Sterling Raised Ring patterned in the rolling mill
Forged Copper Spiral Hammered and Set with a Pearl
Beading Tools - Necklaces & Bracelets
Looking to start beading but don’t know how to do it? Suggestion #1: Go to your local bead shop. There are classes, but a lot of shops also encourage you make jewelry there, and their employees will help you get started and finished (can be for a small fee).
If you want to get started at home right away, though, below is what you will need in your bag of goodies. This is also a good video that shows the use of a few of these tools and components.
1. Beads (obviously) – start with Michaels or Joann’s for some good selections of practice beads.
2. Tigertail – this is wire that is made up of many smaller wires twisted together. It comes in multiple diameters; different beads have different hole sizes, AND you want to make sure it will be strong enough to hold heavier beads. You can also double string for heavier beads.
3. Side or Flush Cutters – you will need to CUT the Tigertail with this tool.
4. Bead Stopper or Clip – oh the curses you will hear if you’re ALMOST done and WHOOPS! All the beads slip off the wire! I attach a small clip from the hardware store to the end of the wire. Also, when I try the item on, I attach a second clip to the other end. Then you are safe!
5. Crimp – this is a small metal “tube” typically you use to make a loop at each end of your Tigertail. You will slide the crimp on the wire, loop the wire around, then guide the wire back through the crimp – leaving a small loop at the end. Make sure the loop isn’t TOO small, or the wire will rub your jump ring and possibly break over time. Then you need a…
6. Crimping Tool – the tool has two slots in it. The slot that is heart shaped is for collapsing the crimp onto the Tigertail. After that, move the crimp to the round slot, turn the crimp on the side, and FOLD the crimp in half with the tool. Your Tigertail should be stuck for life.
7. Jump Rings – hook a small jump ring (a ring with one cut in it) to each loop you made earlier; you can also just attach the clasp directly if your clasp allows. You will need two pliers to open and close these rings. I typically use my round-nose and flat-nose pliers…
8. Round-nose or Flat-nose Pliers – two pliers are necessary for opening and closing your jump rings. You want them to be smooth – not from the tool cabinet – or they may mark the jump rings. Unless you are working with wire, the TYPE of pliers isn’t super important. When I am done closing my jump rings, though, to make them extra tight I use nylon pliers. This is a flat-nose set of pliers with a substantial amount of white nylon covering the surfaces to protect wire.
9. Clasp – a Lobster Claw clasp is the most common type of clasp I’ve seen. This is the oblong kind you need to use your finger to open with the small lever. Other common types are Spring Ring clasps, which are similar but round, and Toggle clasps, which have a round component then a “stick” that you pull through the round piece.
10. Optional Chain – sometimes it’s nice to make your jewelry adjustable. Simply measure and inch or so, cut one link in the chain and throw the link away. Attach the length of chain to the jump ring with your pliers, and you’re set to go!
Okay, so there are a QUITE a few things on this list. Once you’re set, though, this will pay itself back very quickly!
reade more...
If you want to get started at home right away, though, below is what you will need in your bag of goodies. This is also a good video that shows the use of a few of these tools and components.
1. Beads (obviously) – start with Michaels or Joann’s for some good selections of practice beads.
2. Tigertail – this is wire that is made up of many smaller wires twisted together. It comes in multiple diameters; different beads have different hole sizes, AND you want to make sure it will be strong enough to hold heavier beads. You can also double string for heavier beads.
3. Side or Flush Cutters – you will need to CUT the Tigertail with this tool.
4. Bead Stopper or Clip – oh the curses you will hear if you’re ALMOST done and WHOOPS! All the beads slip off the wire! I attach a small clip from the hardware store to the end of the wire. Also, when I try the item on, I attach a second clip to the other end. Then you are safe!
5. Crimp – this is a small metal “tube” typically you use to make a loop at each end of your Tigertail. You will slide the crimp on the wire, loop the wire around, then guide the wire back through the crimp – leaving a small loop at the end. Make sure the loop isn’t TOO small, or the wire will rub your jump ring and possibly break over time. Then you need a…
6. Crimping Tool – the tool has two slots in it. The slot that is heart shaped is for collapsing the crimp onto the Tigertail. After that, move the crimp to the round slot, turn the crimp on the side, and FOLD the crimp in half with the tool. Your Tigertail should be stuck for life.
7. Jump Rings – hook a small jump ring (a ring with one cut in it) to each loop you made earlier; you can also just attach the clasp directly if your clasp allows. You will need two pliers to open and close these rings. I typically use my round-nose and flat-nose pliers…
8. Round-nose or Flat-nose Pliers – two pliers are necessary for opening and closing your jump rings. You want them to be smooth – not from the tool cabinet – or they may mark the jump rings. Unless you are working with wire, the TYPE of pliers isn’t super important. When I am done closing my jump rings, though, to make them extra tight I use nylon pliers. This is a flat-nose set of pliers with a substantial amount of white nylon covering the surfaces to protect wire.
9. Clasp – a Lobster Claw clasp is the most common type of clasp I’ve seen. This is the oblong kind you need to use your finger to open with the small lever. Other common types are Spring Ring clasps, which are similar but round, and Toggle clasps, which have a round component then a “stick” that you pull through the round piece.
10. Optional Chain – sometimes it’s nice to make your jewelry adjustable. Simply measure and inch or so, cut one link in the chain and throw the link away. Attach the length of chain to the jump ring with your pliers, and you’re set to go!
Okay, so there are a QUITE a few things on this list. Once you’re set, though, this will pay itself back very quickly!
Pliers marring your wire?
As I create these twisted pieces, I notice that the round nose pliers can sometimes leave a little "bite" mark on the sterling. My nylon pliers are wonderful, but they are flat...
I've heard of people using Tool Magic, which I found at Joann's or FireMountainGems.com. The instructions tell you to dip your tool into the compound, wait for a few hours, and BAM! You're golden!
My order is coming in a few days... I'm very excited to try this new technique! I'll keep you posted ;)
reade more...
I've heard of people using Tool Magic, which I found at Joann's or FireMountainGems.com. The instructions tell you to dip your tool into the compound, wait for a few hours, and BAM! You're golden!
My order is coming in a few days... I'm very excited to try this new technique! I'll keep you posted ;)
All hail FireMountainGems.com!
Not in a million years would I have imagined such an awesome website for purchasing quality beads and wire! For many wholesale websites, you must have a tax identification number that shows you are a seller in your state - not for FireMountainGems.com. Anyone can purchase beads, and the more you purchase, the better your discounts are. I keep getting sucked in to buying "just a few more items" to get me to the next price break... but they make it worth it!
What's the downfall? Well, the pictures are great, but you can't SEE the items in your hands. You also can't hand-pick the items like at a bead show - is that pretty one going to be on your strand? The risk is fine for lower cost items, but I think I will still make my higher priced purchases at shows - for now.
Check it out if you get a chance though! I think you will be impressed... but perhaps not shake with excitement like I did. :)
reade more...
What's the downfall? Well, the pictures are great, but you can't SEE the items in your hands. You also can't hand-pick the items like at a bead show - is that pretty one going to be on your strand? The risk is fine for lower cost items, but I think I will still make my higher priced purchases at shows - for now.
Check it out if you get a chance though! I think you will be impressed... but perhaps not shake with excitement like I did. :)