If you are attaching the first half of the clasp before stringing, then hide the ‘tail’ of the wire within the first few beads on the string. Adjust the bead so the wire forms a small loop through the clasp, and make sure the wires are running side by side not crossed over. Pass the wire end through the crimp and one half of the clasp, and then pass it back through the crimp bead. If you are working with a cut length of wire then start your piece with one half of the clasp, as this will stop the beads rolling off. The usual way to attach a clasp to beading wire and some more robust nylon cords is to use a Crimp Bead. You may need one to form the second part of the clasp or you may want to use them to attach the clasp to the end of the string, allowing the string to pivot in all directions which helps with the ‘lie’ of the piece. When buying a clasp, check whether it comes with jump rings or if you need to purchase these separately. Lastly, don’t forget that the clasp should be complementary to your design, or even the focus of it. The closure should also be compatible with the stringing materials used, so that it can easily take the weight of the components and fit securely on the string ends. Will you use a clasp, cord or ribbon ends, crimp beads, crimp covers, or jump rings? Will you need a clasp that can cater for more than one string? The clasp is critical to the security of a piece, so consider the weight and value of the beads used when making your choice. Crimping Pliers – not essential but they do give a professional finishĬonsider how you are going to finish your string so that you have the right Jewellery Findings on hand.Wire Cutters, Snippers and Scissors – be sure to use the tool appropriate to the material.Jewellery Pliers – illustrated from left to right are Round nose, Chain nose and Flat nose pliers.Needles – depending on the stringing material chosen as some options are stiff enough not to need one.Read our Guide to Bead Cords, Beading Threads, Beading Wire & Memory Wire to view some stringing options. But don’t feel daunted by the huge choice of stringing materials available, just take the time to experiment with as many as possible. If you choose the wrong thread your piece of jewellery may break, develop kinks or look shapeless when worn. The thread should not be seen as the support act, but given top billing with the beads. The key to successful stringing is to choose the correct thread to match the beads selected. Stringing can be as simple as threading beads onto a length of ribbon and tying a knot, but the scope for elaborating on basic beading techniques, applying a professional level of finish and using your imagination when selecting components can make stringing a very satisfying area to work in. Stringing or threading beads onto nylon thread, cord, ribbon, flexible wire or leather thong to make necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Also check the popular beading and jewellery magazines, as these carry bead guides for beginners, bead hints and tips, as well as projects and advice on how to get started. This will help you determine the style of teaching that suits you, and what type of projects appeal to you. With so many books on the market, a good browse in your bookshop or library is recommended. The information provided here lists the materials, the tools and some of the techniques required for each area, with further reading suggestions to complement these basic beading techniques. All are suited to the beginner but you need to choose projects carefully. The five main ways of working with beads are: Stringing, Wirework, Loom Work, and Off-Loom Bead Weaving, alongside Embroidery, Knitting and Crochet. You can’t resist them and you feel a surge of creativity when you look at them but don’t know quite what to do with them? If you are new to beads and beading then read on as this guide to beadwork will help you get started by providing some useful beading making techniques and basic beading instructions.
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