Inside Jewelry Stringing Magazine : Beading Tools, Chain Maille

5 Jewelry Making Mistakes to Avoid

DanielleF@9 — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 10:00:00 GMT

I've been beading for almost ten years now--ever since I joined the staff of Jewelry Stringing. And over those ten years, I've made lots of beading mistakes. Thing is, those mistakes turn into lessons. Hard-earned lessions sometimes, yes, but lessons nonetheless. When learning to bead, it's as much about figuring out what NOT to do as it is figuring out what to do. I think you know what I mean. Below I offer some advice based on my screw-ups...I mean, adventures in learning.

Don't use your nice wire cutters on memory wire. Really. Memory wire is steel, and it's really hard. The first time I used memory wire, I was too lazy to go find another pair of pliers to cut it. So, I used my jewelry wire cutters. And, just like all the warnings tell you, it does mar the blades of the pliers, which makes it harder in the future to cut everything else. Buy some memory-wire specific cutters like the ones at right from Fire Mountain Gems, or use hardware-store cutters.

When closing jump rings, take your time and close them well the first time. In the past, I've wiggled jump rings back and forth so many times trying to close them perfectly that they actually broke in half. To avoid this, grasp each side of a jump ring's opening with a pair of pliers. Don't pull apart. Instead, twist in opposite directions so that you can open and close without distorting the shape.

When using beads on cloth, make sure the beads have a permanent finish. I once bead-embroidered some pillowcases (one of my very first beading projects) with cute little flowers. When I washed the pillowcases, the colors of the beads bled all over the pillowcase, ruining it. I should have known--they were cheap beads, but, hey, I was a newbie!

Be careful when using thread burners or lighters to cauterize the ends of synthetic threads. I was finishing a small earring project I had stitched with FireLine braided beading thread and thought I'd try the finish-by-fire method I've read so much about. I only had a lighter, not a thread burner like the one at left from Artbeads.com. I guess I got a little flame happy. Not only did I singe my tail thread, but I also burned through other threads, causing the piece to fall apart. Luckily, it didn't take long to redo my earring, but I learned that a little bit of heat goes a long way.

When carrying your in-progress jewelry to a mirror to check out how the size of a necklace is working on you, make sure the ends are secured really well with bead stops. I've lost a few beads in the sink after some ill-placed bead stops fell off my piece, cause the whole necklace to come apart. I like the original size Bead Stoppers. Just make sure they've got your beading wire trapped securely in the coils before moving your jewelry around.

What lessons have you learned through beading trial and error? Share them below!

-Danielle

Coral Multistrand Necklace How-To

Kate Wilson — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 11:00:00 GMT

I've been saving back several hanks of coral-colored Czech seed beads in various sizes for a rainy day. Today it didn't rain, but it was a quiet day at the office and I decided to give the bead spinner a go and put together this chunky necklace. Awhile ago, Danielle Fox and I tried the bead spinner out for the first time and found that it takes practice to use efficiently. So I decided to start with the bigger beads until I got the hang of it.

I placed a bead stop on one end of 3' of thread, strung 24" of beads, then placed a bead stop on the other end of the thread. I ended up stringing 4 strands of large beads (size 8/0) and 10 strands of small beads (small 9/0). Then I tied one end of the strands together in groups to make the strands more manageable.

Next, I tied one end of all the strands together with an overhand knot; then I strung the loop of 1 eye pin and tied another overhand knot that attaches to the loop (and repeated on the other end of the strands). I dabbed the knot with clear jewelry cement and let it dry.

Then I finished each end with a cord end and wrapped loop, and attached jump rings and the clasp. Voila! To wear, twist the necklace to create a spiral before clasping the closure.

Bead chic!

Kate Wilson

Project Editor

Resources
Blue Moon seed beads: Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores; FireLine braided beading thread in brick red and paprika: Sparkle Spot; Cord ends: The Bead Cache.

Inside an Editor's Toolbox: 5 Must-Have Tools

DanielleF@9 — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 10:00:00 GMT

When I first began my job as an editor for Beadwork and Jewelry Stringing magazines, I had no prior jewelry-making experience. I had no beads, no findings, no wire--nothing. My new coworkers helped me remedy that situation very quickly. The first thing they worked on was helping me create a toolbox. Nearly ten years later, the five tools they helped me pick out are still my go-to tools for creating strung and wireworked jewelry. Today, these are the tools I recommend to anyone who is beginning a jewelry-making hobby:

	1. Crimping pliers: My first jewelry teachers insisted that finishing jewelry with crimp tubes that you cinch with crimping pliers created a more secure connection than simply squishing crimp beads with flat- or chain-nose pliers. So, I learned how to use crimping pliers right away. Remember, you use the back notch of the pliers to press the tube around the ends of the wire, then you use the front notch of the pliers to fold the two halves of the tube together For more information, watch this Jewelry Stringing 101 crimping video.
	2. Wire cutters: These are necessary for cutting beading and gauged wire. Just remember not use them for cutting steel memory wire. The steel wire is too hard for the cutters and will mar them. I recommend getting some quality pliers--it really makes a difference. My pliers are from Soft Flex. Co.
	3. Round-nose pliers: If you want to start making loops with wire, you need to have a pair of round-nose pliers. Mine is an ergonomic pair from Lindstrom. The nose of my pliers is fairly small, which works for me since I generally make small loops. I later bought a pair of round-nose pliers with a bigger nose for those projects that require larger loops.
	4. Flat-nose pliers: Another essential tool for doing wireworking, these pliers have a large, smooth nose for gripping wire without marring it. This tool is good for holding and bending wire. My ergonomic pair is from Lindstrom.
	5. Chain-nose pliers: These pliers are different from flat-nose pliers in that the nose tapers a lot more, allowing you to grip wire with more precision. It's great to have two smooth-jawed pair of pliers--such as a pair of chain- and flat-nose pliers--to open and close jump rings. Again, my ergonomic pair is from Lindstrom.

Do you have other tools you recommend to new beaders? If so, share them in the comments section, please!

Fashion Trend: Gold Fever

Kate Wilson — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 10:00:00 GMT

With so many recent styles pointing back toward yesteryears, it's no surprise that gold has hit it big as a primary metal in contemporary jewelry designs. I used to think of it as the metal of my mother's generation, but I've recently caught the fever and want everything I wear to be gold. It's got everything--it looks rich, complements every color, and brings out the glow in otherwise dull skin tones.

I'm also obsessed with geometric forms lately. So I combined my favorite trends for some fun stringing projects last week.

Gold-and-agate necklace materials:
17 agate 6x8mm pebbles (Bead Trust)
20 gold-tone brass 2x21mm tubes (similar at Designs by Darla)
1 gold-plated 19mm twig toggle clasp (Nunn Design, FusionBeads.com)
2 gold-plated 8mm jump rings
6 gold-plated wireguards (Beadalon)
44" of red 1/8" wide cotton cord (Jubili Beads & Yarns)

Triangle earrings materials:
6 gold-plated 16.5mm diamond-cut triangle links (Beadalon)
4 gold-plated 5mm jump rings
2 gold-plated ear wires

Curved-tube necklace materials:
1 gold-plated 3x50mm curved tube (Beadaholique)
1 gold-plated 6mm spring-ring clasp
2 gold-plated 4mm jump rings
15 1/2" of gold-filled 1x3mm figaro chain (Bead Cache)

Beadwoven chevron necklace materials:
Prewoven peyote-stitched chevron pendant (5 g teal size 15° Czech seed beads, 5 g gold-lined clear size 15° Japanese seed beads)
1 gold-plated 6mm spring-ring clasp
2 gold-plated 4mm jump rings
17" of gold-filled 1x3mm figaro chain (Bead Cache)
4" of brass 24-gauge wire (Beadalon)

Gold-and-leather wrap bracelet:
5 gold-plated 3x50mm curved tubes (Beadaholique)
1 gold-tone brass 9x20mm crimping 1.5mm-cord-end hook-and-eye clasp (Beadaholique)
30" of metallic white 1.5mm wide leather cord (Hobby Lobby)

Use the comment section below to tell us how you're using metal in your jewelry! Do you prefer bright, polished tones, or do you go for patinated, antiqued appeal?

Bead chic!

Kate Wilson
Project Editor

Anklet Inspiration, Part Deux

Dblair — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 04:00:00 GMT

In last week's blog, I mentioned the fact that my mom was quite fond of the Summer Anklet I shared with you a few weeks ago and subsequently requested one for her birthday!

After checking out several different chains online, and doing some major digging through my stash, I settled on this pretty gold chain from Chelsea's Beads. I loved the juicy colors of the Swarovski Elements crystals in the Watermelon Mix at FusionBeads.com, and came across a teensy heart locket from MK Beads that just seemed right for this project!

Here's what I used:

Your choice of gold-plated or gold-filled chain

4mm Swarovski Elements crystals

Gold discs

Heart locket

Gold-plated lobster clasp

Eye pins

Jump rings

How I did it:

1. Cut the chain to your desired length (the one shown is about 9 1/4").

2. Using the eye pins and crystals, make 14 simple-loop dangles, adding a gold disk to 3 or 4 of the dangles.

3. Attach 1 dangle to the center of the chain. Add the remaining dangles so they are evenly spaced on the remainder of the chain.

4. Use a jump ring to attach the lobster clasp to one end of the chain, and add another jump ring to the other end of the chain.

5. Cut 2 hearts from the paper of your choice, making sure they will fit inside the locket. Write your desired message and use decoupage or glue to affix the hearts to the inside of the locket. I also painted a thin coat of decoupage over each paper heart once they were affixed to the locket.

6. Use a jump ring to attach the heart locket near one end of the chain.

Happy Birthday, Mom! I hope you enjoy wearing your new anklet all summer long, and thanks for being my biggest fan!

Happy creating!

Debbie Blair, Managing Editor

Free Summer Anklet Project

Dblair — Mon, 21 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Just in time for showing off your tan legs and super-cute sandals this summer, I've created a fun anklet that you can make in a matter of minutes. The finished size of the anklet shown is 9 1/4".

What you'll need:

11 dusty rose size 6° seed beads, or other small glass beads, about 4mm in size
5 copper or brass 12mm charms (I used decorative floral copper chain from The Lipstick Ranch that I disassembled)
2 sterling silver 3mm jump rings
5 copper or brass 6mm jump rings (I used rings that were part of the floral chain that I disassembled)
6 copper 1 1/2" head pins
1 sterling silver 5x10mm lobster clasp with tab
8 1/2" of sterling silver 3x4mm chain
Wire cutters
Round-nose pliers
2 pairs of chain- or flat-nose pliers

Now let's get started!

1. Use one 3mm jump ring to attach one half of the clasp to one end of the chain.

2. String 1 seed bead on each 6mm jump ring.

3. Use one 6mm jump ring to attach 1 charm to the center of the chain.

4. In the same manner, add 1 charm to the chain, 12 links to the left of the center charm. Add 1 charm 12 links to the left of the previous charm.

5. Repeat Step 4 on the right half of the chain.

6. Use 1 head pin to string 1 seed bead; form a simple loop that attaches to the chain midway between two of the charms. Repeat using remaining head pins and seed beads, and spacing the seed-bead dangles evenly between the charms.

7. Use one 3mm jump ring to attach the other half of the clasp to the free end of the chain.

The inspiration for my anklet came from this sweet little anklet I found on Etsy (left). I'm also fond of this garnet bracelet I found on the Sundance web site--if only it were large enough to fit around my ankle!

Happy Summer! And have fun creating!

Debbie Blair, Managing Editor

Favorite Beading Supplies

DanielleF@9 — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:20:00 GMT

Do you have favorite beading materials? Those beads and findings you turn to again and again? In the Summer 2011 issue of Jewelry Stringing, I listed my must-have materials. Take a look! (Items are listed from top to bottom.)

* Wood rounds. Wood beads have become one of my staples. They seem to find a way into my more organic designs.

* Matte fool’s gold metal-plated size 8° seed beads. These make great spacers in designs with brass beads and findings.

* Sterling silver 3mm rounds. These little beads make great spacers and, when used in the same project as 3mm crimp covers, make the covers blend in even more.

*AD Adornments’s base metal chain. This chain is not only inexpensive, but also looks great in vintage-looking designs.

* Enameled copper discs from C-Koop Beads. These discs are great because you can use them as colorful bead caps or as dangles or charms.

* Pink size 4 Griffin silk cord (with needle). Whenever I do silk knotting, I always turn to this color, size, and brand.

* 6mm original Snapeeze jump rings from Via Murano. These go-to jump rings are like Baby Bear’s bed: not too big, not too small, but just right!

* Green Girl Studios’s sterling silver branch toggle clasp. This clasp has a great handmade look, but isn’t too rustic. Due to the high price of silver, I now only find them in bronze.

* Swarovski Elements’s silk and mint alabaster crystals. It’s hard to pick my favorite crystal colors, but I think these two take the cake.

* Pressed-glass bellflowers. I love to add floral dangles to my designs, so I’ve got these in many colors and sizes.

What are your go-to beading supplies? Please share!

Free Travel Friendly Jewelry Project

cchatenever — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 10:00:00 GMT

No crimping pliers, no wire cutters...no problem! I ran into a dilemma last week as I was preparing for a weekend trip: I wanted to bring a jewelry project with me to help pass the time during my flight, but knew I wouldn't be able to get any pliers or wire cutters past security at the airport. I'm sure this is a hurdle that many of you dedicated beaders have also faced at some point during your creative careers. Instead of risking the confiscation of my tools (which probably would have resulted in a serious hissy fit), I decided to leave them at home and came up with these TSA-friendly bracelet projects. (Find the step-by-step instructions for the woven rings bracelet--gold rings with yellow/orange/blue cord--below!)

The only materials I needed to complete all four of these bracelets were an assortment of ribbons, gold chain maille jump rings in various sizes, and the washers and nuts from my local hardware store that I mentioned in last week's blog.

Instructions for the woven ring bracelet:

		Step 1: Arrange your jump rings in two overlapping rows.
		Step 2: Thread your first silk cord up through the first ring. I found it was easiest to thread the cords through the jump rings one by one, instead of all at once.
		Step 3: Bring your cord over the second ring and down through the hole where the first and second ring overlap.
		Step 4: Bring your cord up through the third ring (where the second and third rings overlap) and over the other side of the second ring.
		Step 5: Pass over the second and fourth rings, and back down through the hole where the third and fourth rings overlap.
		Step 6: Repeat this pattern until your woven ring segment is as long as you want it to be. And voila! A ready-to-wear bracelet (or necklace!) I didn't need to glue or knot the cords once I was finished--they were woven tightly enough through the jump rings to keep them in place.

Until next time,

Chloe

Assistant Editor

Free Santa Fe Themed Necklace Pattern!

DanielleF@9 — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 03:00:00 GMT

THIS WEEK STARTS BEAD FEST SANTA FE 2012. HERE WE COME!

Actually, I personally will not be headed to Santa Fe this year. My coworkers Debbie Blair and Chloe Chatenever have been elected to represent the magazine, though I have fond memories of what is always my favorite bead show of the year. Not only are the vendors great, the teachers inspiring, and the venue amazing, but also the town of Santa Fe is charming and unique.

In honor of the show, I created this quick-and-easy necklace design with milagros, religious folk charms popular in Mexico and the Southwest.

The charms, bails, and clasp are from TierraCast. The cording and cord ends are from Ornamentea, and the jump rings are from Red Panda Beads.

Look for our dispatches from Santa Fe later this week!

MATERIALS

3 assorted brass milagro charms

3 assorted brass bails

1 brass toggle clasp

2 brass cord ends

5 brass jump rings

17" of black cording

Jewelry cement

TOOLS

2 pairs of chain- or flat-nose pliers

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Use the cording to string all 3 bails.

2. Use the jump rings to attach the charms to the bails.

3. Use jewelry cement to secure the ends of the cording inside the cord end findings. Let dry.

4. Use jump rings to attach the clasp to the cord ends.

Enjoy!

Haute Hardware

cchatenever — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 11:00:00 GMT

The latest handmade jewelry craze? Hardware jewelry! Nuts and washers abound in the latest posts on DIY craft blogs and online creative communities. Eager to get my hands on some hardware to play with, I headed to my local home improvement store last weekend and picked up some goodies...

Above (from left to right): solid brass 3/8 inch nuts from McGuckin Hardware, silk ribbon available at Artbeads.com, polyester ribbons from Michaels, assorted chain maille jump rings from Michaels, flat size #10S brass washers from Home Depot, denim and tan braided ribbon from Ornamentea, and multi-purpose cabled-cotton twine from McGuckin Hardware.

My design plans are still in the development stages, but you can see a couple different ideas I have been playing with in the above picture. Can't wait to start playing with these!

Following are some of the hardware jewelry projects I am itching to try (click through to see full posts/tutorials for each):

The first three are from Honestly...WTF (she has a ton of other great DIY projects, too!)

DIY Gretchen Jones Necklace

(made using brass rings and pink mason's line)

DIY Rope Bracelet

(utility cord and a brass S hook)

DIY Box Braid Necklace

(micro-fiber faux suede and brass washers)

Don't Buy, DIY: Hardware Necklace from Chic Steals

(ribbon, nuts, and couplings)

Hardware Store Necklace from Made By Lex

(painted washers, chain, and wire)

Have you experimented with hardware jewelry yet? Share your tips and tricks!