;-)
But it is a good tendence hopefully the handmade things will be more appreciated than plastic bijouxs.

Redd Rose · 20-09-2009 1:48am

Hi all, I am new to boards. Do you know of any Jewellery making courses/ workshops in the Kildare / Carlow area?

:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p

bernyh · 22-09-2009 1:21am

Hi

Just cos I see some peeps have an interest in beading, would love to chat to others who share my hobby.... I'm in North county Dublin, have been beading for about 2 years..... was thinking of organising a beading circle, if anyone is interested?

Been buyin a good bit from yellow brick road and beads and bling, but am heading over to UK in October to the big bead show to stock up if anyone needs anything!

Cheers

Berny

purplebeach · 22-09-2009 11:19am

Hi Berny &all

You might be interested to know that the bead/jewellery shop BDI from Bray are one of the shops down at the Great Big Craft Extravaganza in the Athlone Springs Hotel this weekend 25th/26th/27th September - the website is http://www.greatbigcraftextravaganza.wordpress.com

There is also the Knit and Creative Craft show at the RDS 29th October - 1st November - don't be fooled by the name of the show as they always have tons of stuff for jewellery making/cardmaking etc

Beading and jewellery making

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