Blog posts tagged with 'beading'

How to use a Beading Chain

Materials: 1mm tiny curb chain (101001), tube ends ( 213001), clasp, beads

Tools: Bent chain nose pliers, chain cutters

Using a beading chain is at the very base of basic skills in jewelry making and beading. When doing projects and creating designs that use beading chains the main components to keep in mind is the findings, chains, and beads using and ensuring the sizes all coordinate. When working with such small components even a fraction of a millimeter can make a difference in whether or not the pieces are compatible.

A beading chain is a chain that can fit through the hole of a bead. As both beads and chains come in many different shapes and sizes, this definition leaves a lot of room for variation between the chain and bead used. Typically man-made beads have larger holes than natural stone beads. This is due to the fact that most natural beads are originally sold by weight, so when cutting a hole into the bead, the manufacturer wants to keep as much of the stone or pearl there as possible.

This tutorial is a very basic demonstration on how to finish a beading chain.

Step 1: Cut chain to desired length

Step 2: Grip the center of the tube end with the bent chain nose pliers, feed chain into the tube and squeeze. Squeeze a couple times ensuring the tube end is closed onto the chain. Gently tug to ensure it is securely fastened. ( Note: do not grip the tube end too close to the ends, centralize the tip of the pliers)

Step 3: String beads onto chain

Step 4: Grip second tube end, feed chain into tube and squeeze. Gently tug to ensure it is securely fastened.

Step 5: Open ring on spring ring clasp by just twisting open, loop ring onto the closed ring of the tube end. Close ring on clasp by twisting closed.

Thank you

Beadunion

Wire wrapped gemstone bar

Material: beads, 2 inches 26 gauge wire, chain

Tools: round nose pliers, bent chain nose pliers, chain nose pliers, measuring tool

The gemstone bar is a trending style that is versatile and just a slight adaptation from basic wire wrapping. You can use any type of fully drilled beads to create the gem bar and combined with other techniques, you can create unique jewelry with securely fastened gemstones. Using basic wire wrapping technique, the gem bar is a simple and elegant way to display those gorgeous gemstones we love so much.

This demonstration will show a 1 inch gemstone bar, however you can make your bar as long or as short as you like simply by adding beads or taking away beads and shortening length of wire.

Step 1: Use chain nose pliers and bend the wire at with a 3/4 inch tail, creating a 90-degree angle

Step 2: Use the round nose pliers and create a loop bringing the tail around the plier tip

Step 3: String the chain through the tail, letting it fall into the loop.

Step 4: Grip the loop with the chain nose pliers, and with the bent chain nose pliers, begin to wind the tail around the base of the loop, making 2-3 coils

Step 5: Secure the end of the tail tightly to the coil

Step 6: Cut the wire leave 1.5 inches for the gem bar and you final loop

Step 7: String your beads onto the wire making a 1 inch bar

Step 8: Grip the tail with the chain nose pliers leaving 3mm beside the last bead

Step 9: With the chain nose pliers, make another 90 degree bend

Step 9: Use the round nose pliers and grip the bend at its angle, take the tail and wrap over the plier tip creating a loop ( make sure you loop in the same area as the first loop to ensure the same size loop)

Step 10: Coil the wire around tightening the beads

Beadunion