10 Budget Friendly Back to School Jewelry Ideas

Summer vacation is nearing an end, back to school shopping is underway, and in some counties nearby class has already started. Whew where did the time go? Many of you have probably already spent a bundle on school supplies and clothing, so why not make your child some cute jewelry to go with her back-to-school clothes? Whether you are a Mom looking for a DIY jewelry making project, a teen who likes to create her own accessories or a college student on a tight budget, this list of DIY Jewelry making tutorials will inspire you to get creative!

Get a head start on your child’s learning with these super cool Tubular Glitter Science Bracelets. This tutorial introduces science and fashion. Cool!!

DIY Pencil Crayon Earrings Tutorial

The idea of turning colored pencils into earrings fascinates me! Check out the tutorial and learn how to turn these bright school supplies into a trendy pair of earrings that is sure to get ooh’s and ah’s from fellow classmates!

I had to share this colorful DIY Magazine Necklace tutorial with you. I like the sloppy, yet stylish look of the beads. It looks super easy to make. You could make one like this while watching your favorite movie tonight.

Statement necklaces are a popular trend in the world of jewelry that does not show any signs of fading anytime soon. In this tutorial you will learn how to make a Neon Statement Necklace with an unexpected material found in hardware stores, cotter pins!

Here is another trendy tutorial that uses school supplies to create two stylish necklaces. See how these Paperclip and Tape Necklaces were made.

Glitter and a Bow! Perfect girly combination! This easy to follow tutorial will show you how to make a No-Sew Glitter Bow Necklace that you can wear again and again, and even make some for your friends.

Duct tape rings! How cute! Duct tape rings can be fashioned for any age, children, teens, and college students. This fun tutorial will have you making one Duct Tape Ring after the other.

The ever popular Safety Pin and Bead Bracelet never goes out of style. Check out the tutorial on Craft Bits, the sister site of Craft Gossip.

Aren’t these pretty? These Pearl Bead and Safety Pin Earrings are simple to make and a cute accessory for teens and college students to wear to class.

Last for this post is this colorful Pencil Grip and Bead Bracelets. Perfect for wearing back-to-school!

Have fun being creative!

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20 Ways To Use Scrabble Tiles In Jewelry Making

In the dimly lit corner of my small jewelry studio, the silver soldering torch hisses to life. The familiar scent of metal and flux fills the air. As a jewelry maker, I’ve always found a certain magic in the process of soldering. It’s the moment when separate pieces of metal, like puzzle pieces, come together to create a beautiful whole. Over the years, I’ve gathered my fair share of tips and tricks that have made this art form more of a delight than a chore. Here, I’ll share some of those secrets to help you master the art of soldering in your jewelry making journey.

1. Set the Stage for Success
Before diving into soldering, ensure that your workspace is well-organized and clutter-free. You need a clear and clean surface to focus on your work. Make sure you have all your tools and materials within easy reach. An organized workspace not only boosts efficiency but also minimizes the chances of accidents.

2. Fire Up the Torch with Confidence
The torch is often the heart of soldering, and it can be intimidating for beginners. When I was starting, I remember feeling nervous about lighting the torch. But here’s a tip: practice lighting and adjusting the flame without your jewelry piece. Get comfortable with the torch, and you’ll gain more control.

3. Understand the Three S’s: Surface, Solder, and Sweat
Surface preparation is key. Clean the metal surfaces you plan to solder meticulously. Use a brush or abrasive paper to remove any oxides or contaminants. Then, apply flux. It’s like a magical potion that prevents oxidation and helps the solder flow.

The solder itself comes in various forms: sheets, wire, and paste. Choose the type that suits your project best. For small, delicate joints, I prefer solder wire, as it’s easier to position accurately.

As for the ‘sweat,’ it’s the term for the moment when the metal reaches the right temperature, and the solder flows like liquid silver. It’s crucial to wait for this moment, rather than forcing the solder to melt. This requires patience and practice.

4. Master the Art of Heat Control
Controlling the heat is a skill that comes with time. It’s essential to understand that different parts of your jewelry piece may require varying levels of heat. Larger pieces need more heat, while smaller or delicate areas need a gentle touch. Don’t rush this process; take your time to heat evenly.

5. Use Third-Hand Tools and Binding Wire
These trusty sidekicks are indispensable for securing your jewelry pieces during soldering. The third-hand tool can hold your workpiece in place, leaving your hands free to manipulate the torch and solder. Binding wire is your invisible assistant, helping to align and support delicate elements during soldering.

6. Post-Soldering Care
Once your soldering is complete, it’s crucial to quench your jewelry piece in a pickling solution. This removes any remaining flux and oxides, leaving you with a clean, shiny piece. After pickling, give your creation a good scrub with a brass brush for that extra shine.

7. Practice Makes Perfect
Like any art, soldering takes time to master. It’s not uncommon to experience frustration in the beginning, but remember that practice is your best friend. Take on small projects, perfect your technique, and gradually work your way up to more complex designs.

Soldering is more than just a technical skill; it’s an art form that bridges the gap between separate elements and transforms them into a unified whole. My journey as a jewelry maker has been a series of sparks, flames, and, yes, occasional mishaps, but each experience has added to my skill and passion.

Solder Like a Pro with these great tips

Bezel Set Ring Tutorial

Torch Talk

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