Question #59:
I'm interested in making beaded jewelry. What do I need to get started?
Answer:
A great place to begin is by reading the book The Basics of Bead Stringing - it introduces the supplies, tools and techniques you will need to start beading. There are many different styles and techniques which require practice and specialized supplies to explore. Your local bead store is a good place to find classes at various levels. Or find a bead magazine that speaks to you - like BeadStyle, Beadwork, or Step-by-Step Beads. Word of warning: beading is a highly addictive and somewhat expensive hobby...be prepared! Happy beading!
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Question #60:
When I finish a bracelet and attach the spring clasp, the wire comes out through the tiny gap in the ring. Are there spring clasps and jump rings that don't have that opening? What am I doing wrong? Thanks for helping a beginner.
Answer:
Try using chain nose pliers (small needlenose pliers) to push the gap closed on the ring. If that isn't possible, then consider using a different style of clasp. Toggle clasps and lobster clasps don't typically have an open ring.
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Question #61:
I have some lightweight rocks that I want to use for necklaces and pins. How do I go about attaching a metal piece to the rocks so they can hang on a chain? What kind of glue would make them durable and where can I find it?
Answer:
There are two types of metal findings that you can use to attach rocks to a chain. One is called a bail. Clip-on bails attach to a top loop; drill the rock and make a wire loop above it to attach the stone to the bail. Glue-on bails attach to the back of a piece of glass or a cabochon. Attach it using epoxy. The other type of finding is called a bell cap. These are the filigree-looking metal pieces that are glued on top of the rock. Use epoxy to attach it.
Can you give me some advice on beading with ribbon such as organza? It's very simple to use ribbon in your beading projects. String one end of the ribbon through a collapsible or big eye needle, then pass the needle through the beads. Overhand knots are the most common type of knot between beads. To finish the ends, attach a foldover or EZ-crimp cord end and then fasten a clasp to the cord ends.
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Question #62:
What gauge wire should I use for wrapping stones?
Answer:
I would recommend using 22-gauge Artistic Wire. It is soft enough to wrap the stones easily but hard enough that it will keep its shape. It's also available in a wide variety of colors.
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Question #63:
Beadalon jewelry wire isn't labeled with a gauge. What would be comparable to 18 gauge soft stainless wire? I'd like to use it for wire wrappping on silverware and am looking for something that will not tarnish (so plated copper wire won't work).
Answer:
Beadalon makes a wide variety of wire products. Our flexible beading wire is labeled with its actual diameter. While it is made of stainless steel, this type of beading wire is meant for stringing beads and would be too flexible and threadlike for wire wrapping. Artistic Wire is an enamel-coated copper wire that comes in a wide variety of colors, and is available by gauge. It is tarnish resistant and can be used for wire wrapping. Or try the German style plated wire, which is silver plated copper with an anti-tarnish coating. Another option would be to use precious metal wire, like sterling wire or gold-filled wire, as these can be polished when they eventually tarnish.
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Question #64:
My current project is to wire wrap the handle of a brushed stainless steel spoon rest. It was recommended to me to use stainless steel wire, but I am unable to find it. What wire would be both tarnish resistant and flexible enough for this use? I am stumped.
Answer:
Beadalon makes a wide variety of wire products. Our flexible beading wire is labeled with its actual diameter. While it is made of stainless steel, this type of beading wire is meant for stringing beads and would be too flexible and threadlike for wire wrapping. Artistic Wire is an enamel-coated copper wire that comes in a wide variety of colors, and is available by gauge. It is tarnish resistant and can be used for wire wrapping. Or try the German style plated wire, whichis silver plated copper with an anti-tarnish coating. Another option would be to use precious metal wire, like sterling wire or gold-filled wire, as these can be polished when they eventually tarnish.
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Question #65:
I'm making earrings with head and eye pins and I want to make a dangle earring of diamond design. What kind of wire should I use?
Answer:
To make these earrings, try using 20-gauge Artistic Wire. It comes in a variety of colors and is easy to work with.
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Question #66:
I have a pattern for necklace that calls for 28 gauge wire. Which Beadalon stringing wire would "match" 28 gauge? Bead stringing wires are not sized by gauge. Your pattern is probably calling for craft or sterling silver wire. The closest match in Beadalon stringing wire for this project would be .012" diameter.
What Beadalon wire would be comparable to 18 gauge soft stainless wire to use for Wire wrappping? I 'm reluctant to use a copper-based wire as I'm using it on silverware and want to avoid tarnish. What do you recommend?
Answer:
Flexible beading wire wouldn't be suitable for wire wrapping; it's very flexible and threadlike.Artistic Wire is an enamel-coated copper wire available in a wide variety of colors, which is available by gauge. It is tarnish resistant and can be used for wire wrapping. Wire for wire wrapping is not typically available in stainless steel. If you want to use precious metal wire, try using sterling wire or gold-filled wire: those can be polished when they eventually tarnish.
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Question #67:
Are the colors of Artistic Wire permanent? Will they turn or oxidize?
Answer:
Colourcraft's many colors are permanent, but the color coating can be scratched off or nicked. Be careful using tools that may scratch the surface. The silver and gold colors of Colourcraft are manufactured differently, and have color throughout. Remember, Colourcraft can be subject to tarnish: help protect it by applying clear nail polish.
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Question #68:
I just purchased Beadalon Jewelry Cable and the instructions indicate that it should be unraveled and each strand used separately. I'd like to use the entire cable as is, and am wondering how the ends should be finished.
Answer:
Beadalon offers a variety of end caps. I'd recommend either Crimp Hook & Eye Clasp plain 1.14 diameter or Light tube cord end 1.5 diameter for your jewelry cable design. The crimp hook clasp crimps directly onto the wire end. The tube cord end would need to be glued onto the end. When gluing this type of cord end, be sure that the epoxy has as large a surface area as possible.
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Question #69:
I am interested in making a necklace using satin cording and do not know how best to put a clasp on the end of the cord. I purchased some end caps - are these designed for crimping? It doesn't seem to look right. What end cap is best to use with satin cording? And how do I affix them?
Answer:
Beadalon sells two different types of cord ends that would work for satin cord necklaces. One is a smooth tube designed to glue onto the end of the cord. I'm guessing that this is the type of end you have. Instead of trying to crimp it, use epoxy or Beadfix to glue the cap onto the cord. Or use a spring-type cord end. This one looks like a piece of coiled wire. You place it on the end of the cord, then use pliers to close the last ring on the coil to hold it in place.
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Question #70:
Can the 'Mighty Crimper' be used for #2 crimp tubes?
Answer:
"We recommend using the standard crimping tool for #2 crimp tubes. Here's a chart for easy reference:
#0 crimp bead - micro crimping tool
#1 crimp bead - standard crimping tool
#2 crimp bead - standard crimping tool
#3 crimp bead - mighty crimping tool
#1 crimp tube - micro crimping tool
#2 crimp tube - standard crimping tool
#3 crimp tube - standard crimping tool
#4 crimp tube - mighty crimping tool"
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Question #71:
Can you use crimp beads with fishing line or other stringing material like that?
Answer:
We do not recommend using crimp beads with monofilament fishing line because the metal edge can cut through the strand. Crimps are designed to be used with Beadalon beading wires.
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Question #72:
I am fairly new to beading and have recently changed from using Beadalon 7-strand toBeadalon 49-strand for my necklaces. I cannot seem to get the crimping to work the way it says it should! When I go to Step 2 my crimping tool doesn't fold the bead in on itself, it folds it flat in the other direction. It worries me that it isn't strong enough. What am I doing wrong?
Answer:
My best diagnosis is that you need to turn the crimp inside the tool before squeezing it the second time. Make sure the crease in the center of the crimp is horizontal, so when the tool is squeezed, the crimp folds in on itself instead of flattening out. Sometimes it wants to turn inside the jaws of the tool, so pay special attention to keeping it still while you squeeze. Another thing to keep in mind is that the crimp should fit rather snugly on the wire. Too much space inside the crimp can prevent it from folding properly.
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Question #73:
I recently saw the most amazing magnetic bracelets, made in a single strand with no clasps. They wrap around the wrist with the magnetic beads holding them in place. I have made several ones now myself, but they sit here on my workbench unfinished because I cannot remember how to end them! Can I use bead tips and just snip the attachment loop off? What do you advise?
Answer:
Aren't those magnetic bracelets cool? Try using a crimp bead attached to the end to stop the beads. For a more professional look, you could use a crimp cover, a C-shaped bead that fits over the crimp to hide it. It would be similar to your bead tip idea but it would look like one more bead on the strand.