One of my favorite hobbies is making beaded bracelets, necklaces and earrings! 

There are so many different types of beads to choose from: handmade Murano beads, gemstone beads, antique beads, Swarovski crystal beads, small seed beads and ceramic beads among others. 

You can get creative too. 

I’ve made beaded jewelry from shells I’ve found on the beach.  I like to pick up beads from here, there and everywhere, so I have a lot to choose from when I sit down to make something. 

Because I love beading jewelry so much, I thought I would give a little lesson on beading bracelets and necklaces here.

You won’t need many materials to begin beading, just a clasp, wire and your beads.  Types of clasps vary.  Choose whatever complements your chosen beads.

To begin, gather your beads and supplies.  To determine the length of wire you will need and want, drape it around your neck or wrist adding one or two spare inches to each side.  Before stringing any beads, attach a closure to your wire-end.  Fold one or two inches of wire over, looping it around the closure's hole.

String your beads however you like.  Mix bead types, colors and shapes.  Get creative!

Within two inches of your wire’s end, slide the other closure onto the end, wrapping the wire twice.   Slip the wire-end under the first couple beads, pulling the wire tight and trimming the excess. 

Now you have a beautiful piece of handmade jewelry!  Pretty easy isn’t it?

In time you’ll want to experiment with other beads, designs and styles.  Whatever you create will be beautiful, one of a kind jewelry.  Let your imagination go wild and have fun!