Hi Everybody-
I've missed you guys! Where have I been you ask? Well, it seems I've relocated to the south of China in a little (big really) town called Shenzhen. Tune in to hear all about bad luck, simple stringing, a super bead artist and some great podsafe music! Happy Stringing! Candie :-)
email questions and comments to the CC president: candieATcandiecooperDOTcom
Music from the-POD-SAFE Music Network-
Keep it Clean and Happiness is Like a Kiss-Mike McGill
One Day-Dafni
TODAY'S POD-CLASS-SURVIVAL BEAD STRINGING
Basic Jewelry Making Pliers Set:
From L to R: round nose, chain nose, flat nose, wire cutters, & crimping pliers
Basic Wire for Stringing:
Beadalon 49 strand is my favorite. Super flexible!
Crimp Beads:
These come in different sizes (i.e. #1, 2) and shapes like tubes. They correspond with the wire diameter so check your wire package for a size suggestion. If you look closely at the above wire spool picture, you can see that they recommend a #1 crimp bead or tube #2.
Basic Materials:
- Beads, beads and more beads
- Nylon Coated Stringing Wire
- crimp beads or tubes
- clasp
- crimping pliers
- chain nose pliers (optional)
Lay your beads out in desired pattern.
String your beads onto the wire while it's still attached to the spool. Most bracelets are 7-8 inches. Be sure to take into account your clasp length too.
Connect the clasp to end of the wire like this...
With crimping pliers, place the crimp bead in the opening with a notch (or the one closest to your hand) and clamp down. Then...
Turn the bead ninety degrees and place it in the second opening and clamp down, folding the bead over.
Confused? BEADALON CRIMPING INSTRUCTIONS with VIDEO-CLICK HERE
Slide all the beads up next to the finished end and trim the wire from the spool so that there is an approx. 2 inch tail remaining. String one crimp bead and the opposite end of the clasp onto the wire. Thread the tail back through the crimp bead and the next 2 beads.
Remove the slack between the beads. I use chain nose pliers to hold onto the main wire while I pull on the tail to snug up the loop. Take care to leave enough room in between the beads and also the loop that holds the clasp. This is so the bracelet moves freely vs. being rigid. Crimp again.
Trim away excess wire with wire cutters.
Ta Da! A Simple Strung Bracelet. Make one today!
BEADALON CRIMPING INSTRUCTIONS-CLICK HERE
Behind the Cover: Sensational Bead Stringing by Katie Hacker published by Beadalon
Lots of different ways to string beads presented in this book. Clear instructions with a lot of color photos. 31 pages and at around $6, the price is right! Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding!
--BEAD ARTIST--Sheri of Embassy Designs--
EMBASSY DESIGNS-Washi Paper Beads and More:-Click here for her store! You won't be sorry!
If you or someone you know would like to be a featured bead artist on the CC, send me an email. candieATcandiecooperDOTcom I'm taking names, er, beads. :-)
Thanks for stopping by!