Did you know …. All jewellery is measured without the clasp. All earrings are measured without the ear wire—dangle only. If you use a different clasp or ear wire, your finished size may change. To increase length, add more beads to each end. To decrease, remove a few beads. Always measure twice and crimp once to avoid breaking the crimp beads.  

Color is an important consideration when determining your personal style. Chances are that if you make a piece that goes with something already in your closet, you will love that piece just as much as you love the clothing.  

When you want the look of a metallic spacer without the expense, consider seed beads with metallic finishes or those that are line with metallic foils. You can search online by googling “glass beads”, “lampwork”, “art beads”,  “seed beads”, or “druks”.  

When shopping the web, be sure that the seller offers full descriptions of the beads, their origin, quantity and size. Be aware of shipping and handling charges and look for discounts on multiple item shipping.

Did you know that ancient cultures believe that gemstones and beads have magical power?  

Gemstone jewellery should be stored in cloth bags. Gemstones are sensitive to heat and light and can easily be scratched by other jewellery.  

Never use scissors to cut flexible wire. Use a wire cutter and keep it safe in your toolbox, away from hubby!  

Although actual crimping pliers are available, flattening a crimp with flat nose pliers has proven consistently more reliable.  

 

WHAT TOOLS SHOULD YOU BUY?
1.  Cutters: Cutters are used to cut flexible wire. They have very sharp blades.
2.  Flat nose or Chain nose pliers: Flat nose or chain nose pliers are reliable for crimping beads. Look for short jaws that are designed for delicate work. Tapered handles help in getting to tight spots. Never use serrated jaws.  
3.  Round nose pliers: Round nose pliers are used to create loops for earrings, dangles and spirals.  
4.  The honey pot: A honey pot is a container where you can collect a number of styles, shapes, colors and sizes of beads for use in a project. Any container will do but transparent white seems the best color.  
5.  Various glues: Some projects require glue. E6000 is a highly recommended glue. Also, be sure to have a quick-glue handy. Crazy glue is great for knots so that they don't undo.  
6.  Use a bead board to help you with the sizing of necklaces and bracelets. A bead board shows you the different measurements.

 

OTHER TIPS AND TIDBITS:
1.  Remember to try several arrangements of your beads before stringing it together. Have fun making your jewellery. If you think that you are not creative enough, think again! There is no right or wrong way of creating your designs. In fact, these make the best pieces.  
2.  Did you know that a simple bracelet takes only 20 to 30 minutes to make and can cost less than $10? But beware, this is very addictive once you realize how easy and beautifully you can create new jewellery!  
3.  There is an endless number of patterns you can create. For example, there is the “repeat” pattern, which is a simple line of beads in a specific pattern running from one end to the other. There is the “centered” pattern, which is where you start with the center bead and work each side from that outward. Then there is the “bead filler”. This is where using seed bead combinations to fill in between focal beads works beautifully. You can also use spacers. Finally there is the random pattern. Grab a handful of beads and just string them in random order. You'll be surprised how beautiful it will be.  
4.  Broken clasp? You may not need to restring it. Simply place a split ring or jump ring through the loop at the end at the loop next to the crimp. Then you can safely cut away the broken clasp and secure the new clasp to the split/jump ring.  
5.  “Dangle” can be used for other pieces other than earrings. You can use them as pendants on necklaces or as charms on bracelets. When attaching dangles to the end of a toggle clasp, always attach the dangle to the ring-end of the toggle. You will not be able to thread the bar through the ring if the dangle gets in the way. Putting the dangle on the ring-end prevents this problem from happening.  
6.  Add beads to your old charm bracelet. If you have a color grouping you have enjoyed, make up a 4” headpin of the beads, leaving 4” of pin to turn a loop. You can use this for key rings, as cell phone charms or tassel bookmarks.
7.  The first beads were likely made of bones, shells, seeds, pods and other natural materials. These beads may have been worn to ward of spirits. Sadly, most of these beads have been lost and our love for adornment is left in its wake. Natural stones, fresh water pearls and crystals can be porous. Be sure to put them on after you use hair spray, perfume or nail polish remover because these can damage the beads finish.  
8.  Did you know, contrary to urban legend, trade for beads did not start with the story of the Island of Manhattan. Trade beads throughout history encouraged trade of goods from Africa to Europe. Mahy look-a-likes have flooded markets. Becoming a collector of authentic beads can require research and an expert eye.  
9.  Spacers often refer to metal beads that separate other beads in your design but spacers can be made of other materials as well. Metal beads are available in large variety of metals: silver, bronze, pewter, gold and other base metals. To get an antique look, patina is added to the metal, which highlights intricate details. You can use base metal spacers colored to resemble silver, pewter and gold. Halcraft and Blue Moon have a large and inexpensive assortment.  
10.  When designing, do not only consider how necklaces lie on your neck. Each bead must be considered carefully to where on the woman's upper body it will land. Think about the curves of the clavicle and the cleavage of the breast to determine a desirable length.  
11.  Lobster claws and toggle clasps can add interest in a contemporary design by placing it to one side such as the front bottom.  
12.  Hanging two headpin beaded dangles from each end of a lariat is a clever way to finish the ends without becoming too bendable.  
13.  Bugle or tube beads have sharp edges that can cut some types of stringing materials. Experts sometimes use clear nail polish on the edges to prevent the edges from fraying thread.  
14.  Crimp beads are available in many weights and materials. Don't skim on the crimps. Use crimp beads in sterling in at least half-hard silver and heavier gauge wire. 2mm x 3mm and 2mm x 2mm half-hard sterling silver crimps and heavier gauge wire for the majority of your projects.  
15.  Clasps are also available in many new styles. If you prefer toggles, be sure that the bar-end is larger than the loop end. This will help ensure that the toggle stays in place when you wear your jewellery. Make sure the first few beads nearest the bar end will slip nicely through the loop end so you won't be able to use the toggle closure without a struggle. [Back to top]