Are you Thinking of Setting up a Jewellery Business?

Blog post written by Anna Campbell 

The brilliant thing about the internet is that it has allowed us all to become business people with a low start up cost. I’ve sold pieces of jewellery to New Zealand, USA, Holland, Australia – places I have never been. But where do you begin? And with so many people having the same idea, how do you stand out? Here is some advice to get you thinking…

1. Start small

On the PR class I have spoken to people who have gone all out, hired a web designer, pay monthly for a merchandised website and then …. nothing happened. No one bought anything. There are a couple of lessons here. First, start small. Setting up a website to get started can be costly. Plus you haven’t had the chance to see if what you make will sell, if people will pay what you need to charge etc. If you’re starting out or want to try out a new idea I recommend using a site like www.etsy.com or www.folksy.com. On both of these sites you can quickly set up shop, paying a small price for listing each item (20 cents on Etsy). You aren’t charged any more until someone buys something and you can factor in the small percentage they charge into your pricing. Buyers can use paypal or you can choose to take cards. I started up in this way. I started two etsy shops and one sold absolutely nothing! The other was popular and I still have it. If I’d set them both up as merchandised websites I’d have lost more than a few pounds.

2. Know your market

You need to think about who is going to buy your product and where they might look for it. That could be online but could also be in local shops, craft fairs, through jewellery parties etc. One of the students on the PR course, Fiona from @FunkyDaisy sells some of her products at a nail bar. She gives the technicians freebies that they wear when they’re working, people ask where they got their jewellery from and hey presto – a sale!

3. Look professional

Even if you work from your kitchen table you need to come across to potential customers as professional. I recommend getting some business cards made up. Have you heard of Moo? moo.com are very popular among jewellery designers because they allow you to add lots of different photos to your cards. I’ve also had some moo stickers made to use instead of sellotape on my wrapping.

Always carry some cards with you, you never know when someone might ask you about the jewellery you’re wearing!

4. Approach local shops

Many people I meet say that they get anxious about approaching local shop owners about stocking their jewellery. Remember, these people are in business and want to be approached, it saves them doing the work to source the products! Plus handmade locally produced jewellery is a big story at the moment so they are likely to be very interested in what you have to offer.

5. Take the next step

The London Jewellery School runs a number of different courses to help you, whatever stage you’re at in your business, to get to the next level.

You can come for our intensive Jewellery Business Day where you’ll consider pricing, marketing, websites, getting into shops and more.

You could come to our PR for your Jewellery Business evening taster class to learn more about how to promote your business via facebook, twitter, blogging etc

If you’re not in or near London why not consider our popular Jewellery Business Distance Learning Course for advice for your start up business,including 80 minutes of expert advice via DVD, one years free LJS membership, a place on the members directory and loads of other benefits.

Good luck with your business adventure! And don’t forget to keep us informed about how you’re doing. We love to hear from you.

Anna Campbell is the PR for your Jewellery Business teacher. She runs her own Etsyshop, lightboatjewellery selling silver and beaded jewellery. She has more than 1000 followers on twitter (@light_boat) and regularly makes silver jewellery on commission for celebrities. Her website is www.acampbell.info

Until next time,

Happy Making, LJS x

Make Steampunk Jewellery – Jewellery Making Project

Make this stunning Steampunk necklace following our step-by-step project below. Don’t forget to share your makes with us on our facebook page.

You will need:  
This project was written by Jessica Rose for London Jewellery School and London Jewellery Supplies 
Step 1:  Take one of the brass headpins and thread on one of your brown and white beads. Make sure that the bead hole is small enough so that the bead will not fall off the end. Most of the beads should be fine but some of them in the pack may have a hole too large to use in this project.

Step 2: Take your round nosed pliers and create a small loop at the end of the headpin.
Step 3: Continue your loop round until you reach the bead, creating 3-4 loops in a row. Make sure that the loops are nice and neat, layered next to each other.
Step 4: Repeat steps 1-3 with all 50 of your headpins so that you have 50 finished beads on a brass loop.
Step 5: Now take one of your brass steampunk charms and attach a brass jumpring to the end using your chain nosed pliers and flat nosed pliers to close the jumpring.
Step 6: Repeat step 6 with all of your steampunk charms so that they are ready to attach to your necklace.
Step 7: Take approximately 50cm of tiger tail wire and begin threading some of your beads on.
Step 8: Next thread your first charm on using the jumpring.
Step 9: Continue threading on your beads and charms in a design that you like. I have done a pattern of 10 beads between each charm to spread them out evenly.
Also cut your one meter ribbon in half with pair of scissors so that you have two half meter ribbons.
Step 10: Next, thread one of the gold plated jumprings on to one end on the tigertail and push it down to the end where the beads sit. Then take the end of the wire and thread it back through the the crimp. Place the middle of one of your ribbons in the loop that has been created by the tigertail as shown in the image.

Step 11: Pull the loop tight to secure the ribbon in place and push the loop closed using your chain nosed pliers. Then cut off the excess tigertail with your side cutters or a pair of scissors. Repeat this same process with the other side of the beads and using the other 50cm of ribbon to finish your steampunk necklace.
If you like this project and would like to learn more fun techniques take a look at our Bead and Wirework Jewellery Making Classes.

Happy making LJS x

LJS Launches Jewellery Making Tutorials: Wire Wrapped Rings

We are super excited to announce the release of our first every downloadable jewellery making tutorial, where you can learn to make three stunning wire wrapped rings by following our simple and clear step-by-step instructions…

Priced at just £3.99 (inc. VAT), upon purchasing this tutorial you will immediately be sent an email with the tutorial in a PDF attachment. Throughout the 11 pages of instructions and corresponding images you will we guided in how to make three different wire wrapped rings;

Project 1: Single Stone Ring

Project 2: Cluster Cocktail Ring

Project 3: Wire Swirl Ring

Each project is broken down in to stages with high quality pictures to illustrate each stage. At the end of each project there is a tips section with useful additional information about how to make the projects.

This is a beginners level tutorial aimed at those new to jewellery making or who have done some making before but would like to learn these particular projects to further their knowledge and skills. It is useful if you have some prior knowledge such as, how to use the basic pliers and making a loop in wire.
 Please Note: No tools or materials are included in the course price, you will need to source or own materials as listed below. Please see the links below next to the materials for suggested suppliers.
Materials List:
- 0.8mm silver plated wire (20 gauge in American sizes) www.londonjewellerysupplies.co.uk
- 0.4mm silver plated wire (26 gauge in American sizes) www.londonjewellerysupplies.co.uk
- Selection of small beads or crystals www.jillybeads.co.uk
- One round bead (approx. 8mm) www.londonjewellerysupplies.co.uk
Tools List:
- Side cutters (wire cutters) www.londonjewellerysupplies.co.uk
- Chain nosed pliers (snipe nosed pliers) www.londonjewellerysupplies.co.uk
- Wooden mandrel or thick pen www.metalclay.co.uk

For full details and to purchase your copy of this tutorial now, click on the link – http://www.londonjewelleryschool.co.uk/distance-learning/wire-wrapped-rings-tutorial/

This is the first of many tutorials that LJS will be releasing this year, if you have an idea or suggestion for future tutorials that you would like to see please leave a comment below or email them to jessica@londonjewelleryschool.co.uk

Tutorials are an excellent way of learning new skills at a bargain price or developing your existing skills with new ideas and projects. It is true that you can find plenty of information on the web about making jewellery but what makes these tutorials worthwhile is the high quality of images, instructions and content all in one place and ready for you to use.

We hope you enjoy making your projects as much as we have enjoyed putting them together,

Until next time,

Happy Making, LJS x

We have been Nominated for the Make Jewellery Awards 2012!

We are excited to announce our nomination for the Make Jewellery Awards 2012 in the ‘Best Workshop Provider’ category and just couldn’t wait to share the lovely news with you all…

We are delighted to be nominated but need lots of help and support to win the awards as they are done based on a public survey, if you have had a good experience with London Jewellery School and would like to vote for us please click on the link to fill out the short survey -  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WRXZ5ZL

We always aim to provide an excellent service and world-class, quality jewellery making classes for our students, take a look at the points below to see why we hope you will agree that we are a great contender for these awards…

  • We are the UK’s largest independent jewellery training centre, running 100′s of classes every year
  • We offer over 80 different jewellery making classes and workshops suitable for complete beginners up to professional jewellers
  • We have a team of over 25 world-class jewellery tutors who are trained professionals in their craft.
  • Based in Hatton Garden (London’s jewellery quarter) we have a fully equipped workshop that our students and tutors use 7 days a week all year round
  • Not only do we run excellent quality short courses but we also have a hugely popular 1-year long Diploma course and well subscribed distance learning courses
  • Since opening in 2009 we have taught over 3500 students to make jewellery
  • And most importantly we are passionate about what we do, we put our students first, provide a friendly and creative atmosphere in which to learn and are constantly making changes to improve the quality of our service.

If you agree and would like to support us please vote on the link below, there are also lots of other categories such as best jewellery making supplier and best kit provider etc… so plenty of opportunities to voice your views – http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WRXZ5ZL

Until next time,

Happy Making LJS x

Make Button Jewellery: Jewellery Making Project

Make this fruit cocktail button earrings and a matching button charm bracelet in 7 simple steps…

You will need:  
  • 2 pairs of Chain nose pliers and a wire cutter
  • A selection of small buttons
  • A pair of ear wires
  • Silver or gold plated loose Chain
  • Silver or gold plated clasp and closed jump ring
  • Silver or gold plated 6mm or 7mm open jump rings, depending on the size of your buttons.
This project was made by Chu-mei Ho for London Jewellery School 
Step 1: Cut a loose chain into two lengths of 3cm or longer if you prefer.
If you don’t have ready made chains, you can also attach jump rings together to create your own chain.
Step 2: Open a jump ring using the 2 pairs of chain nose pliers to twist it open. Please remember not to pull the jump ring open as it will distort the ring shape. Attach the jump ring to a button, then to the chain and close the jump ring with your pliers.
Step 3: Repeat Step 2 until you fill up the chain.

Step 4: Attach an earring wire to the chain.

Step 5: Repeat step 2 to 4 to make a matching pair of earrings.
 
Step 6: To make a matching bracelet, cut the chain to a length that just fits your wrist.
Step 7:  Attach the buttons to the chain until you fill up the chain then attach the closed jump ring and clasp to the chain with the open jump rings to complete the bracelet.
If you enjoyed this project and would like to learn to make different types of button jewellery, please take a look at our
Button Jewellery Taster Class- click here to see our full class description.
To see more of our free jewellery making projects click here to see our projects page.
Until next time,
Happy making
LJS x

Make a Large Bead Necklace: Jewellery Making Project

With this fun project make a large bead and chain necklace following our 9 simple steps. Don’t forget to share your makes with us on our facebook page. Also feel free to comment below and let us know what you think of the project – Happy Making!

You will need:  
  • 0.8mm silver plated wire
  • 50cm of large silver plated chain
  • 30cm of small silver plated chain
  • Selection of large beads
  • Chain nosed pliers
  • Round nosed pliers
  • Side cutters
Materials can be brought from the suppliers below:
This project was made by Jessica Rose for London Jewellery School

Step 1: Take your large chain and cut approximately 20cm of the 0.8mm silver plated wire. Thread the end of the wire through the chain, take your round pliers and and bend the wire round them to make a u-shape.
Step 2: Take the short end of wire and wrap it over and under the long end to make an enclosed loop encapturing the chain end. Keep your round nosed pliers in place to hold on to the wires.

Step 3: Once you have made one wrap continue 2-3 times to secure the wire in place and make the loop nice and strong. To finish, cut the short end of wire off using your side cutters and and gently push the sharp stub of wire into the base of the wrap using your chain nosed pliers.

Step 4: Next, thread on one of your large beads to the long end of wire.

Step 5: To secure the bead in place make sure it is sat flush against your fist wrap, then take your chain nosed pliers and grab the wire with them approximately 1cm up from the large bead and make a u-shape with the wire around your pliers. Then repeat the wire wrapping process by wrapping your wire over and under the other side of the u-shape and continue wrapping until your wire reached your bead. Then cut the wire end off and push the sharp end in with your chain nosed pliers.
Step 6: Now that you have completed one bead you are ready to attach another one. Take another 20cm length of wire and create a loop around the other loop at the end of your bead.

Step 7: Once you have attached a few beads you are ready to attach your smaller chain to add some variety to your necklace. Cut your smaller chain in to 3 x 10cm lengths and thread one end of all three chains onto a new 20cm piece of wire. Then, using your round nosed pliers make a loop and wrap encapsulating all three chains.
Step 8: Continue make your necklace in this way, alternating beads, sections of large chain and sections of small chain until you are happy with the design.

Step 9: Once you have reached the desired length bring the two ends of the chain together to make a finished piece. And then you are all set you wear your lovely new fashion necklace with pride.
Once you feel confident, mix the necklace up with different sized beads, other types of chain and event charms and tassels to make a lovely selection of designer necklaces.

If you like this project and would like to learn more fun techniques take a look at our Jewellery Making Classes.
Also feel free to comment and let us know what you think of this project.
Happy making LJS x

March Newsletter – Become an Accredited Jewellery Training Centre with LJS 

The London Jewellery School has launched a programme whereby individual jewellers, business owners or collectives can set up and run their own jewellery making classes using the successful LJS model and with the ongoing support from LJS in setting up, promoting and delivering professional classes.

We offer a full package including:
LJS Accredited training centre pack, full of info, hints and tips about setting up and running your own jewellery classes.
Jewellery business training (Distance Learning Course).
Use of accredited LJS training centre logo.
Promotion of centres, classes and courses through the LJS networks and listing on the designated LJS training centre pages on the website.
3 x consultations with LJS Director Jessica Rose to help you with setting up and running your own successful jewellery classes. This will include support with developing a business plan for your training courses. These can be done in person or over the phone and each consultation will last approx. 2 hours.
Ongoing support via email for your first year.

For full details on the programme and how to apply please visit - www.londonjewelleryschool.co.uk/join-us/

Make a Shamballa Bracelet: Jewellery Making Project 

Shamballa bracelets are all the rage at the moment so why not have a go at making your own in our free step-by-step project to complete from home? We have also added a new class where you can come to LJS and learn to make a shamballa bracelet with all your materials included for just £20 (exc. VAT) – What a bargain! For full details on the new class click here and to see the free project click here.

New Class: Large Stone Metal Clay Ring

New for 2012, due to popular demand we have added a new intermediate/advanced metal clay class where you can make a stunning large, fired in place stone set metal clay ring. The first class is on Wednesday 11th April and places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

Fun Fimo Sweety Making Project

We have been busy the last few weeks with out ‘Project a Week’ challenge, whereby we upload a new project each week to the website and facbook/ blog pages. Take a look at this good enough to eat fun fimo project created by the lovely Chu-mei Ho

Come to our Book Launch at LJS this Friday 17th March
On 17th March LJS will be hosting a book launch for Elizabeth Bone’s exciting new book ‘Silversmithing for Jewellery Makers’ and you are invited! Places are limited so please RSVP if you are planning on coming and we will save you a space. The launch is from 7-9pm and you will have the opportunity to buy a signed copy, meet the authour and have a drink whilst you are at it. For full details click here.

Penny Pinching for Jewellery Makers: Guest Blog from Silversense

Take a look at our latest guest blog post from suppliers silversence:
Times are hard! Most small businesses will wholeheartedly agree – people buy less, competition is tough and every day there seem to be news of more economic challenges to come. So, how do you ensure the financial health of your jewellery making business? For the full post click here. 

Thursday 22nd March
£175.00 (exc VAT)
Learn to make beautiful silver and metal jewellery using the ancient wax carving technique in this fun and creative 5 week course. Taught by the talented Caren Hartley
Monday 17th September
£3,000 (ex VAT)
Learn a full range of jewellery making skills in this year long accredited Diploma in Creative Jewellery at LJS
Distance Learning Jewellery Business Course

£99.00
Learn all the basics of setting up your own jewellery business from the comfort of your own home in our new distance learning course.

Make a Shamballa Bracelet: Jewellery Making Project

Shamballa bracelets are all the rage and now you can make your very own from home following our step-by-step project below. Don’t forget to share your makes with us on our facebook page.

You will need:  
  • 4 meters of 1mm wax coated nylon cord
  • Selection of shamballa style beads
  • Scissors
  • Tape
  • Araldite or a strong adhesive (glue)

 

 

 

Step 1: Cut three lengths of 1mm cord and tie them together in a loose knot approximately 25cm down from the top. Then place your cords on a table and tape them down above the knot to hold them in place whist you begin the macrame square knotting technique.

Step 2: To do your first macrame knot, separate the three cords out in front of you. We have labeled them 1-3 for ease of explanation. Take cord 1 and place it over the top of cords 2 and 3 as shown in the image.
Step 3: Next, take cord 3 and place it over the top of cord 1.
Step 4: Take the end of cord 3 and place it under and through the loop that has been created between cords 1 and 2.
Step 5: Pull the end of cords 1 and 3 to create the knot, making sure that cord 2 is pulled tight down the centre as shown in the image.
Step 6: Pull this tight to create the first half of your square knot. A good way to remember the knotting technique is that it goes OVER, OVER and then UNDER. It sometimes helps to say this to yourself as you are doing it so that you remember the steps.
Next, to complete the square knot you want to repeat steps 2-5 but the opposite way round. So you first take cord 1 (the left cord) and place it UNDER cords 2 and 3 then take cord 3 (the right cord) and place it UNDER cord 1 and then take the end of cord 3 and place it OVER and through the loop created between cords 1 and 2. This second side of the square knot is UNDER, UNDER and then OVER.
Step 7: Once you have created one full square knot, keep going and create a series of these knots by repeating steps 2-6 until you are ready to place your first bead on.
Step 8: Place your first bead on to the middle cord (cord 2) and push the bead right up to the knots.
Step 9: Now you just continue by creating another square knot underneath the bead, making sure that the bead remains in place and is trapped in the first knot as shown in the image.
Step 10: Create as many knots as you like (we have done 2 full square knots) before placing your next bead on.
Step 11: Continue this process until you have all of your beads knotted on to your bracelet.

Step 12: After the final bead, create a series of square knots to match the ones you created at the beginning to make your bracelet symmetrical. 

Step 13: To finish the ends, turn the bracelet around to the back, take the two outer cords and tie a standard knot nice and tight. Then you want to glue this knot in place to stop it from coming undone at a later stage. We have used Araldite but you can use any strong adhesive glue and allow it to set for at least an hour before finishing off the bracelet. Once the glue has set, cut off the two cords as close as you can to the base of the knot making sure you don’t cut off the central cord. Repeat this on the other side of the bracelet too so that you have only one cord remaining on each end. 

Step 14: Now that you have finished the main part of your bracelet you are ready to make the sliding knot clasp. Take a new piece of cord that is approx. 50 cm long and place it half way along, over the two end cords from the bracelet. Then begin a new square knot in the middle of the cord, using the two bracelet cords as the centre cord and the new piece of cord as the left and right cords. 
Step 15: The first new knot is always the most difficult but once you have done a couple it gets easier. Make sure that you don’t pull the knots too tight as you want the knots to be able to slide so that the bracelet is adjustable.
 

Step 16: Complete a series of knots until you are happy with the size of the sliding knot, then end the knot in the same way you have done on the bracelet by tuning it over to the back side, creating a standard knot and gluing it in place. Be careful not to get glue on the middle cords as you want the knots to slide. Then cut the ends off so that you only have one cord end on each side of the bracelet.
 
Step 17: Finally, knot a bead on to the end of each of the two loose cords to finish. These can then be used to pull the sliding knot back and forward.
And there you have a completed shamballa style bracelet!
If you like this project and would like to learn more fun techniques take a look at our Jewellery Making Classes.
You can also see our full range of free jewellery making projects for you to complete from home on our Projects Page.
Happy making LJS x

Jewellery Making Project: Make a Polymer Clay Marshmallow Bracelet

Make this yummy polymer clay marshmallow charm bracelet in 9 simple steps…

You will need:  
  • Polymer clay in pastel colours
  • Snake roller/ CD case or Glass coaster
  • Tissue blade
  • Oven/ mini table top oven
  • Chain nose pliers and wire cutter
  • Arildate (two-part epoxy glue)
  • Eye pins
  • Silver plated chain
  • Silver plated clasp, closed jump ring and open jump rings
This project was made by Chu-mei Ho for London Jewellery School

Step 1: Condition two colours of Polymer clay by kneading in your hands until they are soft.

Step 2: Roll the conditioned polymer clay into two coils using a snake roller. If you don’t have one, you can use a CD case or glass coaster.

Step 3: Twist two coils together to make one twisted rope.

Step 4: Using a Tissue Blade cut the twisted rope into small sections to make some marshmallows.

Step 5: Trim the eye pin to approx 5mm in length and stick it onto the marshmallow bead, make sure the end of the pin doesn’t stick out. If it does, trim it shorter. You can also make your own eye pin from the wire if you don’t have any. Cut a small length of 0.8mm wire and use the round nose pliers to make a loop at the end of the wire.

Step 6: Depending on which brand of Polymer clay you are using, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and bake the marshmallow beads with the eye pins in the oven.

Step 7: Let the beads cool down after baking. Mix some two- part epoxy glue. Pull the eye pin out of the bead and add a tiny bit of glue and put it back into the hole, this will secure the eye pins on the beads.

Step 8: While waiting for the glue to cure, cut the silver chain to a length that just fits your wrist and make it into a bracelet by attaching the closed jump ring and clasp to the chain with the open jump rings.

Step 9: Plan where you would like to hang the marshmallow beads on the bracelet and attach the beads onto the bracelet using open jump rings.
If you enjoyed this project and would like to learn to make professional polymer clay  jewellery take a look at our polymer clay classes here – www.londonjewelleryschool.co.uk/polymer-clay/ and our polymer clay taster class here – www.londonjewelleryschool.co.uk/taster-classes/make-polymer-clay-beads/
Happy making LJS x 

Teach Jewelry Classes: Become a London Jewellery School Accredited Jewellery Training Centre

The London Jewellery School has launched a programme whereby individual jewellers, business owners or collectives can set up and run their own jewellery making classes using the successful LJS model and with the ongoing support from LJS in setting up, promoting and delivering professional classes. 

The programme has been launched following increasing demand for fun and professional jewellery making classes across the UK and overseas.
‘We have been approached numerous times to offer a franchise or options for jewellery makers in other locations to set up a similar project to LJS and this is the perfect solution that is not only affordable but gives new teachers and teaching organisations the kick-start they need, with plenty of flexibility to be original and the expertise from LJS to be a success’ 
Jessica Rose, London Jewellery School Director 
The programme offers a full package to successful applicants including; an AJTC (Accredited Jewellery Training Centre) start-up pack, a copy of the popular jewellery business distance learning course taught by LJS, use of the LJS AJTC logo, promotion of the classes and centre through the LJS website, consultations with LJS owner and director Jessica Rose and ongoing support via email for the first year.
The full package costs a total of £1,000 (plus VAT) to get the help and support of the London Jewellery School in setting up and running your own profitable jewellery making classes. There is also a yearly fee of £250 starting from the second year to remain part of the LJS network and for them to support and promote your classes.
There are a number of criteria to being accepted onto the programme and you will need to complete a short application form followed up by an informal telephone interview to ensure you are right for the scheme. LJS are looking for centers and individuals that can sign up to their ethos of accessible jewellery making classes for all, under their motto that ‘Everyone can make Jewellery’.
They will be putting lots of hard work into ensuring that the accredited jewellery training centers are a success, so will be limiting the number of new centers each year, therefore early applications are recommended.
For full details about the programme and to apply visit their website: www.londonjewelleryschool.co.uk/join-us
Or contact them on the details below:
Tel: 0203 176 0546  Email: Jessica@londonjewelleryschool.co.uk
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