Make Jewelry and Gifts for Fundraisers

Lots of designer-artists who use their jewelry-making talents to raise awareness and funds for a cause assemble jewelry that’s quick to make, such as Almost Instant Jewelry®. This line of metal settings is calibrated to specifically fit Swarovski® crystal fancy stones or other components. You’re able to produce a professional-looking piece of jewelry in a matter of 3 easy steps: You can also use the settings as a base for other jewelry media such as Magic-Glos® top coat, Apoxie® Sculpt and your favorite poly-mer clay. Some settings don’t even require glue. These open-backed settings are held securely closed by stringing onto a chain or cording. Want to switch out the pendant? Unstring the pendant and open the setting back up. With such a vast selection of set-tings and Swarovski colors/effect, it’s fun to let customers customize their own jewelry. Lay out the options and allow customers visiting your table, booth or event to pick their favorite setting, chain and matching Swarovski crystal. They get a piece of personal-ized jewelry and your cause reaps the benefits.

Bracelets Full of Charm
Speaking of personalized jewelry, charm bracelets are a fantastic and fun way to show support for a cause. Attach lobster claw clasps to charms such as awareness ribbons plus other dangles in matching colors. Add hearts, angels, affirmations and more for a full selec-tion of charm options. Customers will love being able to quickly and easily create a bracelet that stands for a cause they support. Plus, since the bracelet is interchangeable, charms can always be switched out or have more added later giving you the opportunity for repeat customers.

Not all charm bracelets are full of dangles. Large-hole beads are favorites for creating personalized jewelry. Dione® Easy-On Chains have threaded ends that twist off and on for put-ting on or taking off beads. There are even ring settings specifically made to accommodate a large-hole bead and are created simply by unscrewing the decorative top, adding the bead and securing the top back on. You aren’t limited to just using metal bases though. If you’re a fan of custom cords such as macramé and kumihimo, make colorful cords at least 3mm in diameter and large-hole beads slide on perfectly.

Metal-Free Zone
Other non-metal options include cord and simple loops or knots. Some metals can cause allergic reactions to metal-sensitive individuals, so having a selection of metal-free jewelry ensures no one gets left out. Knot closures are an added benefit as well since they slide to fit a range of neck or wrist sizes. Fundraiser attendees can then purchase jewelry not only for themselves, but also as gifts for friends and family without worrying about the jewelry not fitting. On the other end use a lark’s head knot to attach gemstone donuts, go-gos and other shapes with center cutouts. This type of jewelry is also a fan favorite with males--further expanding the reach of your cause.

For the Girls and Boys
Want more ways to appeal to both the male and female demographics? Consider quick-and-easy pendant jewelry. Choose pre-made colorful multi-strand necklace cords or metallic chains including ever-popular ball chain. Then let customers select a pendant to match. Voila! Other potential sale opportunities for men also include tie tac and cuff link settings made handsome by simply gluing a flat-backed component on the pad with a strong jewelry-making adhesive.While we’re on the subject of gluing, bails turn beads, donuts, cabochons and more into pendants with just a dab of adhesive. You’ll be able to create more, in less time, for your favorite charity or community fundraising event. Decorative bail options give you and attendees more to choose from so everyone gets a piece of jewelry they’ll wear again and again. Want even simpler? Try pinch bails. No glue required. Simply select a bead, charm, drop or other component with a hole and align the prongs of the bail. Squeeze with a pair of pliers and you have an instant pendant to attach to earwires or slide on chain as a pendant.Now that you’re prepared to create for the next event, what should you expect? There are 3 possible outcomes. Some people will walk away--that’s okay. Some people will offer a donation without wanting a piece of jewelry--that’s great. Some people will buy your jewelry to support the cause and spread awareness by wearing it--super! Not only do you end up helping your cause, but you also end up meeting a lot of caring people. You’ll also form a newfound appreciation of your own talents as you create fundraising design lines. Charity events and community fundraisers are sure to attract attention for your cause when tables are lined with your sparkling jewelry creations to buy or bid on. With a new year upon us, make it a mission to engage in deliberate acts of kindness and use your jewelry-making talents to foster a better community, nation and world one jewelry design at a time.

Design with
• Almost Instant Jewelry
• Dione large-hole beads
• Gemstone donuts and go-gos
• Charms
• Pendants
• Flat backs
• Cuff link findings
• Almost Instant Jewelry ring settings
• Dione easy-on chain
• Cord
• Ball chain
• Chain
• Bails
• Magic-Glos tools and supplies
• Apoxie Sculpt tools and supplies
• Glues and adhesives
• Pliers