I want to learn how to make body jewelry, like captive bead rings and barbells, but I dont know where to get started properly. I know of metals and sizes to use, but I want to do this from scratch without premade materials at all.
Take a jewerly making class: http://www.towson.edu/~jfix/art419jewelry3.htm
Learn the basics, then ‘tweak’ them to fit your need. However, what is the benefit of making everything from scratch? Aside from a personal sense of accomplishment, wouldn’t it be easier, safer, and more cost effective to purchase the basic rings and barbells, then embellish them from scratch? http://www.lotusbodyjewelry.com/BodyJewelry.asp
Your best bet is to study jewelry making in general–then you can apply that knowledge to your body jewelry. Look around for courses at area colleges in jewelry and metalsmithing and you’ll learn everything you need to know.
about.com has a jewelry making section
http://jewelrymaking.about.com/ and the links on the left in red a re clickable.
Take a jewerly making class:
http://www.towson.edu/~jfix/art419jewelry3.htm
Learn the basics, then ‘tweak’ them to fit your need. However, what is the benefit of making everything from scratch? Aside from a personal sense of accomplishment, wouldn’t it be easier, safer, and more cost effective to purchase the basic rings and barbells, then embellish them from scratch?
http://www.lotusbodyjewelry.com/BodyJewelry.asp
Your best bet is to study jewelry making in general–then you can apply that knowledge to your body jewelry. Look around for courses at area colleges in jewelry and metalsmithing and you’ll learn everything you need to know.