Happy New Year! The new year is a good time to revisit good habits, which means it's time for a refresher on proper stringing techniques. No matter where you are in your beading journey, it's always a good idea to go back to the basics and review the "Magical Equation of Excellent Beading": {beading wire} + {calibrated crimp bead/tube} + {corresponding size crimp tool} + {proper crimp technique} = {professional, lasting, well made, durable jewelry}.
First things first, the spool of beading wire will tell you all of the information that you need.
{beading wire}:
The first important number is the strand count. 7, 19, and 49 strand refers to the number of stainless steel wires that are twisted together and coated with nylon. The next important number is the diameter. The thinnest Beadalon Wire is .010, and the thickest is .036. We recommend choosing the highest strand count that you can afford, and the diameter that will fill the the holes of your beads as much as possible. Additionally, you want to consider choosing a color that will complement your design. Gold Color and Silver Color wires are my go-tos when I'm using translucent stones because they add shine from within.
+ {calibrated crimp bead/tube}:
The Beadalon Crimp Beads and Crimp Tubes are perfectly calibrated to be used with our wires, and both function the same way. Some people think tubes are easier to use, some think the beads look better. Regardless of which you chose, beads or tubes, you need to be sure that you chose the correct size to fit your wire.
+ {corresponding size crimp tool} - Micro, Standard, Mighty
The third part of the equation is using the proper crimp tool. If you don't use the right tool for the crimp job, you run the risk of smooshing the crimp or not closing it completely. The mighty and micro crimpers won't necessarily be an everyday tool, but I recommend having them on hand for when you need them.
+ {proper crimping technique} - A 3 part process
This is the most important part of the equation. Make sure there is enough wiggle room between the clasp and the crimp - a wire guardian is a great way to insure this. Also, make sure that the wires aren't crossed in your crimp. Then, use the three step crimping process -
1. Place the crimp in the front notch of the pliers and gently squeeze to turn the round crimp into an oval.
2. Place the crimp in the back notch and gently squeeze to turn the oval into a jelly bean.
3. Put the crimp back in the front notch vertically, gently squeeze and move the pliers around and squeeze to fold the crimp. Don't be tempted to give the crimp an extra squeeze! All that will do is break the wires inside of the crimp.
Meredith
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