It would be nice if this chain was a little bit longer…
If only there were a silver one, instead of a gold one, but it’s fine…
Sometimes when you search for your favorite accessories, you’ll keep having thoughts like these. You may compromise and buy it, or you may continue looking for another option. If this is the case for you, how about creating an accessory by yourself? Handmade accessories can let us feel free from little fussy things we want to change. You can make your own accessories, based on your favorite colors, size, or charms.
But many people think it’s difficult to make accessories on your own because they don’t know how to make it. This article will give you three steps to begin your new hobby. Let’s make unique accessories by ourselves!
- Get inspired by ideas on SNS
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Firstly, you need to make it clear what sorts of accessories you like or want to make. If you’ve already know, you can skip this step and move on to the next one.
On Instagram, Pinterest, or Twitter, there are thousands of ideas for accessories. When you search your favorites, you can make use of hashtags, such as #handmadeaccessory, #handmadejewelry, or #handmadepierce. You’ll be surprised at the quality and the possibilites for handmade jewelry.
You can also refer to accessories from famous jewelry shops, such as Chanel, Gucci, Dior, 4℃ and so on. For those who want luxury pieces but cannot afford it, it can be a wonderful idea to make your own one.
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Get some necessary materials at a specialty store
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Now that you’ve got your original idea for an accessory, you need to get the necessary materials at a store. Some famous store in Japan include 貴和製作所 Kiwa-Seisakujo, ユザワヤ Yuzawa-ya, and パーツクラブ Parts-Club. If you don’t have any idea what materials you need, you can ask customer staff or you can get a kit which includes every necessary part.
When you are at a store, you can see a lot of chains, beads, motifs, or pearls… Even if you’re chosing one gold chain, there are so many kinds of gold chains which are all different from each other. It can be the most difficult step to find your favorites because of the variety, but that’s also part of the fun!
- Try making your original accessory with a recipe
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Finally, with a pincer and a nipper (you can buy them at the hundred yen store), you can start making an accessory! If you get a recipe at a store, you can refer to it, but if you cannot find it, you can find a recipe on SNS.
Here are some points you need to know when you make them:
1. How to use a jump ring (丸カン): Be sure to pull to the front and back, not sideways!
2. How to prevent dropping materials: You will use very small parts, so be sure to put the small container with a felt at hand.
3. How to do a final check: Be sure to check for any small crevices and any loseness so that it won’t break.
With these three steps, you can finally make jewelry that’s unique to you! I hope this can be your new hobby while staying home!