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I have taken several bead weaving classes, Chainmaille classes etc. I love putting the colors together and I get compliments. It seems that everyone is doing the craft when I see all of the bead supplies in large box stores. There are some ugly beads there compared to private stores. My husband tells me that I do the craft better than others but I don't think it is a good investment. It is rewarding for the purpose of giving to friends and family.
That is fruitful. I like the creativity. I see women chasing around giving classes for profit and they make some pocket change but I see their displeasure when teaching slower learners. I've witnessed a particularly rude woman teaching and I wonder what her purpose is. She is quite good at The craft but I don't think that she does favors for herself. She is not a great teacher but she is skilled enough at the craft that people can glean information from her if they can stand the stress of her unbalanced class room manner. Even if one was better than others at Jewelry making (not talking about Jewelers) she/he would still spend a lot of effort and money without the cash If she tried to sell it. I think that the previoulsy mentioned artist with poor teaching skills must be compelled to teach in order to make money at her craft.

Do readers have thoughts or observations on this matter.

The beading magazines, Wirework magazines and big businesses make a big profit I'm sure. Private beading stores do well also. I just wonder about the little people -- the teachers like the one mentioned above and other craftsmen. I'm glad that there are small little clubs around with generous and polite teachers who share their skills. Thank goodness for them. I hope that the private beading stores will last a long time. I do wonder when they will be out of favor though.

What are your observations. How long do you think the jewelry beading trend will be hot? Other thoughts?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Leafly,

40 yrs ago I was making jewelry with beads, macrame, wire weaving, etc.. It all depends on access to supplies. I truly remember mugging the telephone repairman for his scrap plastic coated wires to make bracelets and rings.
I personally love handmade jewelry. Craft shows, street festivals and the like aren't doing us any favors if they charge high booth prices. And too few people browse through the beading stores. The internet has helped certainly but nothing takes the place of admiring beadwork in person.
Thanks for posting and helping us think about trends and treasures.

My thoughts about beading and jewelry making is to be creative and expand one style into another. Always try and be inovative making your items different. You can get tons of ideas from craft shows, but always take it a step further, making your items fresh and new, never before seen! Using different colors, different mediums such as leather, silk, etc. wild and one of a kind beads. Example...using a netsuke as a bead or a vintage brooch into a bracelet using a leather strap. There are so many ways to make your ideas come alive. One of my friends had a very expensive sweater ruined by walking into someone with a cigarette. She beaded the front to cover the burn and created a couture item she wore for years. Think outside the box, ask a teenager what she would like in a piece of jewelry. Sure, it might end up looking like something out of Harry Potter, but you might create a winner.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: nikintx,

I have been making jewelry off and on for years. I think it will always be around but it is difficult to make money at it unless you are making high end items and have a good outlet. I have always made mine for gifts and do occassionaly get an order from someone who has seen what I made.

Thank you all for your wonderful and informative insight. I have stopped the craft for now to pursue other interests. Life is short and one must prioritize.

ASIDE
I've witnessed some poor behavior on the part of teachers who were not "raised right" Oh Well people will be people. But if I owned a store, teachers would know my standards for behavior.... visiting teachers or employees.

Great advice, and all this information and advice gives me the perfect excuse to never get rid of any of my craft supplies. Because I know I will use it at some point, the only problem is, the older I get the more I forget what I've got.

Chandlercr tell me about it. I have bought so many duplicate items because I forgot I already had them.

Leafly - I have been fortunate lately in instructors but I do know what you mean. One shop I took classes at had an instructor that would show no patience if you didn't get what she was saying right away. Then the rest of the class she would say to the person, "Well do you understand this? really snottily

quote:

Originally posted by mira'smom:
Chandlercr tell me about it. I have bought so many duplicate items because I forgot I already had them.

Leafly - I have been fortunate lately in instructors but I do know what you mean. One shop I took classes at had an instructor that would show no patience if you didn't get what she was saying right away. Then the rest of the class she would say to the person, "Well do you understand this? really snottily

That's bad business, bad manners,... and doesn't it make you fume? Some women are so silly and petty.

Chandlercr, I was cleaning out my kitchen drawers a month ago. I'm embarrassed to say that I had three or four garlic crushers. I rarely use them although I do use a lot of fresh garlic.

My friend's 30 something daughter has an Etsy business and sells simple chain necklaces with charms on them. These are not high end jewelry- none sells for more than $24. She basically puts them together from wholesale materials. Last year she made $100,000. If you have a talent and can market, your hobby may be more lucrative than you think.

quote:

Originally posted by pkpk23:
My friend's 30 something daughter has an Etsy business and sells simple chain necklaces with charms on them. These are not high end jewelry- none sells for more than $24. She basically puts them together from wholesale materials. Last year she made $100,000. If you have a talent and can market, your hobby may be more lucrative than you think.

I'm on the floor pkpk23. The internet does change business practices, doesn't it.

Her work must be beautiful!

Thanks for your information.