Whether you are completely new to jewelry making or a seasoned expert, sometimes you just want a quick and easy project. That instant gratification can be so satisfying, and honestly, sometimes we only have time in our day for a quick and easy design. As a mom of two young boys who also works full time, I dream of elaborate projects but only have time for short ones—but I still want to create and I still want to finish a project. In this blog post I have compiled some of my very favorite supplies, tools, and ideas for quick and easy projects. These projects can usually be finished in less than an hour and you can have the joy of saying, "I made this!"
STRETCH BRACELETS: Super popular right now are stretch bracelets. They are EVERYWHERE! These are perfect quick and easy projects and you can greatly vary your designs. For simple designs, just buy a tube or two of 8/0 seed beads and some stretch cord. For more elaborate designs, incorporate PRESTIGE crystals and Czech glass beads. Stretch cord is of course an essential but if you really want these bracelets to be quick and easy, consider also getting some twisted wire needles—it makes putting on the beads so fast and seamless. We even have kits: New Jewelry Making Kits: Serendipity Encore Stretch Bracelets
MEMORY WIRE BRACELETS: Another awesome quick and easy project is a memory wire bracelet. These bracelets come together so quickly and are just a joy to make! You will need your memory wire and a pair of round nose pliers to turn the ends or some memory wire end caps. Besides that, all you need are beads! Making memory wire bracelets does not require a lot of time to perfect your skills or learn different techniques. Once you know how to finish your ends, all you have to do is play and have fun adding beads in whatever pattern you like. See our handy guide, Memory Wire 101: Using Memory Wire in Jewelry Making, for more tips.
BEADABLE FRAMES: If you love earrings, then beadable open frame hoops are about as fun and easy as you can get. Just slide open the little hoop at the top and slip on your beads. When you are done, just secure the loop back and hang an earring hook. It really is that quick!
GLUE-ON EARRINGS: Another really great quick and easy earring style is glue-on posts. For these, you just need your posts, some glue (we recommend E6000) and a pretty focal with a flat back such as a cameo, cabochon, or flat back crystal. Just add a dab of glue onto the flat pad, press your front piece on and let dry. That's it! Voila, you have an earring!
ADD-A-CHARM: Last but certainly not least, for easy DIY jewelry, look no further than the mighty little charm! There are hundreds of styles to choose from and you can very easily hang them from an earring hook or finished chain necklace. They are also great for personalizing and customizing designs.
For even more inspiration, check out our video collection titled "Quick & Easy DIY Jewelry" - we have over 50 videos showing really fun and fast projects that you can make. Here are a couple of our favorites:
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