Making your own bead jewelry is a creative hobby that allows you to produce unique pieces for yourself, family and friends. Here is how you can get started.

If you ever asked yourself "couldn't I do that myself?" as you looked through rows of bead bracelets, necklaces or earrings at a trendy boutique, the answer is yes. Beading is a creative and entertaining hobby that not only will have you produce unique, handmade items of jewelry, but will also be a source of amazing gift ideas for family and friends.

The first step would be to find a good local bead shop. While there are wonderful mail order catalogs and websites that will sell you all the supplies, nothing substitutes for the support and advice of experienced sales personnel. Ideally, this store would also offer a number of beginning classes that would help you learn basic techniques (if there is no bead shop in your town, some introductory books such as The Complete Idiot's Guide to Beading will have to do).

Start with a simple project, such as a bracelet or basic necklace, and do not go overboard with expensive beads and findings (clasps etc.). I know you are probably itching to use Swarovski crystal, sterling silver and semi-precious beads, but you can work up to that later. Some stores will even offer packaged starter kits that may include a beading board (which helps you with project layout and measurements), some basic tools, beads, wire, findings and a how-to-book.

You should then set up your "beading space"