Question #150:
I have just finished making a bracelet using Remembrance Memory Wire (bracelet size). The wire is 2" in diameter; is it supposed to fit closely on the wrist?
Answer:
Our standard bracelet size memory wire will range in size from 1.75" to 2.25" in diameter. The large size bracelet memory wire is 2.25" to 2.63" in diameter. You can control some of the fit through your choice of beads. Using larger, longer beads will cause the wire to expand a bit to accommodate the beads. Using small beads, like seed beads, will allow the wire to retain its original shape. Because it is so spring-like, clasps and exact fitting isn't necessary - it's "one size fits most."
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Question #151:
I am new to beading and am interested in memory wire. The wire package did not indicate standard or large so I guess I got the standard size, but it seems awfully tight. Will adding beads make it tighter? Can I make the coils bigger? How do I get started?
Answer:
Using memory wire is a pretty simple. Stringing the beads will push the wire to expand its coil somewhat to accommodate the beads - longer, larger beads will have a more dramatic effect. Small beads will allow the coil to stay smaller. Memory wire can be great for kids - it's so easy to put on and take off. To get started, consider how many times the piece should wrap around. Then decide how many coils you would need to make that length. Cut off enough extra material so you do not end up with too little. Always use a memory wire shear for cutting - the tempered wire is very hard and will ruin most other cutters. For finishing, either use a round nose pliers and turn a loop on one end of the wire, or glue on a memory wire end cap. Looping the wire can be tough, as the wire is hard, but this is a very simple and secure way to finish the piece. After adding all the beads, cut off the excess, leaving enough to turn another loop to finish the piece. Done!
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Question #152:
If I have multiple strands (like 8) in a necklace, how do I end the strand?
Answer:
For your multistrand necklace, the ending technique depends on the stringing material. If you're using leather cord, make a loop on one end and tie a bead with a knot on the other end. The bead and knot would fit through the beginning loop. To use beading wire, then use crimp beadsto attach the wires to multiple end connectors. The end connectors attach to the clasp on one side and the wires on the other side.
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Question #153:
I'm making multistrand necklaces and bracelets using Beadalon. I'd like to pull all the strands through a crimp, clasp and then back through the crimp, but I can't find a crimp with a large enough diameter. Should I make a loop on each strand, crimp the individual loops and then lash the loops together into an end cap. Any other ideas?
Answer:
Depending on the diameter of wire used, you might be able to try a #4 crimp tube, with a 2mm internal diameter. Using an end cap idea is a very elegant solution, though. Otherwise, I would recommend using a decorative multi-strand end piece and fastening each wire end to the end piece.
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Question #154:
New beader here. How in the world do you thread a big eye needle?
Answer:
A big eye needle is made from two pieces of wire soldered together on each end. To open it, you can pull the wires apart slightly in the middle. The advantage to big eye needles is that you can use larger diameters of bead stringing materials.
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Question #155:
I've been beading for a few months now, using Beadalon flexible beading wire. What is the proper tool to cut this wire? A regular wire cutter won't do the trick. Will a nipper tool or flush cutter work?
Answer:
I use a nipper tool (also called a diagonal cutter) to cut Beadalon wires.
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Question #156:
I have been beading a short time now and prefer to string my beads with Nymo thread. What is the correct procedure to apply the clasp etc to finish off a necklace? Can I use the crimp bead on Nymo thread?
Answer:
When using Nymo thread, never use crimps. The metal edges of the crimps can cut through the thread. Simply knot the thread ends. Add a drop of GS Hypo Cement to make the knot more secure. I use a variety of knots, depending on what I'm doing. Try a square knot, a surgeon's knot (which is like a square knot but you make an extra wrap through the last loop), an overhand knot or a figure-eight knot to join multiple threads together. Nymo is a terrific choice for bead weaving.
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Question #157:
Some of your supplies say they are silver plated base metal. What is base metal?
Answer:
Base metal is a generic term used to describe any non-precious metal. It can include brass, nickel, copper, zinc, pewter, and many other metals. Many Beadalon products are brass but some use a combination of metals. Most of the cast items like paisley earrings and the new posts are all lead-free pewter.
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Question #158:
I am using the largest diameter jewelry wire that you make for this necklace. Is there any type of polymer or something that could be used to coat just the edges and inside of the pendant (where the breakage is occuring) so that there might be less abrasion? I have filed the edges and inside as smoothly as possible but it is still happening. Any thoughts?
Answer:
When I use a pendant with a large bail on beading wire, I try to fill the hole with another substance. You could try sliding some small beads inside it or gluing a piece of leather cord inside it to fill up the space. Alternatively, you could pass multiple beaded strands through the pendant. This would fill up the space without detracting from your design. The key is really to cut down on abrasion by filling up the space - even if you coat the edges with polymer or some other substance, there will still be abrasion over time.
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Question #159:
When I string heavier lampwork beads, the crimps will sometimes fail. My bracelets are in pieces. Will scrimp findings solve this problem? I need a "fail-safe" method!
Answer:
Scrimp findings create a more secure connection than crimp beads or tubes because the set-screw finding holds the wire firmly in place inside the Scrimp. Scrimp findings are at their most secure when combined with Wire Guardians. A Wire Guardian finding is a U-shaped piece of hollow wire that protects the wire from abrasion at the clasp.
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Question #160:
I make glass bead bracelets with Beadalon 7-strand or 49-strand. I finish my bracelet by sliding the wire through the clam shell end and then crimp with a crimp bead so the wire is secured inside the clam shell end cap. However, the bracelet got snagged and the wire slid out the crimp inside the clam shell and the whole thing came apart. What is the best solution for this problem?
Answer:
"There are a few things you can troubleshoot to prevent this from happening again with the crimp/clamshell combination. Be sure that the diameter of the crimp you're using is close to the wire diameter. If the wire is too small for the crimp, the crimp may not be getting good surface contact and it could pull away more easily. And check out your crimping technique to make sure that you're crimp is as secure as possible. Or, you can try another kind of connection that may prove more resilient: Scrimp: These attach to the wire by turning a tiny screw. It's very secure and completely removable if you ever need to restring the design. Wire guardian: This small curved tube fits over the end of the wire where it attaches to the clasp. More attractive than a plain wire loop, it's also more secure because it prevents abrasion. Combine a scrimp and a wire guardian for a very secure finish. EZ-Crimp: This finding crimps directly onto the end of the wire and it's even available with a clasp attached. "
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Question #161:
When stringing beads that can accommodate different thicknesses of Beadalon wire, should I use the largest that will fit, or should I base my choice on the desired drape of the wire? A size 6 seed bead will allow a thicker wire than is really necessary to handle its weight, but on a thinner wire, they're quite loose. Help! What's the answer?
Answer:
Always use the thickest diameter of wire that will pass comfortably through the beads. This reduces abrasion and makes your design as durable as possible. Article: Choosing the Right Beading Wire
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Question #162:
The beading book I am reading keeps calling for size 14/0 seed beads. What size would be closest? The smallest size we have here is size 11/0.
Answer:
The seed beads your book mentions are just a bit tinier version. Go ahead and use 11/0; you may have to adjust the pattern to accommodate the slightly larger bead size.
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Question #163:
My project calls for E-beads. What size seed beads would be a good fit?
Answer:
One type of seed bead is the E-beads, which refers to the shape of the bead. Not perfectly round (like a druk bead), but more of a squared round shape, these beads are sliced out of an elongated tube of glass - imagine it like a bread slicer. If you can't find E-beads, use seed beads in size 5/0 or 6/0.
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Question #164:
What is the best stringing material to use for stringing small to medium pearls?
Answer:
It is traditional to use silk cord to make a knotted strand, with knots between pearls. It's available in a variety of colors and comes with a needle already attached. You can also use poly nylon cord for knotted strands. It has less stretch than silk. If you want to string the pearls without knots, then I would recommend Beadalon 49-strand stringing wire. Choose the diameter of the thread or wire based on the hole size in the pearls.