At Beadalon, we generally recommend crimping as the preferred finishing technique for beaded jewelry making. However, crimping is not for everyone - it can be challenging to get those little crimp beads or tubes closed properly. For more on proper crimping techniques, check out this infographic . Luckily, there are several alternative ways to finish off your jewelry including this week's Facebook Live feature - the Scrimp Findings . Scrimp Findings are an innovative screw finding that takes the place of a crimp. A tiny set screw inside holds bead stringing wires in place. There are also Scrimp Findings for Memory Wire and for Jewelry Cable ! To use: 1. Partially unscrew the screw in the Scrimp Finding. 2. Insert Beadalon Bead Stringing Wire into the Scrimp Finding, through a clasp, and back down through the Scrimp Finding. Be sure to leave a loop with some wiggle room. TIP: Use a Wire Guardian where extra abrasion is likely to occur. 3. Tighten the screw using the screwdriver an
Viking Knit is an ancient form of wire weaving that only uses a couple of tools (that you might already have in your stash) to create beautiful ropes of wire that you can use as part of a design, or as the design itself. While Viking Knit is beautiful on its own, it's a great way to showcase a focal piece. I'm always looking for ways to turn my wire wrapped and seed bead bezeled pieces into finished jewelry, and they look fantastic on a viking knit rope. I recommend using a dead soft wire, like Artistic Wire or ColourCraft Wire , in 24, 26, or 28 gauge to weave Viking Knit. In addition to wire, you'll need a round object - I use the Beadalon Mandrel Set - but you can use knitting needles, crochet hooks, markers, empty wire spools really anything round of a good diameter will work. You'll also need a Draw Plate , and a Beading Awl . Of course, you'll need a good Wire Cutter , and a Nylon Jaw Pliers will also come in handy. From the Beadalon Mandrel Set, I like t