• RetireHub
  • Posts
  • Jewelry Making: Basic Tools and Techniques

Jewelry Making: Basic Tools and Techniques

Trivia: What unusual object was used to create the iconic lightsaber sound in Star Wars?

Rise and shine, RetireHub community! ☀️ Your Saturday newsletter has arrived!

Ever thought about making jewelry? See below for a few tips on how to get started. Plus the best deals, trivia, and more!

Top Deals From Around The Web

We find the best daily online deals so you don’t have to!

🤿 22% OFF - Upgraded AIPER Scuba S1 Pool Cleaner
This cordless robotic pool cleaner uses smart navigation to scrub floors and walls with powerful suction. Summer-ready? You are now. ☀️💦 

🖥️ 39% OFF Samsung 27" Essential Computer Monitor
Upgrade your WFH or gaming setup with a 75Hz refresh rate, vibrant colors, and sleek design—without the price tag. 👀🎮 Perfect gift idea, too!

💧 40% OFF - Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser
Dentist-recommended and gum-friendly, this powerful flosser blasts away plaque with ten pressure settings. Your smile = upgraded. 😁🦷✨ Can’t recommend this more, especially if you struggle to floss.

What We’re Reading

Get these e-book deals before they’re gone.

The Weekend Away by Sarah Alderson

Now a Netflix movie starring Leighton Meester! Best friends Orla and Kate can always count on their annual weekend away. But this year in Lisbon, Orla wakes up to find Kate gone. Frantically trying to remember the prior night’s events, she stumbles upon life-shattering truths… “Hard to put down” (Daily Mail).

On this day in 1981, NASA launched its first space shuttle, Columbia, on mission STS-1. This marked the beginning of a new era in space exploration with reusable spacecraft. Astronauts John Young and Robert Crippen piloted the shuttle, paving the way for decades of missions.

Looking for a sparkling new hobby?

Jewelry making isn’t just for the young—it’s a fun, creative, and relaxing activity for seniors too! Whether you're looking for a new hobby or just want to try something different, making your own jewelry is a fantastic way to express yourself while keeping your hands and mind sharp. Plus, who doesn’t love a little sparkle?

You don’t need a fancy setup to begin—just a few basic tools:

  • Beads: Start with large, colorful beads in plastic, wood, or glass.

  • Stringing materials: Elastic cord or beading wire works well for beginners.

  • Tools: Round-nose pliers, flat-nose pliers, and wire cutters will do the trick.

  • Findings: These are clasps, jump rings, and earring hooks that finish your creations.

Pick up a beginner’s kit or visit a local craft store to grab your supplies. Many kits are designed specifically for seniors, with easy-to-use tools and instructions.

Our top tips:

  • Keep it simple: Start with a basic bracelet or necklace. No need to dive into complex designs right away.

  • Stay organized: Use a bead board to lay out your pieces before stringing them together. It makes planning much easier.

  • Get social: Check out local classes or clubs where you can learn, share ideas, and meet new friends!

Jewelry making is about more than just making beautiful pieces—it’s about enjoying the process, unleashing your creativity, and having fun. So grab those beads and get crafting—you might just discover a sparkling new passion!

Have you ever tried jewelry making?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Yesterday’s Poll: Which Walking Program Would You Try?

Looks like y’all are walking with purpose and a plan—Weight Management takes the crown (or should we say, the comfy orthopedic sneaker 👑👟)! The 10,000-Step Challenge is hot on its heels, proving you’re not just counting steps—you’re counting gains. Social walkers and Nordic trekkers, we see you striding stylishly in the back. And to the mysterious 6 in "Other"... let’s see in the comments what you’ve been up to:

  • “Walking, hiking with my dog for weight management with the added bonus of enjoying nature.”

  • “I walk a minimum of 10,000 steps every day and have done this for years. I make it mandatory for myself. Some days with a friend or 2. But if I am alone, it gives me a chance to think about everything. I always feel better after my daily walk. It’s my “me” time!”

  • “Just putting on some running shoes and going for a walk and enjoying the outdoors. Nothing fancy, walking is the easiest exercise and cheapest way to get in shape.”

Senior Living News From Around the Web

Craving a Night to Remember? 🍲🧠✨
Turns out, your favorite comfort foods might do more than warm your soul—they could help jog your memory, too! From brain-boosting ingredients to heartwarming traditions, discover how the right recipe can stir up nostalgia and support cognitive health. Spoiler: it’s delicious.

Follow us on Social Media!

Join an online community thriving in retirement! Find us on:

Every day we post retirement tips, highlights from our newsletter so you can comment and discuss in the community, and some fun retirement-themed motivation!

Slang Phrase of the Day

Phrase: Read
Meaning: To criticize someone sharply, often in a clever, sassy, or brutally honest way. Originates from drag and ballroom culture, where "reading" someone means calling out their flaws in a performative or humorous way.
In a sentence: She read him to filth for showing up late with Starbucks and no apology.

Good News of the Day

Thousands of Stone Tools Made by Early Humans Around 20,000 Years Ago Found in Cave

Archaeologists have uncovered thousands of stone tools in a cave overlooking the ocean on the southern coast of Africa, shedding light on connections between prehistoric peoples of the continent. These artifacts, dating back approximately 20,000 years, offer valuable insights into the behaviors and interactions of early human communities.

Other Publications We Like

Check out these other email newsletters we think you’ll enjoy!

RetireHub Trivia

Want more trivia? Play our “Nostalgia Trivia Game” on our site! We add fresh questions daily, so there’s always something new to test your knowledge.

Not into trivia? No worries! We’ve got plenty of other fun games to enjoy, like:

Which famous fashion icon once designed uniforms for the Boy Scouts of America?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

What unusual object was used to create the iconic lightsaber sound in Star Wars?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Which chart-topping musician once starred in a water bottle commercial?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

A QUICK ASK: First off, thank you for reading RetireHub every day. It fills our cup that so many thousands of people get joy from our little publication.

As you know, good content costs money. In order to continue supporting ourselves and to continue delivering the content you enjoy every day, we need to pay our writers. If you can, we ask you to subscribe to our paid account (for $5/month - less than a cup of coffee!) below.

If you choose to purchase a paid subscription, please know you’re supporting not only our publication, but tens of thousands of other 50+ year old Americans that get joy, entertainment, financial tips, and more from RetireHub every single day.

If you don’t join the paid plan (or can’t), no worries at all. We know times are tough. Thank you for being a part of our tiny, joyful part of the Internet.

- Jay

*Disclosure: This is a paid advertisement for Boxabl’s Regulation A offering. Please read the offering circular here. This is a message from Boxabl

Reserving a Nasdaq ticker does not guarantee a future listing on Nasdaq or indicate that BOXABL meets any of Nasdaq's listing criteria to do so.

**RetireHub may receive affiliate compensation for links clicked within this newsletter.

***RetireHub may share poll results with advertisers.