HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN OCEAN-INSPIRED LEAD-FREE PEWTER JEWELRY

Dive into the world of ocean-inspired jewelry making with this step-by-step guide. Learn how to create stunning pieces that capture the beauty of the sea!

If you're a fan of the ocean and love jewelry, why not combine the two and create your own ocean-inspired pieces? With this step-by-step guide, you'll learn how to make stunning jewelry that captures the beauty and essence of the sea. Get ready to dive into the world of ocean-inspired jewelry making!

GATHER YOUR MATERIALS AND TOOLS

Before you begin making your ocean-inspired jewelry, it's important to gather all the necessary materials and tools. If you are interested in selling your jewelry creations to others, you can get great bulk wholesale pricing for lead-free pewter ocean-inspired charms at https://www.contempbeads.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=surfer! Here's a list of what you'll need:

A. Seashells: Look for seashells of different shapes, sizes, and colors. You can collect them from the beach or purchase them from a craft store.

B. Beads: Choose beads in colors that resemble the ocean, such as shades of blue, green, and turquoise. You can also opt for lead-free pewter epoxy colored beads with a pearl-like finish for an added touch of elegance. For an amazing variety of lead-free pewter beads, check out this contempbeads website.

C. Jewelry wire: Get a variety of jewelry wire in different gauges. Thinner wire is ideal for delicate designs, while thicker wire is better for creating statement pieces.

D. Pliers: Invest in a good pair of jewelry pliers, including round-nose pliers, flat-nose pliers, and wire cutters. These tools will help you manipulate the wire and create different shapes.

E. Jump rings and clasps: These findings are essential for connecting different components of your jewelry and securing them in place. Make sure to have a variety of sizes and styles.

F. Chain or cord: Depending on the type of jewelry you want to make, you'll need either chain or cord to string your beads and attach your pendants.

G. Charms and pendants: Look for ocean-themed lead-free pewter charms and pendants, such as seahorses, starfish, shells, or mermaids. These will add a unique touch to your jewelry.

H. Glue: A strong adhesive is useful for securing small components, such as attaching a bail to a seashell pendant.

Once you have all your materials and tools gathered together, you're one step closer to creating your own beautiful ocean-inspired jewelry. Let's dive in and get started!

CHOOSE YOUR DESIGN AND SELECT YOUR BEADS OR CHARMS

The first step in making your own ocean-inspired jewelry style is to choose the design you want to create. Do you want to make a necklace, bracelet, earrings, or a combination of these? Once you have decided on the type of jewelry, it's time to select your beads or charms for your design.

If you're going for a more minimalist look, you can choose a few statement beads in colors that resemble the ocean. Look for shades of blue, green, and turquoise to capture the essence of the sea. If you prefer a more intricate design, you can mix and match different beads in various sizes and ocean animal shapes, such as a lead-free pewter scallop seashell bead. You can also include beads that display an epoxy colored ocean-related sea animal on it, like a dolphin. 

Alternatively, you can opt for ocean-themed charms, such as seahorses, starfish, shells, or mermaids. These charms will add a unique touch to your jewelry and make it truly ocean-inspired.

After you have chosen your design and selected your beads or charms for it, you're ready to move on to the next step in creating your own stunning ocean-related jewelry.

PREPARE YOUR JEWELRY WIRE OR CORD

Before you begin to actually put your ocean-inspired jewelry together, it's important to prepare your jewelry wire or cord. This step will ensure that your jewelry is sturdy and well-made.

If you are using jewelry wire, start by straightening it out to remove any kinks or bends. You can do this by gently pulling the wire between your fingers or using a wire straightening tool. Once the wire is straight, you can cut it to the desired length using wire cutters.

If you are using cord, make sure it is the appropriate thickness for your project. Thicker cords are better suited for necklaces and bracelets, while thinner cords work well for earrings. Cut the cord to the desired length using scissors.
After preparing your wire or cord, you can begin stringing your beads or attaching your charms. Remember to leave enough length at the ends to secure your jewelry later on.
By taking the time to properly prepare your jewelry wire or cord, you will ensure that your ocean-inspired jewelry is well-crafted and ready to be enjoyed for years to come.

STRING YOUR BEADS OR CHARMS ONTO THE WIRE OR CORD

Once you have prepared your jewelry wire or cord, it's time to start stringing your lead-free pewter beads or attaching your charms. This is where you can get creative and design your own unique style of ocean-inspired jewelry.

If you are using beads, start by selecting the ones you want to use for your design to create a visually appealing piece. Thread the wire or cord through the hole in each bead, making sure to leave enough length at the ends for securing.

If you are using charms, you can attach them to the wire or cord using jump rings or small connectors. Simply open the jump ring or connector using jewelry pliers, slide the charm onto it, and then close it securely. See the design below to see an example of earrings that have secured charms.

Continue stringing your beads or attaching your charms until you have achieved the desired design. You can mix and match different beads and charms to create a unique and personalized piece of ocean-inspired jewelry.

SECURE THE ENDS AND ADD FINISHING TOUCHES

After you have finished stringing your beads or attaching your charms, it's important to secure the ends of the wire or cord of your jewelry to ensure it doesn't come apart. You can do this by creating a loop, or by using crimp beads or knots, depending on the type of jewelry you are making. This will ensure that your jewelry stays in place and doesn't come apart.

For necklaces and bracelets, crimp beads are a popular choice. Simply slide a crimp bead onto the end of your string or wire, then pass the end of the string through a jump ring or clasp. Loop the end of the string back through the crimp bead, and use crimping pliers to flatten the bead, securing it in place.

If you are making earrings or using elastic cord for your jewelry, knots can be used to secure the ends. Tie a double knot at the end of your string or cord, making sure it is tight and secure.

Once you have taken your time to carefully secure the ends of your unique jewelry design. You can add the final finishing touches to your ocean-inspired jewelry. This can include adding an additional focal point, or adding a lead-free pewter clasp or closure.

Finally, give your ocean-inspired jewelry a final inspection to make sure everything is secure and well-crafted to ensure your jewelry is not only beautiful but also durable and long-lasting. By following these steps, you will have created stunning ocean-inspired jewelry that captures the beauty of the sea. Enjoy wearing or gifting your handmade lead-free pewter jewelry creations!