It all started with a girls’ weekend retreat with my sister. She said, “Let’s make some jewelry!” and proceeded to show us all how to make wrap bracelets. It was so much fun to watch a bracelet being made before my very eyes. And, the fact that I was the one making it made it all the better! Needless to say, that was the start of a new hobby for me – yep, I’m now into jewelry-making.
My Jewelry-Making Adventure
Of course, after I came home from that weekend retreat, I went out to a local craft store and bought the supplies to continue my jewelry-making efforts.
My bead storage
I then proceeded to disassemble my first bracelet (sorry, not sorry) and make a longer version of it, incorporating into it the beads from the original one. Don’t get me wrong. The original bracelet was great! I just wanted to make a longer version of it.
My “reworked” first bracelet
Then, I made another one!
My second bracelet
But, I wanted to learn how to do other variations. Fortunately, a dear friend of mine, Mary Kay, whom I know from waaaaaayyyy back when I was in school, is a fantastic artist who just happens to make beautiful jewelry.
A Visit to BeadWorks
When I planned a trip back home to visit family over the holidays, a visit to see Mary Kay was going to be part of my itinerary. I’d visited with her on previous trips, and I’d also had her make a couple of bracelets for me. But, this time, I was going to be the one making the bracelet. So, in addition to being able to visit with Mary Kay, I was going to be able to learn new ways to make bracelets. You see, the place where Mary Kay works, BeadWorks, has tables set up so that people can make jewelry right there with guidance from people who actually know what they’re doing!
View of BeadWorks from my table
Let’s Make Some Jewelry!
So, when I arrived at BeadWorks, I placed my belongings at a table and Mary Kay got me started. She showed me the various bead offerings and gave me some guidance as I decided which beads I might like to include in the bracelet. She then helped me to pick out all of the rest of the supplies I would need such as the type of wire, the closure, crimps, crimp covers, etc. There’s so much to think about, so it was great to have a real pro there to help me. By the way, for anyone who is interested in making bracelets or necklaces, I highly recommend this handy-dandy bead arranging tray. Just saying. It certainly made the process go much more quickly than if I had not had it available to use.
BeadSmith Bead Arranger
After gathering all of the supplies I needed, and with the tools that Mary Kay had placed on the table, I began making the bracelet. And, voila! A mere 1.5 hours after I walked in there, I had this wonderful wrap bracelet – a gift for my sister – that I made all by myself!
Bracelet I made at BeadWorks
Of course, along with buying enough supplies to make this bracelet, I purchased additional supplies so that I could continue with my jewelry-making efforts. Actually, I’d love to move into doing some earrings sometime in the future. For now, though, I will make more bracelets, and some necklaces. It’s really very fun. So, if you have ever thought of maybe venturing into the world of jewelry-making, or bracelet-making specifically, I say “Go for it!” If I can do it, anyone can! 🙂
Check Out BeadWorks and Mary Kay
BeadWorks is a fantastic place that is priced VERY reasonably, and everyone there is very eager to help. So, if you’re ever in the Lancaster, PA area, I highly recommend a visit.
And, here comes a well-deserved plug for Mary Kay. Check out her Instagram page. She’s got pictures of some of her beautiful creations on there. Or, you can reach her at BeadWorks and even see her wonderful work in person!
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