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!
