Making your own jewelry

You can do it old school with colorful string (think of those iconic braided friendship bracelets) or you can get fancy with beads and charms.

Craft stores usually have an assortment of beads, as well as clasps and jewelry pliers. If you don’t want to spend as much money, your local thrift store may have something you can take apart and repurpose. Pick what you like, and create! Pinterest and YouTube have tutorials for more creative techniques if you have any trouble.

You can also make jewelry with your kids or friends too, it doesn’t just have to be a solo endeavor. My Mom made jewelry when I was growing up, and I still remember going to the craft store with her to get beads and charms.

It’s also fun to go out and have someone say “Wow! I love that necklace!”. Then you get to respond with “Thanks! I made it.”