An Easy Way to Measure Cabochons

re: An Easy Way to Measure Cabochons

V Milheron — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 01:10:50 GMT

Another easy way to measure a cab is to roll it along a piece of flattened modelling clay (the kind your kids play with). Roll it on the edge across the clay and just measure the indentation left behind!

re: An Easy Way to Measure Cabochons

Sharon Vandagriff@2 — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 23:31:49 GMT

Thanks, Jean, for passing on such a simple and easy method to measure cabochons!

re: An Easy Way to Measure Cabochons

pearlgirl64 — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 18:46:51 GMT

Jean, tried Anna's ziplock tip and had quite an "aha" moment myself :-D Can't believe I've been fiddling with them for years when it was that simple!

re: An Easy Way to Measure Cabochons

Jean Campbell — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 18:42:37 GMT

Pam-just hold the zipper bag so your thumb and forefinger run parallel with the zipping mechanism (in line with the top of the bag). Then push your forefinger forward while you pull your thumb back, letting the zipper mechanism slide open horizontally. A little miracle, really.

re: An Easy Way to Measure Cabochons

PamSani — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 17:32:36 GMT

Jean, can you show me some photos of your simplified method of opening little zipper-lock bags? I really struggle with opening them. I gave your hint a try, but couldn't open one. Where am I going wrong?

re: An Easy Way to Measure Cabochons

nujewels10 — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 16:03:13 GMT

I also find that after you measure with the tape if you lay the tape out on your table you can also mark where you want to place your wraps. That way it will be easier to make sure that they are evenly spaced. Also if you place a piece of tape from top to bottom of your cab and mark the top and bottom center, when you are ready to put it into the frame you can be sure that it is lying straight, since it is easy to get it off center.

re: An Easy Way to Measure Cabochons

Artistic Creations by Leslie — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 15:58:51 GMT

What about extra wire for the bail or extra wire to enclose the cabochon on top? I believe you forgot to mention this as the measurement of the cabochon does not include the bail wire on the top and this would be essential to not just cut the wire only the length of the cabochon or you have nothing to hold it together. Thanks for the good tips.

re: An Easy Way to Measure Cabochons

AmyW@55 — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 15:26:17 GMT

I teach jewelry design classes and I usually can't locate a tape measure in my tool basket. Instead of asking the student how many inches she wants her necklace to be I say "show me how long you want you necklace to hang".

I then take a roll of beading wire and wrap the wire around their neck, adjusting it to the length they point to on their chest. I mark the length with my finger then lay the wire on the table, measure it with my ruler and determine the finished length.

Then I remind the student to subtract the clasp length from that finished length to know how long to make the necklace.

re: An Easy Way to Measure Cabochons

elliebop — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 11:10:02 GMT

Where can we find a chart which would provide the number (and size) of seed beads required to encase rivolis.....round....square....triangle....oval.....teardrop?

Does such a chart exist? This would be invaluable to those that do alot of beading around rivolis........thank you....and GOD BLESS YOU......so appreciate all the "tips".....