7 Best Tips For Making Handcrafted Jewelry Gifts

Making beaded jewelry gifts for friends and family this Christmas? Here are some tips to ensure everyone loves your DIY presents this holiday season.

One of the perks of being able to create handcrafted jewelry is giving jewelry gifts for Christmas. This can be a cheaper option than buying ready-made presents. And, most people love thoughtful, unique handmade items.

But, there are some things you should think about before you get started beading. Here’s a list of tips for you to make sure each gift recipient is thrilled with what you’ve made for them and to make the whole process stress-free.

7 Tips for Making Handcrafted Jewelry Gifts

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1. Use the Right Measurements

When making DIY gifts for friends and family, it’s important that the piece fits the person it’s made for. You don’t want to waste your time crafting the perfect piece of jewelry, only to realize it doesn’t fit. And, it’s a real let-down to receive something you actually like and then, you can’t wear it. No-one will be happy in this situation. And, you might just end up making the jewelry all over again.

The best way to avoid this is to have the recipient’s measurements beforehand. That way, you can be sure your jewelry will fit them. But, this isn’t always possible. The person might live far away or you might want them to be surprised by your jewelry gifts and not ask for measurements which is a sure-fire way to tip them off.

If that’s the case, make your jewelry to standard lengths. Then, add an extender chain to the end opposite the clasp. This is a great little trick that allows the wearer to adjust the length to one that’s comfortable for them.

You can also use a short piece of regular chain that you might already have at home instead of purchasing extender chains. Just attach the piece of chain with a jump ring. You can even add a little bead or charm to the end of the chain for decoration. I do this all the time.

2. Neutral Colors Are Ideal

When making handmade gifts like jewelry, it can be tempting to use colors that you think the recipient will like. But, it’s a safer option to stick with neutral colors e.g. silver, gold, white, black, browns. These colors can go with anything in anyone’s wardrobe and the person can get more use out of it.

3. What Style of Jewelry Will You Make?

Everyone has different tastes. That’s what makes the world go around, right?

So, when making handcrafted gifts, consider what style of jewelry the person you’ll be giving it to likes.

Do they prefer long necklaces, chunky bracelets, short earrings?

Do they like sparkly, over-the-top pieces or more subtle and delicate items?

Take the time to think about these details before you start beading.

4. Metal Allergies

Find out if the recipient has any metal allergies. This is very important.

You don’t want to give homemade gifts to someone that will cause them harm. If you’re in doubt and don’t want to ruin the surprise by asking about this, use beaded clasps. These are pretty simple to whip up and there are multiple ways to make them.

The first is to attach a large round bead or cup button on one end of the jewelry and a loop of beads that will fit around the bead or button on the opposite end.

Secondly, you can use Peyote Stitch to make a beaded toggle clasp. Below is a video tutorial for making beaded Peyote toggle clasps:

5. Pierced Ears or Non-pierced Ears?

If you’re going to make beaded earrings as part of your homemade gift, you will need to know if the recipient has pierced ears or not. This will determine which earring findings you use.

6. Order Beading Supplies Early

Around the holidays, shipping can get crazy. If you know you’re ordering supplies for your handcrafted jewelry projects online, get them early. Then, you won’t have to worry about delays around busy holiday times or due to bad weather.

7. Start Making Handmade Gifts Early

Don’t wait until last minute to start creating your Christmas gifts. Get them done well in advance so you don’t have to rush. First of all, you’ll avoid stressing yourself out because you still have a long way to go before your gifts are done.

And secondly, taking your time can help your beadwork look more professional. This is definitely ideal when making handmade gifts.

Now, you’re armed with my best tips for giving jewelry gifts.

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