How to Make Money Selling Your Own Jewelry

Making jewelry is a fun and inexpensive hobby. The products you need to get started will include beads, stringing material, and a little creativity.

I began to make jewelry about two years ago, but I have always loved to mix colors and shapes. I remember my grandmother having a big box of buttons of different colors, sizes, and textures. When I would stay with her, we would spend time together stringing these buttons together to make necklaces and bracelets. Today, the process of making jewelry reminds me of the crafts I made at my grandmother's house.

At first, the process can be overwhelming. There are many books on the market with different techniques and styles to follow. Likewise, there are many different ways to assemble the jewelry. There are different forms of wire and string, but I prefer to use stretch cord.

Stretch cord comes in different colors and degrees of thickness. I have found that the one inch cord works best for my jewelry because I like to use chunky beads. The extra thickness of the cord makes the piece sturdy and less prone to breakage. I also like to use stretch cord because I can tie off the finished piece. I am not burdened with the process of using a clasp or hook as a method of closure.

Once you have found the method that works for best for you, it is now time to select your beads. Beads can be purchased from your local craft store or any store that sells art and craft products. You can even repurpose old jewelry by using the beads from broken necklaces and bracelets. The rest is up to you and your imagination.

Every piece of jewelry that you create is a part of you. The great thing about making jewelry is that you can make money selling your finished creations. Here are a few tips to help you build your business.

Sell to Family and Friends:

The best place to start is with your family and friends. When I began making jewelry, I carried a big box of my creations to work. I quickly found out that people liked my product, and I began filling orders for people at my office and at my husband's office.

Talk to Consignment Shops:

Some consignment shops will accept crafts. Look around your neighborhood to see if any local stores sell on consignment and negotiate a deal. Be sure to get everything in writing up front before you leave your jewelry. A contract will help you to make sure that you are paid in accordance with the terms of your agreement with the store. Also, be prepared to do inventory each month. Keep up with what you have in stock in each store to ensure that you are being compensated for all sales.

Participate in Local Craft Shows and Street Fairs:

Craft shows and street fairs are fairly easy to book. You can usually reserve a table for $15-$30 dollars depending on the size and nature of the show. These types of venues are great ways to meet the public and introduce new people to your creations. You may want to invest in a few business cards to hand to people that like your product. Business cards can be ordered online through such sites as www.vistaprint.com.

Set Up an Online Shop on Etsy or Ebay:

It is easy to open an online shop through Etsy or Ebay. Before you open for business, you will need to set up an account and link your online shop to your PayPal account. Once you have established your shop, you will need to photograph your work and upload the images so that customers can see what your shop has to offer. If you decide to set up your own shop online, be sure to describe your work in descriptive terms.

If you have ever wanted to start your own business, now is the time. Making and selling your own product is very rewarding. Good Luck!