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Happy Holiday!

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Wishing you a happy holiday and a season of inspiration from the Beadalon Blog Team.

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Viking Knit

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...

Fancy Finishing with French Wire

Using French Wire to finish designs is one of the easiest ways to add strength, durability, and a professional look to your knotted and strung designs. While traditionally used in pearl knotting, French Wire can also be used to finish off the ends of designs strung on Beadalon Bead Stringing Wire. In fact, before the arrival of Wire Guardians , that's how I finished off all of my strung designs. Did you know that Beadalon carries 5 different colors of French Wire and .925 Sterling Silver French Wire in 5 sizes? That's more than enough to match, coordinate, or complement knotted or strung designs! Tips for Working with French Wire: Choose the Right Size- Selecting the appropriate size of French wire is crucial. It should accommodate the thickness of the thread and the size of the beads while maintaining a proportionate look. Use Quality Materials - Opt for high-quality French wire to ensure durability and a polished finish. Look for options that are tarnish...

New Product Debut! WildFire Ultra - Ultra Fine Diameter Bead Weaving Thread

At long last, super thin, super strong, and perfect for intricate beadweaving, WildFire Ultra is here! Wildfire Ultra is a .004 diameter - thin enough for multiple passes through Delicas and small seed beads. It's available in Black and Clear and in 20 yard, 50 yard, and 125 yard spool lengths. It is smooth, supple, and threadlike, does not stretch, and is very strong and abrasion resistant. The best way to cut it is with really sharp, dedicated scissors. The Beadalon Designer Scissors are my first choice. Be sure to bring the thread all the way to the back of the scissors - cutting with the tips won't work. I recommend conditioning with either Beeswax or another thread conditioner of your choice. My favorite needles to use are the Fine Big Eye Needle , the Extra Fine Collapsible Eye Needle , and the WildFire Needle . If you're using the WildFire Needle or another hard needle, flatten the end with chain nose pliers, and needle the thread by pinching the end between y...

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