tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32653993175763921662024-02-19T00:35:54.452-05:00Beadalon BlogOfficial Blog of Beadalon. We love to share our jewelry making techniques, tips and products to all jewelry makers; beginners, intermediate, advanced. See the fashion trends and behind the scenes, as well as jewelry inspiration ideas. Beadalonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07312896841719372911noreply@blogger.comBlogger409125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265399317576392166.post-88383469897199815312023-11-20T15:31:00.000-05:002023-11-20T15:31:11.549-05:00Fancy Finishing with French Wire<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjnd4ArHizAF1iRWpTTHa2LES9ez8iXefErbuExQNflYnDTmuToogxkDhl3QQs7HJUFqPyg55Y9wOSU6rj0to7NAho5Wjj2aldYc2bL8r_qYw97vtRNi_pOFzh5s9UgFoS_5Pn02LAjVqFCinNknQIF_yx8Gr9uIaktz1OP-PqgfkRKBub2bYbIYztxs/s500/French%20Wire.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjnd4ArHizAF1iRWpTTHa2LES9ez8iXefErbuExQNflYnDTmuToogxkDhl3QQs7HJUFqPyg55Y9wOSU6rj0to7NAho5Wjj2aldYc2bL8r_qYw97vtRNi_pOFzh5s9UgFoS_5Pn02LAjVqFCinNknQIF_yx8Gr9uIaktz1OP-PqgfkRKBub2bYbIYztxs/w640-h640/French%20Wire.png" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Using <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_french_wire.asp?childskumatch=" target="_blank">French Wire</a> 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 <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_wire_guradians.asp?childskumatch=wire+guardian" target="_blank">Wire Guardians</a>, that's how I finished off all of my strung designs. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUqCbeWk7yrkDYtjELf8PQ-wOaB_2-vtl9S5vAQdbD3hvVrJ_QEiDhi4XqWDtUG9HqWQD0fTY5-SCEmFcwL2eneUhEwKcqLiEmYFA67d_ir80UM5u2nZcffPJmr6MAnb85BB1QibdAc95OlUuBVhry5lje0QDjaPPe8quOjsXrTF8HB8tRDI7VMX9zHM/s2000/French%20Wire(rose%20gold).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="2000" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUqCbeWk7yrkDYtjELf8PQ-wOaB_2-vtl9S5vAQdbD3hvVrJ_QEiDhi4XqWDtUG9HqWQD0fTY5-SCEmFcwL2eneUhEwKcqLiEmYFA67d_ir80UM5u2nZcffPJmr6MAnb85BB1QibdAc95OlUuBVhry5lje0QDjaPPe8quOjsXrTF8HB8tRDI7VMX9zHM/w640-h250/French%20Wire(rose%20gold).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizPKBTVyFny5Gb0vKdGbX3CsI47x49tOyIzd25oWllgoJcJt35G0ZQ1xQbOdS45ZgRHlCNBjlmZ8FcZCASOOLnfdTunyRuQY3x_wEA7SQ1b5PzA-9I5InYpxzReGCNcOYImGc1nYK39_NW9EsifDE5EPkme_ImDOLGVCFcJMVIvS766ZiyBsQ_LNfw7b8/s2000/French%20Wire(vintage%20silver%20color).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="813" data-original-width="2000" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizPKBTVyFny5Gb0vKdGbX3CsI47x49tOyIzd25oWllgoJcJt35G0ZQ1xQbOdS45ZgRHlCNBjlmZ8FcZCASOOLnfdTunyRuQY3x_wEA7SQ1b5PzA-9I5InYpxzReGCNcOYImGc1nYK39_NW9EsifDE5EPkme_ImDOLGVCFcJMVIvS766ZiyBsQ_LNfw7b8/w640-h260/French%20Wire(vintage%20silver%20color).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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!</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCSMG7_TjwveLW8BBwLlSL24dDP7-03Uiwwd_W_rQwDtPBXvBHSCL8M0Nxh8XwxeSEFLK3jartak5hW3p7OblN58jn6Hu7hxb056Sewz4BTgl48ILAJfrL1ialDkNcgdsvBHwyh5EBlSnp-VqvAanNbH9j1X38ckYgNqNMyDDlzkkugWQ8JfJjlQPXz8/s766/Beadalon%20French%20Wire%20Silk%20Sizes%20Chart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="766" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCSMG7_TjwveLW8BBwLlSL24dDP7-03Uiwwd_W_rQwDtPBXvBHSCL8M0Nxh8XwxeSEFLK3jartak5hW3p7OblN58jn6Hu7hxb056Sewz4BTgl48ILAJfrL1ialDkNcgdsvBHwyh5EBlSnp-VqvAanNbH9j1X38ckYgNqNMyDDlzkkugWQ8JfJjlQPXz8/w640-h456/Beadalon%20French%20Wire%20Silk%20Sizes%20Chart.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(33, 33, 33); color: #212121; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Tips for Working with French Wire:</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(33, 33, 33); color: #212121; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(33, 33, 33); color: #212121; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(33, 33, 33); color: #212121; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(33, 33, 33); color: #212121; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Use Quality Materials - Opt for high-quality French wire to ensure durability and a polished finish. Look for options that are tarnish-resistant and offer a variety of plating options.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(33, 33, 33); color: #212121; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(33, 33, 33); color: #212121; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(33, 33, 33); color: #212121; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Consider Design Elements - Incorporate French wire strategically into your designs. Experiment with different colors and finishes to complement the overall aesthetic of your jewelry. I love using French Wire as a part of the design. This is still one of my favorite non-traditional French Wire projects! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIsuvvgFSl7TzIVntXbZF458wLkkc9fXVehQerGCP4u2Z4X_KUFrYXknGChmhq2qfC73KgWzvc5AOid_pJB4nccqISiS4opJoX_xjB7Hd3nuLmlcS2CFl952SWrPCWI411kSv_hH-It3YOIDSGWmKxd7BS1tp8MjHmuxqcBQ9L4hBWubh-yHEBaKK2ag/s3742/A97FDE5F-384B-499F-B8FF-0446B8EC305E.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3023" data-original-width="3742" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIsuvvgFSl7TzIVntXbZF458wLkkc9fXVehQerGCP4u2Z4X_KUFrYXknGChmhq2qfC73KgWzvc5AOid_pJB4nccqISiS4opJoX_xjB7Hd3nuLmlcS2CFl952SWrPCWI411kSv_hH-It3YOIDSGWmKxd7BS1tp8MjHmuxqcBQ9L4hBWubh-yHEBaKK2ag/w640-h518/A97FDE5F-384B-499F-B8FF-0446B8EC305E.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(33, 33, 33); color: #212121;">Incase you need a refresher on beginning and ending a strand of knotted pearls, head on over to the <a href="https://youtube.com/@beadalon" target="_blank">Beadalon YouTube Channel</a> and check out </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qL-y8zMFc1U" style="caret-color: rgb(33, 33, 33);" target="_blank">Beginning a Knotted Strand</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(33, 33, 33); color: #212121;"> and </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56AVlccDXYE" style="caret-color: rgb(33, 33, 33);" target="_blank">Ending a Knotted Strand</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(33, 33, 33); color: #212121;">. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">What's your favorite way to use French Wire? Let us know over in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/makeitwithbeadalon" target="_blank">Jewelry Making with Beadalon Facebook Group</a>, and don't forget to set your reminders to catch the Beadalon Facebook Live every Thursday at 2pm ET.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Until next time, happy beading!<br />Meredith </span></p>Meredith@Beadalonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810255346624945991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265399317576392166.post-14458036780694441322023-11-13T16:57:00.000-05:002023-11-13T16:57:00.274-05:00New Product Debut! WildFire Ultra - Ultra Fine Diameter Bead Weaving Thread<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVNnxaYYP23E-Wi5wdZ-7N79hkHliVLEj0Kuc8p2pTtr1Jzy96_yuLITta5oNb8-K0SBkau8VgTLLqyi13qdB6uED2f-GE8kvbQ22s-CrapNeNmFsi8M65x9DVdAhsvnO1_WQLP6PruzORIC6huiI0afsGqV8utwo8fAn6uK5LfdfNWOVWtvv0AKmKW8/s1500/WildFire%20Ultra%20Collage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVNnxaYYP23E-Wi5wdZ-7N79hkHliVLEj0Kuc8p2pTtr1Jzy96_yuLITta5oNb8-K0SBkau8VgTLLqyi13qdB6uED2f-GE8kvbQ22s-CrapNeNmFsi8M65x9DVdAhsvnO1_WQLP6PruzORIC6huiI0afsGqV8utwo8fAn6uK5LfdfNWOVWtvv0AKmKW8/w426-h640/WildFire%20Ultra%20Collage.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; text-align: left;">At long last, super thin, super strong, and perfect for intricate beadweaving, </span><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_wildfire_ultra.asp?childskumatch=" style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; text-align: left;" target="_blank">WildFire Ultra</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; text-align: left;"> 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.</span></div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24T9M3Gb-BYFoIyJenMHEpGzxDpYx-o96RJGy0XPET6fkpQ4U13_-96ewTt6MWn_HcgAI6BiVp-gZn0uWhe4vfkr2pGWAGRbXqnDR-PVJmlWox92iI8I4wSWd6ZBeLR2xbTzDoXbc8fzrYbJ98X6q7aRjWrVB-1eKuffZbZwS-L_aqEa9V7X1-NO02Go/s1000/WildFire%20Ultra%20Product%20Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24T9M3Gb-BYFoIyJenMHEpGzxDpYx-o96RJGy0XPET6fkpQ4U13_-96ewTt6MWn_HcgAI6BiVp-gZn0uWhe4vfkr2pGWAGRbXqnDR-PVJmlWox92iI8I4wSWd6ZBeLR2xbTzDoXbc8fzrYbJ98X6q7aRjWrVB-1eKuffZbZwS-L_aqEa9V7X1-NO02Go/w640-h640/WildFire%20Ultra%20Product%20Photo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>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 <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/211A-002.asp" target="_blank">Beadalon Designer Scissors</a> 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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRikgDYb-SjymRXRep4MV2NvBPvV8cBGpw9vq665Tpo6mebrsU3Eg4pYLRI8Q3rWMvaWXD0pwAaOe79a8yap0xRuXxUa_c2tvvRW9RRzN405oGHmBKeTX8I2QgtN7KSh1bPWIx_HhcB0QYp2lBrXBfHv9C4unJsmV0Tl35juvbPpChYSBdGPTcmEKnB90/s670/Designer%20Scissors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="670" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRikgDYb-SjymRXRep4MV2NvBPvV8cBGpw9vq665Tpo6mebrsU3Eg4pYLRI8Q3rWMvaWXD0pwAaOe79a8yap0xRuXxUa_c2tvvRW9RRzN405oGHmBKeTX8I2QgtN7KSh1bPWIx_HhcB0QYp2lBrXBfHv9C4unJsmV0Tl35juvbPpChYSBdGPTcmEKnB90/w640-h640/Designer%20Scissors.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I recommend conditioning with either Beeswax or another thread conditioner of your choice.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYyMuiChwn5vzUcnpJ96oBgAHtlZ0PNCc-vBpo6UNkoQxbm138tVKYcCTRtCKAjyMzys_NSZOgaoNrQBpECJk8J6CbncnTJjKiyKQs2tj3IZ804dz1yOrTeIKXYdZeMYbhJgmWN63METoKiskTHUruO9YO_LA_9FSIAOj5ey2rt7bW_TFsgEZYpr77sWM/s670/Beeswax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="670" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYyMuiChwn5vzUcnpJ96oBgAHtlZ0PNCc-vBpo6UNkoQxbm138tVKYcCTRtCKAjyMzys_NSZOgaoNrQBpECJk8J6CbncnTJjKiyKQs2tj3IZ804dz1yOrTeIKXYdZeMYbhJgmWN63METoKiskTHUruO9YO_LA_9FSIAOj5ey2rt7bW_TFsgEZYpr77sWM/w640-h640/Beeswax.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>My favorite needles to use are the <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_big_eye_beading_needles.asp?childskumatch=JNEEDF2%2E25%2F4" target="_blank">Fine Big Eye Needle</a>, the <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_collapsible_eye_needles.asp?childskumatch=700XF%2D150" target="_blank">Extra Fine Collapsible Eye Needle</a>, and the <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/JNEEH13_10.asp" target="_blank">WildFire Needle</a>. 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 your thumb and index finger.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjniGRqzS5Ivi2oQJjUxcpH2pC2E1Nm-wVVnEDPzTTi9YzSdXy7HIqY2zdC5lVeoGevVAq97ebm3IYe5Zci8WbaG2FAAz7rgjd18Voh9O94zbStrsbDiDt2YcHSkqWLWyrntGtWmunc5CFVMk_a-PJnnV8IX_P5xWCcbedHjLsn7uqq0l46NvuK70jUS4g/s1200/Fine%20Big%20Eye%20Needles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjniGRqzS5Ivi2oQJjUxcpH2pC2E1Nm-wVVnEDPzTTi9YzSdXy7HIqY2zdC5lVeoGevVAq97ebm3IYe5Zci8WbaG2FAAz7rgjd18Voh9O94zbStrsbDiDt2YcHSkqWLWyrntGtWmunc5CFVMk_a-PJnnV8IX_P5xWCcbedHjLsn7uqq0l46NvuK70jUS4g/w640-h640/Fine%20Big%20Eye%20Needles.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When you get to the end of your design, two ways to cut WildFire Ultra are with <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/211A-002.asp" target="_blank">super sharp scissors</a>, or the <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/tools/211F-100.asp" target="_blank">WildFire Cord Cutter</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjniGRqzS5Ivi2oQJjUxcpH2pC2E1Nm-wVVnEDPzTTi9YzSdXy7HIqY2zdC5lVeoGevVAq97ebm3IYe5Zci8WbaG2FAAz7rgjd18Voh9O94zbStrsbDiDt2YcHSkqWLWyrntGtWmunc5CFVMk_a-PJnnV8IX_P5xWCcbedHjLsn7uqq0l46NvuK70jUS4g/s1200/Fine%20Big%20Eye%20Needles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLaUaGv4gikgH4cuNq2JlkIS4808C5smcW1z8hWemkmRVcUDee_KJNJDh1M73qXUH30pz9969gtTeKmKbyXvLScZcgyfCsoA8lg5vz-nyDYeXVCiKPpq0RDzD8N_C9rVsIZuBuhG4BmJ9sUqEVlxO1KWOXriRIvTLPFc0BhZha6jZRfTWD2yDwVnrwow/s650/WildFire%20Cord%20Cutterl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLaUaGv4gikgH4cuNq2JlkIS4808C5smcW1z8hWemkmRVcUDee_KJNJDh1M73qXUH30pz9969gtTeKmKbyXvLScZcgyfCsoA8lg5vz-nyDYeXVCiKPpq0RDzD8N_C9rVsIZuBuhG4BmJ9sUqEVlxO1KWOXriRIvTLPFc0BhZha6jZRfTWD2yDwVnrwow/w640-h640/WildFire%20Cord%20Cutterl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div>Check out the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Beadalon/videos/1657489927988049" target="_blank">Facebook Live Replay</a> to learn more about WildFire Ultra and how to bezel a Rivoli with seed beads. I hope you like it as much as I do! Let me know in the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/makeitwithbeadalon" target="_blank">Jewelry Making With Beadalon Facebook Group</a>, and be sure to join me on Thursdays at 2pm ET for the Beadalon Facebook Live.<p>Until then, Happy Beading!<br />Meredith</p></span><br /><p></p><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="429" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBeadalon%2Fvideos%2F1657489927988049%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=0" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe>Meredith@Beadalonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810255346624945991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265399317576392166.post-84897139147457317132023-10-09T13:26:00.000-04:002023-10-09T13:26:58.609-04:00It's baseball fever in the Beadalon office!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3gAJdj9pqwXTZqHDTUpil65aXnzNl1z2f5g7pbaDU3-Z1RNaXU6xu9IX9mB_J-Qq43-EgJRHwDMQU9ny_jjQvQM4ATh1P1JJdU1QYj_mUwV7-pNbmuEThu2AmKidiu2Vs6AthXCqii-0i2lg9-LD43BSmiyVSYdER2hjBHERC9VPQAzXkfTRR9m8vqw/s6000/phillies%20necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3gAJdj9pqwXTZqHDTUpil65aXnzNl1z2f5g7pbaDU3-Z1RNaXU6xu9IX9mB_J-Qq43-EgJRHwDMQU9ny_jjQvQM4ATh1P1JJdU1QYj_mUwV7-pNbmuEThu2AmKidiu2Vs6AthXCqii-0i2lg9-LD43BSmiyVSYdER2hjBHERC9VPQAzXkfTRR9m8vqw/w640-h426/phillies%20necklace.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>When sports and jewelry making intersect, everyone in the Beadalon office is on board! We're root, root, rooting for our home team Phillies as they are playing for the National League Division Title against the Atlanta Braves. I couldn't resist running out to our local Hobby Lobby and picking up these fabulous sparkly pave beads to make a quick rally necklace like the major league ball players are wearing these days.<p></p><p>Materials:<br />Pave beads in your choice of colors - I found mine at Hobby Lobby<br /><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_49_Strand_Bead_Stringing_Wire.asp?childskumatch=JW12T%2D10FT" target="_blank">Beadalon 49 Strand .024 Bead Stringing Wire</a><br /><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_crimp_tubes.asp?childskumatch=JFCT2S%2D1%2E5G" target="_blank">Size 2 Crimp Tubes</a><br />Clasp</p><p>Tools:<br /><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/JTCRIMP1.asp" target="_blank">Crimping Pliers</a><br /><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/201E-002.asp" target="_blank">Chain Nose Pliers</a><br /><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/JTNIP1.asp" target="_blank">Nippers</a><br /><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_bead_boards.asp?childskumatch=JA%2DBOARD34" target="_blank">Bead Board</a></p><p>Instructions:<br />1. Lay out your design on the Bead Board. Be sure to start and end with smaller beads.<br />2. Working from the spool, string up your design. <br />3. Add a crimp tube and one half of the clasp on one the end. Thread the wire around the clasp, back through the crimp tube and use the crimping pliers to crimp it in place.<br />4. Snug all of the beads down to the clasp, tuck the extra wire into the beads, leave about three inches of wire on the other side and snip it from the spool.<br />5. String on a crimp tube and the other half of the clasp. Thread the wire around the clasp, back through the crimp tube, tucking the wire into a few of the beads on the end. Join the two halves of the clasp, and snug up the beads to remove any slack in the design. Use the crimping pliers to crimp the crimp tube. Trim any excess wire.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzkRNHDi3IzLNt4hjFk-qsdNJr63GA0XSsRbdYFto6XimWrmQtr_DGiuhYKtzI9n6IT8w0uxEEXye9ziA6AfRXlDFPGZR7ifjYHbt2SMZvO6p7yIyfjz9yLN1V-JT747poO2fUrmfs0sa5-5PHUWQuK6NjVN37gVPmZfXqL7J4Mpt6Q4bwwDC5Dv1j2E/s5841/phillies%20bead%20board2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5841" data-original-width="3946" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzkRNHDi3IzLNt4hjFk-qsdNJr63GA0XSsRbdYFto6XimWrmQtr_DGiuhYKtzI9n6IT8w0uxEEXye9ziA6AfRXlDFPGZR7ifjYHbt2SMZvO6p7yIyfjz9yLN1V-JT747poO2fUrmfs0sa5-5PHUWQuK6NjVN37gVPmZfXqL7J4Mpt6Q4bwwDC5Dv1j2E/w432-h640/phillies%20bead%20board2.jpg" width="432" /></a></div><p><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/phillies_rally_necklace.asp">Click here to download printable instructions</a>!</p><p>For more information on stringing and crimping, check out the <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/content/choosing_the_right_bead_stringing_wire.asp" target="_blank">All About Beading Wire </a>article on our website. To watch the project start to finish with many more tips and tricks, watch to replay of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Beadalon/videos/1322003915101280" target="_blank">Facebook Live Video</a>. </p><p>Be sure to set your reminders for 2pm ET on Thursdays to catch our Facebook Live or watch on the replay. Join in on the conversation in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/makeitwithbeadalon/" target="_blank">Jewelry Making with Beadalon Facebook Group</a>!</p><p>Until next time- happy beading!</p><p>Meredith</p><p><br /></p><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="429" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBeadalon%2Fvideos%2F1322003915101280%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=0" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe>Meredith@Beadalonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810255346624945991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265399317576392166.post-86629259333612892082023-08-15T16:56:00.000-04:002023-08-15T16:56:57.192-04:00Tips and Tricks for Sizing Stretch Bracelets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXoaGawGGCK9xS0fhTxBuT4y5lC00QbbLv_UgMRKY1Uf0-ANdD4BlWIFEq_5iBP0XoP-qGm49wtGS3cYo1Bew2JLVTJPbFVv4IkpaX95dQ4XhR6g6tchc6aqfRDSWpIuXlZAYz4cC-JbdZHPs6vervwG9lN1ZSD_aigfkuRq5h3NsqPnlCwpavznm9T8/s526/simon%20bracelets.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="274" data-original-width="526" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXoaGawGGCK9xS0fhTxBuT4y5lC00QbbLv_UgMRKY1Uf0-ANdD4BlWIFEq_5iBP0XoP-qGm49wtGS3cYo1Bew2JLVTJPbFVv4IkpaX95dQ4XhR6g6tchc6aqfRDSWpIuXlZAYz4cC-JbdZHPs6vervwG9lN1ZSD_aigfkuRq5h3NsqPnlCwpavznm9T8/w640-h334/simon%20bracelets.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Inspired by the "Swifties" Trend of making bracelets with special quotes and song titles, I made some stretch bracelets for various members of my family for a concert that we all attended in July. One of my biggest challenges as a designer is determining the correct size for jewelry that I am making. Since I was making bracelets for guys, gals, and kids, I had a lot of different sizes to take into consideration. As I was putting everything together, I found that several Beadalon mandrels were perfect to help me size the bracelets!</p><p>First, I asked everyone to send me their wrist sizes, measuring around the spot they want a bracelet to lay, and added a quarter inch. Then, I used a <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_bead_boards.asp?childskumatch=beading+board" target="_blank">Beading Board</a> to lay out my design, and an <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_elastic_stretch_cord_needles.asp?childskumatch=elastic+cord+needle" target="_blank">Elastic Cord Needle</a> to pre-string.</p><p>I love using what I have in my workshop and beading stash in projects, so I grabbed all of the Beadalon Mandrels that I have accumulated, and measured their circumferences. I discovered many of the Beadalon mandrels are perfect for sizing bracelets. For example, the Oval Artistic Wire Sizing Drum measures 7 1/2" around - the perfect size for my wrist!</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjcLRHxQ0WvoV_547TJQSsCEm7CgshHHSjwhvRst4OjfJkn1l6nrYZbSjnPQf1Fgb70WlKKsJnUPouC6oAsMuXkIRkZ3WZtb6vfONFs12X8jDiT-rgAmH6pQbWqgVlRBgrTsqnzMpB_4Iv2tzOEFsufDazrKP0RznA1qfqtR_dCFBChEK16u_uLl8FZjY/s650/228s-567_l_l.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjcLRHxQ0WvoV_547TJQSsCEm7CgshHHSjwhvRst4OjfJkn1l6nrYZbSjnPQf1Fgb70WlKKsJnUPouC6oAsMuXkIRkZ3WZtb6vfONFs12X8jDiT-rgAmH6pQbWqgVlRBgrTsqnzMpB_4Iv2tzOEFsufDazrKP0RznA1qfqtR_dCFBChEK16u_uLl8FZjY/w640-h640/228s-567_l_l.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">The</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/pc_product_detail.asp?key=FD19D5CB95714C96A16E8EACF7879121" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Stepped Bangle Bracelet Mandrel</a><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">is another tool that makes a great sizing mandrel. The sizes are 6.25", 7", 7.85" 8.6" - perfect for small, medium, large and extra large bracelets. </span></div><div><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-52Zmakj7eCirr3GAYp3oxVsFgA-IMPY3uFClCLEaWtNYTbgwFb2po2FOkacpZ37g5Xp4O25rcFKc8f4_gnG3yx83LVU6t8RY3icb9yvq2K1ET9kaezkQqyVoYbFoKrfCwMxTQUcBNAHo7__1Hp3umRakLDa2EIh3Zb6idvDEaXTlwPZFd798uv0UT1o/s1000/228s-570_l.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="749" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-52Zmakj7eCirr3GAYp3oxVsFgA-IMPY3uFClCLEaWtNYTbgwFb2po2FOkacpZ37g5Xp4O25rcFKc8f4_gnG3yx83LVU6t8RY3icb9yvq2K1ET9kaezkQqyVoYbFoKrfCwMxTQUcBNAHo7__1Hp3umRakLDa2EIh3Zb6idvDEaXTlwPZFd798uv0UT1o/w480-h640/228s-570_l.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">We developed these Nylon Sizing Drums to size Adjustable Wire Bracelets a few years back. The small one measures 5 1/4" around (perfect for my nephew), and the larger one measures 6 3/8" (perfect for my sister-in-law). </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFX_HEbpkqclmFmuOPRnoqA9hypbBHQtNkuEoaeeaVB4NbvpbxZTzCe9cYswzk4afBZBAzweCurp5nNchZ1ut_ZNc7K8TluZFdPyYXMc3QiX2qzCMePSEUQDpSiyJl7Be4q6zGqhRgoaO07mqRzYEUIBfO7aBJWP0PaC2Ejuq2YjFB6AZGg9R5ghOAvA/s2207/Sizing%20Drums.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1174" data-original-width="2207" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFX_HEbpkqclmFmuOPRnoqA9hypbBHQtNkuEoaeeaVB4NbvpbxZTzCe9cYswzk4afBZBAzweCurp5nNchZ1ut_ZNc7K8TluZFdPyYXMc3QiX2qzCMePSEUQDpSiyJl7Be4q6zGqhRgoaO07mqRzYEUIBfO7aBJWP0PaC2Ejuq2YjFB6AZGg9R5ghOAvA/w640-h340/Sizing%20Drums.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>For those of us with larger wrists the purple 3D Bracelet Jig measures 8 3/4". </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphhysgBlzUwT0-UXg19fF921hzzZxjFCWPR9fE0dZFNaEapsKeT3R4qe8frftsgTWJ25Ae-0XtrBNpQW_lhZqVZqZtLknU7y-c3sAFnpC0YcHZ52houm1VgKfiVBHvxfL0dSywcpqYcoEm0hWIWuJBWAuKowbKLUkyBm517DSovInCDFPYf38Gs_R9XY/s670/228s-550_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="670" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphhysgBlzUwT0-UXg19fF921hzzZxjFCWPR9fE0dZFNaEapsKeT3R4qe8frftsgTWJ25Ae-0XtrBNpQW_lhZqVZqZtLknU7y-c3sAFnpC0YcHZ52houm1VgKfiVBHvxfL0dSywcpqYcoEm0hWIWuJBWAuKowbKLUkyBm517DSovInCDFPYf38Gs_R9XY/w640-h640/228s-550_l.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>It's important to use mandrels to size bracelets rather than a bracelet board or a ruler, because the size of the beads will affect the inner circumference. Larger beads will make a smaller bracelet once tied together into a circle.</p><p>For more on Stretch Cord including Elonga and Elasticity, check out <a href="https://beadalon.blogspot.com/2022/08/secrets-to-making-stretch-cord-bracelets.html" target="_blank">this past blog post</a> that goes over all things stretchy. </p><p>As always, check out the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Beadalon/videos/963965584834203" target="_blank">original Facebook Live</a> for more tips and tricks to making and sizing stretch bracelets. The intro is announcement heavy, so feel free to fast forward to about 15 minutes in through the chit chat. To make sure you never miss an important announcement, be sure to join the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/makeitwithbeadalon/?source_id=98790233331" target="_blank">Jewelry Making with Beadalon Facebook Group</a> and set your reminders for the weekly Beadalon Facebook Live at 2pm ET on Thursdays.</p><p>Until then - happy beading!<br />Meredith</p><p><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="429" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBeadalon%2Fvideos%2F963965584834203%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=0" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe></p>Meredith@Beadalonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810255346624945991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265399317576392166.post-63715770558393855962023-06-05T13:09:00.000-04:002023-06-05T13:09:40.164-04:00Memory Wire Mayhem Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOi3lj_6BlABMmDJu6CDXnnnFZcAgvCIHl6kFDdzZ_brFPrBa9mndOPwkJ4PvTrlgn8xsgonk58pSf64lflj90mZ3ZwSewzEPf7f__DLP1WUsUZryBp5MmxjVNuLyWBSkrI08sx7crsMQ7ZKFkrhw3R3eybrA06a4fSubHgb05Lo2S28fzI0qoCylS/s5600/Good%20Vibes%20Only%20Memory%20Wire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3734" data-original-width="5600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOi3lj_6BlABMmDJu6CDXnnnFZcAgvCIHl6kFDdzZ_brFPrBa9mndOPwkJ4PvTrlgn8xsgonk58pSf64lflj90mZ3ZwSewzEPf7f__DLP1WUsUZryBp5MmxjVNuLyWBSkrI08sx7crsMQ7ZKFkrhw3R3eybrA06a4fSubHgb05Lo2S28fzI0qoCylS/w640-h426/Good%20Vibes%20Only%20Memory%20Wire.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Memory Wire is often the stringing material that people use first when they are starting their beading journey. It's a great place to begin because it's easy to use and very versatile - the wire holds its shape so you don't need a clasp (although sometimes it's fun to use one!). There are ring sizes, bracelet sizes, and necklace sizes and many finishes including silver, gold color, rose gold color. and antique brass. And if that wasn't enough, there are also two thicknesses to choose from - regular and extra heavy duty. To see the whole range of Beadalon Plated Memory Wire, check out the <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_memory_wire_steel.asp?childskumatch=" target="_blank">Memory Wire section</a> of the Beadalon website.</p><p>The world was a much different place when I posted the first <a href="https://beadalon.blogspot.com/2019/09/memory-wire-mayhem-part-1.html" target="_blank">Memory Wire Mayhem</a> blog post back in 2019. All of the information there still holds true, and part two is chock full of even more tips and tricks!</p><p>The first and most important thing to know about Memory Wire is that you MUST use <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/JTMEMCUT1.asp" target="_blank">Memory Wire Shears</a> to cut it. Because Memory Wire is full hard, cutting with any other cutters will result in a ruined cutter. In addition to the Memory Wire Shears, handy tools to keep in your toolbox are the <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/201A_250.asp" target="_blank">Memory Wire Finishing Pliers</a>, <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/201A-222.asp" target="_blank">Pinch Bail Pliers</a>, and the <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/JTWL1.asp" target="_blank">Wire Looping Pliers</a>. </p><p>Things to keep in mind when working with Memory Wire:</p><p>- The size of your beads will have a big effect on the size of the finished bracelet. Bigger beads will fill up the inside diameter of the design, so you'll need to start with bigger memory wire, and vice versa.<br />- The weight of your beads will also determine your choice of which memory wire to choose - the Extra Heavy Duty Memory Wire is a great choice to use with heavy beads.<br />- Use the Memory Wire Finishing Pliers to turn one loop, or a coil on the ends of the Memory Wire to finish. "Break the Neck", as my beady friend Nealay likes to say, with chain nose pliers to make it look more like an eye pin.<br />- Use the Wire Looping Pliers and Pinch Bail Pliers to make and close the loop on the ends of the Extra Heavy Duty Memory Wire.<br />- <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_bead_bumpers.asp?childskumatch=bead+bumpers" target="_blank">Bead Bumpers</a> are a great way to hold your beads in place as you are making the loops on the ends. They will also take up the slack at the ends of your design, and prevent the loop of the memory wire from scratching your bead.</p><p>For more tips, tricks, and information about Memory Wire, check out the replay of this <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Beadalon/videos/128743813556523" target="_blank">Facebook Live</a>. Be sure to set your reminders and join us live on Thursdays at 2pm ET. Do you have more tips and tricks for working with Memory Wire? Join us and post them in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/makeitwithbeadalon/?source_id=98790233331" target="_blank">Jewelry Making with Beadalon Facebook Group</a>!</p><p>Until next time, happy beading!<br />Meredith </p><p><br /></p><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="429" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBeadalon%2Fvideos%2F128743813556523%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=0" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe>Meredith@Beadalonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810255346624945991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265399317576392166.post-86174507226136075262023-05-22T16:27:00.000-04:002023-05-22T16:27:22.071-04:00Finishing Jewelry with Scrimp Findings<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTixwhnRECEcYudoXiMPPUnxD6AE2bfck8WsWU8CtSp-NngdXMlAXoNB2SLavl798CBGsdpJZ-YqKopI2K0mOOFUUdgrandgiTNAGemBqAcdfQ8W8cGvlZ-61yMcPxVALx_CSqSEasfkkaI8DMtxf0XWKJy68U9Ng2ik2koRrm4GYjbSmBdBlIzE2/s3000/307A-008.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTixwhnRECEcYudoXiMPPUnxD6AE2bfck8WsWU8CtSp-NngdXMlAXoNB2SLavl798CBGsdpJZ-YqKopI2K0mOOFUUdgrandgiTNAGemBqAcdfQ8W8cGvlZ-61yMcPxVALx_CSqSEasfkkaI8DMtxf0XWKJy68U9Ng2ik2koRrm4GYjbSmBdBlIzE2/w640-h640/307A-008.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">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 <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/page.asp?p_key=2F00B5E5B5544421BC080D1153B71A4E" target="_blank">infographic</a>. Luckily, there are several alternative ways to finish off your jewelry including this week's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Beadalon/videos/255052613688768" target="_blank">Facebook Live</a> feature - the<a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_scrimp_findings.asp?childskumatch=scrimp" target="_blank"> Scrimp Findings</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">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 <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_memory_wire_speet.asp?childskumatch=memory+wire" target="_blank">Memory Wire</a> and for <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_jewelry_cable.asp?childskumatch=" target="_blank">Jewelry Cable</a>!</div><div><br /></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Heebo;">To use:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Heebo;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Heebo;">1. Partially unscrew the screw in the Scrimp Finding.<br />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.<br />3. Tighten the screw using the screwdriver and begin stringing. </span><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLN3txSDAUPfeTIfd8XxK6QEb0b7dx7AlYQuChUJt3vdFYCxh_55Z6M3pMo5-mXaRiDzPwUZT8HGRqm7NvOuuJL_fda_BfnP0Xpa3WA64ImadE8RQR2lDPkxOxoNo4unsYrofXIUge6HotH9Lj_Unkb5Ov7HxjW19Y-II0q9qi7AIf6PRSsDOt4Ih/s735/Scrimp%20instructions.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="360" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLN3txSDAUPfeTIfd8XxK6QEb0b7dx7AlYQuChUJt3vdFYCxh_55Z6M3pMo5-mXaRiDzPwUZT8HGRqm7NvOuuJL_fda_BfnP0Xpa3WA64ImadE8RQR2lDPkxOxoNo4unsYrofXIUge6HotH9Lj_Unkb5Ov7HxjW19Y-II0q9qi7AIf6PRSsDOt4Ih/w314-h640/Scrimp%20instructions.jpg" width="314" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Scrimp Findings are available in a bullet shape, an oval shape and a round shape in silver and gold finishes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSa4A7rCvmOkikieXnaYuDkqe_PBY6ef7Wj0pdjf1g2vm-1NlGIY7HDcLiy5u2MjPegRIOzUC7slBLsbL_ZG1tPywkzUguSnaAINynUTjL-YjpjZbn2qPmKtOY-jYmPBngypGsNPStgeZyJPZU6zCfcHi4K2VfHIMg8Yf2pLq03a_-96dVgmFWuUUN/s546/scrimp%20step%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="546" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSa4A7rCvmOkikieXnaYuDkqe_PBY6ef7Wj0pdjf1g2vm-1NlGIY7HDcLiy5u2MjPegRIOzUC7slBLsbL_ZG1tPywkzUguSnaAINynUTjL-YjpjZbn2qPmKtOY-jYmPBngypGsNPStgeZyJPZU6zCfcHi4K2VfHIMg8Yf2pLq03a_-96dVgmFWuUUN/s320/scrimp%20step%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQPowMGKZzzz5dFfyUsZ7h52yC0UuaoYatJRjxIv0SxtCvRJ4_-qc4vJlxKz71eUVyx9aeiFO8rBGtIrBGQvDHWL6tJ6wxqI_YTVmrD0WZ4f8qp1iNHBVrCASAPJyVDF9-7kWXJbcNbq1yDs6t7SWenCdlCre49FSCMsrToMOP6_5Vw-IC_LuME6qM/s328/Scrimp%20GOld%20Round.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="328" data-original-width="315" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQPowMGKZzzz5dFfyUsZ7h52yC0UuaoYatJRjxIv0SxtCvRJ4_-qc4vJlxKz71eUVyx9aeiFO8rBGtIrBGQvDHWL6tJ6wxqI_YTVmrD0WZ4f8qp1iNHBVrCASAPJyVDF9-7kWXJbcNbq1yDs6t7SWenCdlCre49FSCMsrToMOP6_5Vw-IC_LuME6qM/s320/Scrimp%20GOld%20Round.jpg" width="307" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfs49tDF0xFu72wElctFlG-xne3YE_No6fVtcS6lhYfBzxRXTdF5s0NmCPA3Hxyg7t2rDgno_w6CRo1Qc-d9OK-XNaMsvgFnwSBOw44jVLW_31fOM3iNhroSQxA_jTU6iXQTmhU9nvfah9SRwnI99VSRjSma34g77MqblnQY1Xd0JUtBbqdzMYq-lt/s327/ScrimpOvalSilver.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="321" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfs49tDF0xFu72wElctFlG-xne3YE_No6fVtcS6lhYfBzxRXTdF5s0NmCPA3Hxyg7t2rDgno_w6CRo1Qc-d9OK-XNaMsvgFnwSBOw44jVLW_31fOM3iNhroSQxA_jTU6iXQTmhU9nvfah9SRwnI99VSRjSma34g77MqblnQY1Xd0JUtBbqdzMYq-lt/s320/ScrimpOvalSilver.jpg" width="314" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are also Memory Wire Scrimp Findings that are only drilled through on one side, and cable ends that have a nice loop to attach a clasp (I also like using the cable ends on memory wire!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjKlT7FKER0X4bziDKF1luV_PUk1OaR-2krurQ4fnlgUGoKchlduvD0Dwdj6bjhum2Pjq_dzR2JzO7YLOLQlGZOPz0JtiUDmM47UaHRwFuxnH06prRpaNo9jz2WMpPYdhKjHF3HU_W0foBXMoHtZKOCgB45LVQqiNtVb65i0uEUKsKgB70itQtHUt/s450/Mem%20Wire%20Scrimp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="450" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjKlT7FKER0X4bziDKF1luV_PUk1OaR-2krurQ4fnlgUGoKchlduvD0Dwdj6bjhum2Pjq_dzR2JzO7YLOLQlGZOPz0JtiUDmM47UaHRwFuxnH06prRpaNo9jz2WMpPYdhKjHF3HU_W0foBXMoHtZKOCgB45LVQqiNtVb65i0uEUKsKgB70itQtHUt/s320/Mem%20Wire%20Scrimp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuAaepCPJvUHZC0f8hoDPlja8zHoep-ZmsNdA9f_hE2cTZ1GD8ATkW0edqpX8cLDlJtQ-vLKy9Uq4eqYNcV0e5u0lfmdC539w9MhV5bInCPeK3bu4pMeURvW5EuNIZAka_HoGmAXJo2sjU8DPTiqD7NTurBvcrguqZNHcAkDxyx8jo0qrJCx9F1Ar/s680/ScrimpCableSilver.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="572" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuAaepCPJvUHZC0f8hoDPlja8zHoep-ZmsNdA9f_hE2cTZ1GD8ATkW0edqpX8cLDlJtQ-vLKy9Uq4eqYNcV0e5u0lfmdC539w9MhV5bInCPeK3bu4pMeURvW5EuNIZAka_HoGmAXJo2sjU8DPTiqD7NTurBvcrguqZNHcAkDxyx8jo0qrJCx9F1Ar/s320/ScrimpCableSilver.jpg" width="269" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Tips and Tricks for using Scrimp Findings:<div>1. Use the <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/JTCRIMP3.asp" target="_blank">Mighty Crimping Pliers</a> to hold the Scrimp Finding in place as you are unscrewing it.</div><div>2. Only unscrew the screw as much as necessary to slide the wire through. Try not to unscrew it all the way - that little screw can get lost really fast on your bead mat!</div><div>3. <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_wire_guradians.asp?childskumatch=wire+guard" target="_blank">Wire Guardians</a> and Scrimp Findings go together like peanut butter and jelly! Don't forget to gently squeeze the ends of the Wire Guardian together at the top of the Wire Guardian after you string it on.</div><div>4. <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Heebo;">The inside diameter of the Scrimp Findings is approximately 1.04mm (.041 in), and will accommodate up to two strands of .024 diameter Beading Wire.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Heebo;">5. Just as in crimping with a crimp bead, you want to make sure that your wires are parallel to each other rather than crossed within the Scrimp Finding. As my beady friend, Wanda, says, "the wires in the crimp [are] a two-lane divided highway...the wires must stay in their lanes."</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Heebo;">6. When you tighten the screw, don't tighten so much that your screwdriver slips - it's sharp!</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Heebo;">7. A dab of GS Hypo Cement, Beadalon Bead Stringing Glue, or even clear nail polish, will give some extra security to the finished Scrimp Finding. Keep in mind that if you don't seal the Scrimp Finding, you can actually undo it - to fix a design or to make it shorter - and redo it again.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Heebo;"><span style="background-color: white;">Have you used Scrimp Findings in your jewelry designs? Share your creations in the Jewelry Making with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/makeitwithbeadalon/" target="_blank">Beadalon Facebook Group</a>! Check out the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Beadalon/videos/255052613688768" target="_blank"> Facebook Live</a> in which I demonstrate all about the Scrimp Findings and be sure to join us live on Facebook on Thursdays at 2pm ET.</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Heebo;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Heebo;"><span style="background-color: white;">Until next time - happy beading!</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Heebo;"><span style="background-color: white;">Meredith</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Heebo;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Heebo;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><br /></div><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="429" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBeadalon%2Fvideos%2F255052613688768%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=0" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe>Meredith@Beadalonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810255346624945991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265399317576392166.post-72934759105831485802023-03-13T11:34:00.000-04:002023-03-13T11:34:19.318-04:00Viking Knit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3r7E2wvoWVa3HS68lUapWLTQM851ThrphIPuAG1USSoIXLaL77b6F5uTKfWNeS8A07Etoe09ZjUA95E7EX3P_ZUE086G-UyFis1O_VxB8ZJPGqdHlKKnTV6ZkjtAajVCCtqzkg3EOXHcI2b8Sl4_zjStaAmhP3v9Pa1RyXy3sZTUnMU60oJX42MJ/s1512/Viking%20Knit%20Example.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1217" data-original-width="1512" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3r7E2wvoWVa3HS68lUapWLTQM851ThrphIPuAG1USSoIXLaL77b6F5uTKfWNeS8A07Etoe09ZjUA95E7EX3P_ZUE086G-UyFis1O_VxB8ZJPGqdHlKKnTV6ZkjtAajVCCtqzkg3EOXHcI2b8Sl4_zjStaAmhP3v9Pa1RyXy3sZTUnMU60oJX42MJ/w640-h516/Viking%20Knit%20Example.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>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.</p><p>I recommend using a dead soft wire, like <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/shop_by_product_wire.asp" target="_blank">Artistic Wire </a>or <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_ColourCraft_Craft_Wire.asp?childskumatch=" target="_blank">ColourCraft Wire</a>, in 24, 26, or 28 gauge to weave Viking Knit. In addition to wire, you'll need a round object - I use the <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/pc_product_detail.asp?key=98719A80A7CE404A93DD226B529ADEFC" target="_blank">Beadalon Mandrel Set</a> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDpT1P36aPA0wZCjMn3uRzn4w_LMPeoAZAZVKncaeEsy7JC8oA_QFJ2GvuyHzNbYohr8JkjL76aa-vGYKrDuwuHDfrOW8VHqYN58Ew0j8IdCNzSsoZfO3Aw1bH17_Y8dhJVjC2cRfn31ZGtw7mlhBVwi4kztBzL0mwaLWC6ctrsGPPZxDFPytVDnqT/s1000/228s-540_l.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDpT1P36aPA0wZCjMn3uRzn4w_LMPeoAZAZVKncaeEsy7JC8oA_QFJ2GvuyHzNbYohr8JkjL76aa-vGYKrDuwuHDfrOW8VHqYN58Ew0j8IdCNzSsoZfO3Aw1bH17_Y8dhJVjC2cRfn31ZGtw7mlhBVwi4kztBzL0mwaLWC6ctrsGPPZxDFPytVDnqT/w640-h640/228s-540_l.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />- 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 <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/222S-412.asp" target="_blank">Draw Plate</a>, <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2F6CuwwWlVTKy_cAaK0hxk5nKVCWQ_HvSKyCT7MgH2kiKi3TNNlHfVII0P77yu4XH6MdhleMKYijDyPyJpY5RVQls_pawynXtoyB2InG6_AZtU4GVILOc5MbtDCqobvJ57RJYX19v4Nw7b8JXGV1OG32MMevakrGdiObqpltay-roMA4lRH-JBXV4/s650/222s-412_l.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2F6CuwwWlVTKy_cAaK0hxk5nKVCWQ_HvSKyCT7MgH2kiKi3TNNlHfVII0P77yu4XH6MdhleMKYijDyPyJpY5RVQls_pawynXtoyB2InG6_AZtU4GVILOc5MbtDCqobvJ57RJYX19v4Nw7b8JXGV1OG32MMevakrGdiObqpltay-roMA4lRH-JBXV4/w640-h640/222s-412_l.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />and a <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/206A-010.asp" target="_blank">Beading Awl</a>. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-aBXhlkVfRQcd-xWNL-VXM3Xr2PdY-Yc660x_08pDIDVewz6HZT2lsTM35CSzqm3MdnHYyqmbZQHDwk0Ob7hkH3NV9tZihGbJMWi961eucgR754lpOQEr5mEyY30ffBv_wsnxBF9DLjMoVjC9DcpvfVswl6JLrYzJOlZ5NzB6rwPJ81LStMWzNdQ/s670/206a-010_l.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="670" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-aBXhlkVfRQcd-xWNL-VXM3Xr2PdY-Yc660x_08pDIDVewz6HZT2lsTM35CSzqm3MdnHYyqmbZQHDwk0Ob7hkH3NV9tZihGbJMWi961eucgR754lpOQEr5mEyY30ffBv_wsnxBF9DLjMoVjC9DcpvfVswl6JLrYzJOlZ5NzB6rwPJ81LStMWzNdQ/w640-h640/206a-010_l.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Of course, you'll need a good <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/202E-001.asp" target="_blank">Wire Cutter</a>, and a <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/JTNJ40.asp" target="_blank">Nylon Jaw Pliers</a> will also come in handy.<p></p><p>From the Beadalon Mandrel Set, I like to use the 22.2mm dowel and the 9.5mm dowel, but you might find other sizes are the best for you. </p><p>Instructions:</p><p>1. Take the larger mandrel and wrap your wire around it 6 times. You can also start with more or less loops for a different looking knit. Squeeze the loops together about 1/3 of the way from the top, and wrap the longer wire around to secure. Remember - this piece is functional, it doesn't need to be pretty.<br />2. Separate the loops and bend them out into a flower shape.<br />3. Take the smaller mandrel, and place the loops on the top, and gently press them down around the mandrel. Take your time and make sure your loops are even(ish) around the top of the mandrel. You can use a piece of masking or washi tape to secure it at the top, but I've found that just holding it with my fingers work the best.<br />4. Bend about a 2.5ft piece of wire about two inches from the end and insert it short side to the left, long side to the right in one of the loops. Bring this wire over top of the loop that's being made, not behind.<br />5. Thread the end around and through the next loop. The wire will not be super cooperative, but jut make sure you show it who's in charge. <br />6. Continue around until you've woven through all of the loops and you're back to the beginning.<br />7. Now you want to thread the wire BEHIND the loop from the previous round. Pull the wire through and down to form another loop. Continue around until you get back to the beginning. Once you're at the beginning, continue threading the wire BEHIND the loop from the previous round. There's no step up to worry about!<br />8. When you need to add another wire, and you WILL need to add another wire, bend one end down about two inches, and insert it behind the last loop from left to right. You want the long end and the tail to be right next to each other so the new wire becomes an extension of the old one. Continue weaving with the new wire just as before. When you get back around to the end of this round, weave under all of the wires to lock them into place. After you've done two rounds, snip the two short wires taking care not to snip the loops or the longer wire.<br />9. Keep going until you have about 3.5 inches for a 7 inch bracelet. When you bring the wire through the draw plate, it will about double in size by the time you draw it down all the way. There are a lot of variables here - the gauge of wire, how tight your weave is, how small you're drawing it down, etc. I recommend starting with a ratio of 2:1, and go from there.<br />10. Remove the weave from the mandrel and start pulling it through the draw plate. Start at the largest hole that you can move the weave through, and pull from the front (where the measurements are) to the back. Draw it down through each smaller hole until it's the length and look that you want.<br />11. Take a thicker wire like 22 or 20 gauge, and gather up the loops on the end. Wrap one wire over the other, and thread the longer end through an end cap. Add a bead if you'd like, and make a wrapped loop to attach a clasp. Repeat on the other end.</p><p>Things to remember:</p><p>1. Your weaving doesn't need to be even and perfect - the Draw Plate will even everything out in the end.<br />2. Shorter pieces of wire are easier to weave with. Start with about 2.5 feet of wire. Adding wire is much easier and less frustrating than having to wrestle with a long piece of wire.<br />3. The first two rounds are the "sacrificial pancake" rounds. Don't get hung up on making these rounds pretty. They are there to get everything set up for the rest of the weave, and will either be cut off, or moved into place with the draw plate.<br />4. Use your Beading Awl if you need to make space to thread your wire.<br />5. Use your thumb and first finger to hold everything in place along the mandrel.<br />6. Make sure that you are only threading the wire behind the one loop where the wires are crossed, and not anywhere else in your design.<br />7. Try to make sure that the distance between your loops is equal.<br />8. If you're struggling with 24 gauge wire, try working with 26 gauge instead. <br />9. As you are weaving, move the weave up the mandrel. If you weave all the way down the mandrel, you run the risk of weaving it too tight and not being able to remove it.<br />10. When you're pulling through the draw plate, draw it through each smaller hole a couple of times before moving to the next smaller hole.<br />11. Use the <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_conetastic_and_accessories.asp?childskumatch=228S%2D710" target="_blank">Conetastic Tool</a> to make ends for your rope!</p><p>You can watch the replay of the <a href="https://fb.watch/jeWkZEp3bG/" target="_blank">Facebook Live here</a>. There are so many variations of Viking Knit that you can make by simply changing up your wire color, gauge, length and more. Have you made any projects using this technique? Post your tips, tricks, and designs in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/makeitwithbeadalon" target="_blank">Jewelry Making with Beadalon Facebook Page</a>. Set your reminders and join me next time for the Beadalon Facebook Live on Thursdays at 2pm ET on the Beadalon Facebook Page!</p><p>Until then, happy beading!<br />Meredith</p><p><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="429" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBeadalon%2Fvideos%2F517507133872770%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=0" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe></p>Meredith@Beadalonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810255346624945991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265399317576392166.post-11760029759915177042022-12-14T11:40:00.000-05:002022-12-14T11:40:08.046-05:00Weaving with RePEaT Jewelry Making Cord on the Jewel Loom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNjhexPymBskw3zLkVub4fHWfagmS-YcXWfAXAYoF5iSuF-nwudB5PsdS_u1j18dlfUVaijUP-r-JX6pg3j4dsVghiaQFnO625nFOBKU4VCayKbn-tOylhQdB-FvI0pIb4O3HcSrGVrxZ7vXCYFK6-LlN70kWxIyKkpc8EZcSVVyCz9kN8sfGy4_D/s2048/IMG_0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1273" data-original-width="2048" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNjhexPymBskw3zLkVub4fHWfagmS-YcXWfAXAYoF5iSuF-nwudB5PsdS_u1j18dlfUVaijUP-r-JX6pg3j4dsVghiaQFnO625nFOBKU4VCayKbn-tOylhQdB-FvI0pIb4O3HcSrGVrxZ7vXCYFK6-LlN70kWxIyKkpc8EZcSVVyCz9kN8sfGy4_D/w640-h398/IMG_0008.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Whether you are an expert weaver, or just starting out, the <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_looms.asp?childskumatch=206S%2D060" target="_blank">Jewel Loom</a>, invented by Julianna "Jewels" Avelar, is the perfect loom on which to make beautiful woven pieces. Usually, when I weave on the Jewel Loom, I incorporate beads into designs woven with WildFire, but Jewels opened my eyes to how beautiful weaving using RePEaT Jewelry Making Cord can be.</p><p><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_RePEaT_Jewelry_Cord.asp?childskumatch=repeat" target="_blank">RePEaT Jewelry Making Cord</a> is made out of 100% recycled water bottles. It is available in 10 colors and 2 diameters - 1mm and 1.5mm - and just so happens to be an amazing material to weave with. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4bbEbTEnTa840xcHR4iczGL1rjnWrPl5NSENUx8fWPTNeNYTe9oQ1cB9SNivs1Dv-ih7LIYyHBOyFYqyiX-GrejTG_05O5fRY3EwHTJ-ozVj5YXfS_phfh5juTnrXbQE61mnqwgyiMc7x5cpo0R0IpslYNgaNmgHN1DGbOhQTqUPANkNqzEes4OL/s2000/RePEaT_Banner_2022.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="2000" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4bbEbTEnTa840xcHR4iczGL1rjnWrPl5NSENUx8fWPTNeNYTe9oQ1cB9SNivs1Dv-ih7LIYyHBOyFYqyiX-GrejTG_05O5fRY3EwHTJ-ozVj5YXfS_phfh5juTnrXbQE61mnqwgyiMc7x5cpo0R0IpslYNgaNmgHN1DGbOhQTqUPANkNqzEes4OL/w640-h156/RePEaT_Banner_2022.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>If you are just getting started on your looming adventure, or you're a seasoned veteran with many projects completed, the <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_looms.asp?childskumatch=206S%2D060" target="_blank">Jewel Loom </a>is a great loom to have on your tool bench. It is lightweight and portable which makes it great for travel, and is really easy to use. The removable rod system makes it easy to get the perfect tension on your warp threads. Remember what Jewels says: "The Jewel Loom is flexible, not bendable" is has just enough give to put the rod in and take it out to give you the nice warp. Just be careful not to bend it too much.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCYyWaRjGu2fe3g2kDPSnu67Wxpfzug8rR_GHeyTFQ2YEDLHWK6xDOObNWXrRk4rtX6K6S5_MikSCxCarJz18c7o_FKHnrFA8QtzrVmgEqt3vNv-o71ZaHF64SEoZ8iiyxAj0TtY9fXmJvhSEGzYgFMfa3tqHcc0k55laREY3pB7BywWuoqrJhgK4/s3198/Loom%20Strung%20Up.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1518" data-original-width="3198" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCYyWaRjGu2fe3g2kDPSnu67Wxpfzug8rR_GHeyTFQ2YEDLHWK6xDOObNWXrRk4rtX6K6S5_MikSCxCarJz18c7o_FKHnrFA8QtzrVmgEqt3vNv-o71ZaHF64SEoZ8iiyxAj0TtY9fXmJvhSEGzYgFMfa3tqHcc0k55laREY3pB7BywWuoqrJhgK4/w640-h304/Loom%20Strung%20Up.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><a href="https://indd.adobe.com/view/3a353330-b10e-4a70-b244-50021ae07a35?v=0000000000" target="_blank">Here are the written instructions to setting up the Jewel Loom</a>.</p><p>Bonus Tips: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>If your rod isn't inserting easily, you can take your flat nose pliers to straighten the bend ever so slightly</li><li>Wiggle the rod to make sure it's inserted nice and tight into the holes.</li><li>Make sure your knot is close to your body and following you so that when you are pulling the cord for your first warp there is no slack.</li><li>Take care that you are going around the button, not around the rod that sticks out the back. </li><li>If the rod doesn't come out right away, turn it to the other side to remove it. Don't struggle when removing the rod. Just take your time.</li><li>Use a tacky mat to hold your Jewel Loom down if it's wiggling around too much.</li><li>If you need to back out your rows, take your needle off of your stringing material.</li><li>The <a href="http://beadalon.com/tools/211F-100.asp" target="_blank">WildFire Cord Cutter</a> is the perfect tool to cut and seal the ends of the RePEaT.</li></ul><p>Be sure to follow the <a href="https://jewelloom.com/" target="_blank">Jewel Loom on the socials</a> for even more tips, tricks, and tutorials!</p>Instructions for making a woven bracelet with RePEaT cord:<p></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Cut 1.5 yards of 1mm RePEat Cord and secure the end to one of the back button with a square knot.</li><li>Pull the cord firmly, placing it in one of the groves. Keep the tension and pull the cord down to the other side of the loom.</li><li>Wrap the cord around the back button, skip one groove and go back up to the top.</li><li>Repeat until you have 4 warps.</li><li>Wrap around the button two times, then tie the ends together to hold everything in place.</li><li>Trim the long end.</li><li>Working on the top of the loom, hold one side against your belly, and gently remove the rod by bending the loom ever so slightly towards your body.</li><li>Cut an 18 inch piece of 1.5mm RePEaT cord.</li><li>Take the cord under, over, under, over and around the last warp.</li><li>Tie a knot to hold the tail of the cord to the first warp.</li><li>Continue to weave until your weave is the length you'd like. Jewels used about an inch for each of her color blocks.</li><li>Start a new cord whenever you'd like to change up the color.</li><li>When you're ready to finish off, turn the loom over, hold it and snip the warp cords to release the woven bracelet from the loom.</li><li>Tie the first two warps on one side together in an overhand knot. Tie the second two warps together in an overhand knot, and repeat on the other side.</li><li>Add a button on one end, and tie a knot to make a loop on the other end to accommodate the button.</li><li>Use the WildFire Cord Cutter to trim and seal the ends. </li></ol><p></p><p>Watch the full <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Beadalon/videos/819122396013394" target="_blank">Facebook Live here</a> to see Jewels weaving in real time and to learn even more about the Jewel Loom. What is your favorite material to use in the Jewel Loom? Let us know in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/makeitwithbeadalon" target="_blank">Jewelry Making with Beadalon Facebook Group</a>. Don't forget to set your reminders to join us live on Facebook on Thursdays at 2pm ET.</p><p>Until next time, happy beading!<br />Meredith<br /><br /></p><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="429" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBeadalon%2Fvideos%2F819122396013394%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=0" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe>Meredith@Beadalonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810255346624945991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265399317576392166.post-28521774188539343622022-11-02T16:26:00.002-04:002022-11-02T16:26:33.980-04:00Four different tools to use to knot beads and pearls<p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV--zvL1X7tu64iiSaw-eziqrP0fyg0KwmK8ZB8b7Q4DyU_JLw3FMDH1rc0Gl_9dVjAhIT1PB0Kh_0GMQznx9E9jXhfcdJ1yPO6Aqe28EdvOO2Y7lA9yYYh-jLo1K-CGRvNW-uzGscCk1Cnc49RKujYjxPxmCpCfbAcD60SgZaxYMF72NnqlSC-6lS/s6000/9.28.22%20Pearl%20Knotting%20Premium%20Class%20-%20MR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV--zvL1X7tu64iiSaw-eziqrP0fyg0KwmK8ZB8b7Q4DyU_JLw3FMDH1rc0Gl_9dVjAhIT1PB0Kh_0GMQznx9E9jXhfcdJ1yPO6Aqe28EdvOO2Y7lA9yYYh-jLo1K-CGRvNW-uzGscCk1Cnc49RKujYjxPxmCpCfbAcD60SgZaxYMF72NnqlSC-6lS/w640-h426/9.28.22%20Pearl%20Knotting%20Premium%20Class%20-%20MR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>One of my favorite finished looks in a piece of jewelry is when there are knots in between the beads. Knotting can be challenging, but luckily, there are lots of different tools to help achieve the goal of perfectly spaced knots between beads. <p></p><p>The first and most important question is - why is it important to knot between your beads?</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>More secure - when your silk wears out - which it will over time - and the necklace breaks, you will only lose one bead at most</li><li>Allows you to build in space between your beads to minimize friction of your beads rubbing against themselves</li><li>Looks nice - shows off more of the beauty of the beads</li><li>Stretches your bead budget further - knotting between beads, especially in a "tin cup" style can create a longer necklace using fewer beads</li></ul><p></p><p>Once you've decided to create a knotted design, there are a lot of tools that you can use to make your job easier:</p><p><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_knot_a_bead_and_accessories.asp?childskumatch=216S%2D275" target="_blank">KNOT-A-BEAD</a></p><p>If knotting is a challenge for you, the <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_knot_a_bead_and_accessories.asp?childskumatch=216S%2D275" target="_blank">Knot A Bead</a> might be the tool for you. It allows you to get everything positioned and have both hands free to make the knot, and pull it tight. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0pl1Pwnjj4wFIeC6G9l3fNRYypkYBedW-Eucv36q_ol34UJJT4IGC1cr4B2Csz6kNd9Rf_BzA3XvE3sdpubzMh_wg00PVeuUcGWCFo7JP-jClCU2cEzSTqNmUZjCp2hq9WdQUjztC6HXHAWB8uI-4fxrXiLqaGvEu6G5TTG4KVFqExujQprjM8Ipb/s3674/216S-275%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2410" data-original-width="3674" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0pl1Pwnjj4wFIeC6G9l3fNRYypkYBedW-Eucv36q_ol34UJJT4IGC1cr4B2Csz6kNd9Rf_BzA3XvE3sdpubzMh_wg00PVeuUcGWCFo7JP-jClCU2cEzSTqNmUZjCp2hq9WdQUjztC6HXHAWB8uI-4fxrXiLqaGvEu6G5TTG4KVFqExujQprjM8Ipb/w640-h420/216S-275%204.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><a href="https://indd.adobe.com/view/54e1f3c3-bc09-4ea5-9fff-d8a6a672dfa3?v=0000000000" target="_blank">Here are some detailed instructions on how to use the Knot A Bead</a>.</p><p><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_knotter_tools.asp?childskumatch=KNOTTER" target="_blank">BEADALON KNOTTER TOOL</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJ7kJ6gx4pRusdeMee3Bg16uVfAJEp7xFbh-F7QqLUw_5j4i8DAAByfzrWZl_6ND_owRt6acA4XaY8FD_fazxZbI_x0rAo4yseVVlQDD0KEZMOeB3vAwIQXpP8Oc4XF7OosyvG8vg4Nc3ex9p_DoiNCsPkSpk_q6jrX3Sq8uJIJ83uvhWJ6jvAShG/s2694/BeadalonKnotterEcono.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="2694" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJ7kJ6gx4pRusdeMee3Bg16uVfAJEp7xFbh-F7QqLUw_5j4i8DAAByfzrWZl_6ND_owRt6acA4XaY8FD_fazxZbI_x0rAo4yseVVlQDD0KEZMOeB3vAwIQXpP8Oc4XF7OosyvG8vg4Nc3ex9p_DoiNCsPkSpk_q6jrX3Sq8uJIJ83uvhWJ6jvAShG/w640-h196/BeadalonKnotterEcono.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">The Beadalon Knotter Tool is my and Wyatt's favorite - you can knot up a strand of beads in minutes once you get the rhythm down. </span><a href="https://d2u0aogsnk9o55.cloudfront.net/images/knotter%20tool%20instructions%20.pdf?v=0000000000" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Here are the instructions for the Knotter Tool</a><span style="text-align: left;">. Have you seen the </span><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/216S-300.asp" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Signature Edition</a><span style="text-align: left;"> yet? It's gorgeous!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2lF3J73MVXFjKdJzFgI-JnD4KoKMLu5qsGL2aZm7buWL7zn_A4XX4OK0wnQyHG78B5ODfv2Uf5yYQexcwX0CjGAj_WvQRpDzOXVQN8MRnp5R_pjNF__RZyC-8zQrDE6D-Glri7VQwtH2r88W2xQ3-Xq4Bx7SQTdQjFVboe0RE03TlwfqaSlL1cTo/s6000/216S-300%20Knotter%20Tool%20-%20Wyatt%20White%20Signature.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="6000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2lF3J73MVXFjKdJzFgI-JnD4KoKMLu5qsGL2aZm7buWL7zn_A4XX4OK0wnQyHG78B5ODfv2Uf5yYQexcwX0CjGAj_WvQRpDzOXVQN8MRnp5R_pjNF__RZyC-8zQrDE6D-Glri7VQwtH2r88W2xQ3-Xq4Bx7SQTdQjFVboe0RE03TlwfqaSlL1cTo/w640-h640/216S-300%20Knotter%20Tool%20-%20Wyatt%20White%20Signature.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_knotter_tools.asp?childskumatch=216S%2D290" target="_blank">TIN CUP KNOTTER TOOL</a></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMkr5nRS-z2QDyZ8lW2lIgGCMqoEJ_UX7JWZqmK_7ccdOslwYBnY9hSt7rfmDHXhsSQ-zlmNjFKlZU8o5xVD14SRZECiHs2aHTi9WrYl2BeZ0hToc6WYJqtal2o45piT-MqZ0ZsdIyAkJC9N-BUbBrxDQiIhaWXu9ph3qCTPOehJW1p4_lvlInrKK/s3818/216S-290%20-%20TIN%20CUP%20KNOTTER%20TOOL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3818" data-original-width="3818" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMkr5nRS-z2QDyZ8lW2lIgGCMqoEJ_UX7JWZqmK_7ccdOslwYBnY9hSt7rfmDHXhsSQ-zlmNjFKlZU8o5xVD14SRZECiHs2aHTi9WrYl2BeZ0hToc6WYJqtal2o45piT-MqZ0ZsdIyAkJC9N-BUbBrxDQiIhaWXu9ph3qCTPOehJW1p4_lvlInrKK/w640-h640/216S-290%20-%20TIN%20CUP%20KNOTTER%20TOOL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>To make even spaces in between knotted beads, the Tin Cup Knotter Tool is the one to use. Knotter Tool not for you? We have a second option for making spaces - the <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_knot_a_bead_and_accessories.asp?childskumatch=216S%2D285" target="_blank">Knot-A -Bead Spacers.</a> These are great to use either with the Knot-A-Bead, the Original Knotter Tool, or even if you prefer to knot with a Beading Awl.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiey-BwF4sjRn1T8IoOUtxfHmT_IC7Gn1LKs8hUXUTSB3qmuystOFE7O9Zb2jZitxp555lMfJYVTnidY98q5hnrP8_2PvDz2derfZE2b3d-MGD-L39rotFwDVLMGFn-FR6NQpFERX8Lv4A7MfC3EXZ3AwpOKY_vVA_YyJ_cdA7vyRV0WcEvgki9Xtew/s3264/216S-285.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="3264" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiey-BwF4sjRn1T8IoOUtxfHmT_IC7Gn1LKs8hUXUTSB3qmuystOFE7O9Zb2jZitxp555lMfJYVTnidY98q5hnrP8_2PvDz2derfZE2b3d-MGD-L39rotFwDVLMGFn-FR6NQpFERX8Lv4A7MfC3EXZ3AwpOKY_vVA_YyJ_cdA7vyRV0WcEvgki9Xtew/w640-h640/216S-285.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/206A-010.asp" target="_blank">Beading Awl</a>, or even a tweezers, can be a great tool for knotting as well. Depending on what you have available, and what works best for you, there are plenty of tools and techniques to help you create beautiful knotted designs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6ntz_eqgZg6i1TkH1ikT7FY6ltATSm9_jYUKfXM-RhSC3R4SkbNOpsjGPDdOC1_4fp3rcukILSFIzrJKu1ISpyPhSkaZmJ9IhIa7nP1PB96Yd4LoSxt7U7IHGiyr1n91HxuC7F16BLN6D-iIAU9B99l75UWharhy9nlincxKC4GI_cTCfwRT5Avn/s1776/BeadingAwl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="1776" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6ntz_eqgZg6i1TkH1ikT7FY6ltATSm9_jYUKfXM-RhSC3R4SkbNOpsjGPDdOC1_4fp3rcukILSFIzrJKu1ISpyPhSkaZmJ9IhIa7nP1PB96Yd4LoSxt7U7IHGiyr1n91HxuC7F16BLN6D-iIAU9B99l75UWharhy9nlincxKC4GI_cTCfwRT5Avn/w640-h210/BeadingAwl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What is your favorite way to knot between beads? Let us know in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/makeitwithbeadalon" target="_blank">Jewelry Making with Beadalon Facebook Group</a>, and rewatch this <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Beadalon/videos/616142193572009" target="_blank">Facebook Live</a> which is chock full of additional tips and tricks for using this technique to make jewelry. Don't forget to set your reminders to catch us live on Thursdays at 2pm ET. </div><p>Until next time, happy beading!<br />Meredith</p><p><br /></p><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="429" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBeadalon%2Fvideos%2F616142193572009%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=0" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe>Meredith@Beadalonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810255346624945991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265399317576392166.post-11934362700964757142022-09-26T13:00:00.000-04:002022-09-26T13:00:22.350-04:00Oddly Essentials - Beadalon products I can't live without!<span style="font-family: inherit;">There are essential products in every beaders toolbox and craft space, but here at Beadalon, we like to go above and beyond and offer products that make jewelry making even easier and more enjoyable. How many of these 10 "oddly essential" items do you have?</span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <br /><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit;"><b><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/222K-199.asp">Bead Counters</a></b></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"> - do you need to quickly count beads for a pattern or for making kits? The Bead Counters are the best tool for those jobs. There are 4 in the kit and work with beads 2-3mm, 4-5mm, 6-7mm and 8-10mm. </span><br /><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span color="inherit" face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><span color="inherit" style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></span></span><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjda3mTt7vhXg76Pwl16pJQlUpB2QPBlzchSaMSrOf98otxo9GJOkHMiJ1pPogKQ_9hTl6X-ciZYFAcTEGIR1u7cwtHhWiTdVdIZgsysWwSFqmrJ1Zbnu4fL4zeURTIaNWf3waoOmNDLsCEas7epDCY2dkJyjBFzdTru2dnw8gDPYieTRxN43DWhk-x/s1854/BeadCountersEcono.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1460" data-original-width="1854" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjda3mTt7vhXg76Pwl16pJQlUpB2QPBlzchSaMSrOf98otxo9GJOkHMiJ1pPogKQ_9hTl6X-ciZYFAcTEGIR1u7cwtHhWiTdVdIZgsysWwSFqmrJ1Zbnu4fL4zeURTIaNWf3waoOmNDLsCEas7epDCY2dkJyjBFzdTru2dnw8gDPYieTRxN43DWhk-x/w640-h504/BeadCountersEcono.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_slide_gauges.asp?childskumatch=slide+gauge"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit;">Bea</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit;">d Slide Gauge</span></a></b><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"> – Patterns usually call for a certain size of beads, and while I often can "eyeball" the size of the beads, it's good to have an easy way to know what size beads you are working with.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZYWx5RwLxfvPCQT01ait4Pho2oHGaHsXrh1ojtiMn1Lvc5mXYfUR7NxAfeaANxDQnxGO-L4qXpa-ca4grD4lfe376jqgCKpFux7alHhmD1iip3YThzOiIoiUWG-aANSy85Lq1HeI41_oLkdzkSe9-Npl3EYeF78pEVC97G5OouLSM5fdCapmGZBC/s3000/222F-002.jpg" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZYWx5RwLxfvPCQT01ait4Pho2oHGaHsXrh1ojtiMn1Lvc5mXYfUR7NxAfeaANxDQnxGO-L4qXpa-ca4grD4lfe376jqgCKpFux7alHhmD1iip3YThzOiIoiUWG-aANSy85Lq1HeI41_oLkdzkSe9-Npl3EYeF78pEVC97G5OouLSM5fdCapmGZBC/w640-h640/222F-002.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_spin_n_bead.asp?childskumatch=206A%2D420" target="_blank">Quick Change Trays -</a></b><span> When you are using the </span><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_spin_n_bead.asp?childskumatch=206A%2D420" target="_blank">Spin N Bead</a><span>, Spin N Bead Jr., and Spin N Bead Senior, Quick Change Trays are indispensable for quickly changing out colors of seed beads. I find them most helpful when I'm making <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/design_workshop/beaded_pen_topper.asp" target="_blank">French Beaded Flowers</a>, but they are great if you make waist beads, or any project with lots of strung strands of seed beads in different colors. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAs22uTAD9My0qTBfhqv3iL7a1nb5Wxo_Zi5YaXoQh4Tr-7noiS2_-5s5sEPpRCXTnpOYTcmh3nZG4mp6xcYKpnPfdTLhEU2bRoR5mjWCsZ86CrMC7NpWS2yLZqdBI9KVnsekjKguhrP2b4n5aeZ_xVY1X8MECvmm1b1xuMJ8Yj39735NZw4AAlTV/s1000/spinnbead_trays_l.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAs22uTAD9My0qTBfhqv3iL7a1nb5Wxo_Zi5YaXoQh4Tr-7noiS2_-5s5sEPpRCXTnpOYTcmh3nZG4mp6xcYKpnPfdTLhEU2bRoR5mjWCsZ86CrMC7NpWS2yLZqdBI9KVnsekjKguhrP2b4n5aeZ_xVY1X8MECvmm1b1xuMJ8Yj39735NZw4AAlTV/w640-h640/spinnbead_trays_l.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/206A-010.asp" target="_blank"><b>Designer Beading Awl </b></a><span style="background-color: white;">- I reach of my awl nearly every time I'm making jewelry - knotted and tangled stringing material is par of the course in jewelry making, and I can almost always pick out a knot with some patience and an awl. It's also handy when you're holding jump rings apart when you make chain maille designs. I also use it to open up crimp covers if they need a little more space to fit over a crimp. I also use it for..... you get the idea!</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPZ6wr0U-84_UqAA7Pa-XCL_8G7qH9_Eva4OKzhAJ3LjGRxvQG5Y0QWb8YfwhOI3GN8tDwKQlDLPQADNmS7aGu6adIWnU2YGk_UWnoEgXF8LuIhArzIFUEJ-Fi3nhf-JjZ801NSRvpnzc7UMMSeVj6Jz_E79vWU_IK07tCW-V9BqVK2yDPTtYqZ3i/s670/206A-010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="670" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPZ6wr0U-84_UqAA7Pa-XCL_8G7qH9_Eva4OKzhAJ3LjGRxvQG5Y0QWb8YfwhOI3GN8tDwKQlDLPQADNmS7aGu6adIWnU2YGk_UWnoEgXF8LuIhArzIFUEJ-Fi3nhf-JjZ801NSRvpnzc7UMMSeVj6Jz_E79vWU_IK07tCW-V9BqVK2yDPTtYqZ3i/w640-h640/206A-010.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit;"><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_spool_tamers.asp?childskumatch=spool+tamer" target="_blank"><b>Spool Tamer</b></a><span style="font-weight: inherit;"> – These clever tools help keep your Beading Wire, Artistic Wire, WildFire, Dandyline, Elasticity and more under control. You can use them on large spools and smaller spools thanks to the adjustable buckle. No more boxes of tangles wire, thank you very much!</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsgk1OpQ0R72QhZM_RhbBUx_07huFFSV1CKwSYUG-oWjdu5kaE7wq91O7bo_H6YBa-kYEbbgo6rRkXdWwPp1TvEUdI8Iz8gXN0nXAKxtOhG-1O_-1h_WesObCKGrJY3Rn5u0lQKh2CkFBl2vuxQG7v9asoHzTd6AUFay3NHmHXpHvN2zf1GVP8rLv/s2550/Beadalon%20Spool%20Tamer%20Tip.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1195" data-original-width="2550" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsgk1OpQ0R72QhZM_RhbBUx_07huFFSV1CKwSYUG-oWjdu5kaE7wq91O7bo_H6YBa-kYEbbgo6rRkXdWwPp1TvEUdI8Iz8gXN0nXAKxtOhG-1O_-1h_WesObCKGrJY3Rn5u0lQKh2CkFBl2vuxQG7v9asoHzTd6AUFay3NHmHXpHvN2zf1GVP8rLv/w640-h300/Beadalon%20Spool%20Tamer%20Tip.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-align: left;"></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_bead_stoppers.asp?childskumatch=bead+stopper" target="_blank"><b>Bead Stopper</b></a><span style="background-color: white;"> - There's nothing worse than spending time and effort to string up a perfect design, then picking it up to move it or size it and the beads go sliding off of the wire. Secure the wire ends with Bead Stoppers, and save yourself hours of frustration. I also find them useful for holding the wires when making multi-strand designs to make sure everything lays properly before crimping. Have you seen the new bead stoppers with pink ends? So cute!</span></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMYeNsGQYbBrkrVPg-3gXt5UWJGI1G90SAZLXOryh-mz0-hOtI3YwCRZ_nOQjPfBCf0ps1r9cbbSYzSSUVmC2_1NnFq8DqDPKd9vUOedXpOywQyxec5OwI_Iwk7BW_wx0dWugqWjUITEHeRmclYNKhwaGECo7vgvI6wTPhWhXO3fjXhiT3tI3BiPr/s4797/Bead%20Stopper.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2682" data-original-width="4797" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMYeNsGQYbBrkrVPg-3gXt5UWJGI1G90SAZLXOryh-mz0-hOtI3YwCRZ_nOQjPfBCf0ps1r9cbbSYzSSUVmC2_1NnFq8DqDPKd9vUOedXpOywQyxec5OwI_Iwk7BW_wx0dWugqWjUITEHeRmclYNKhwaGECo7vgvI6wTPhWhXO3fjXhiT3tI3BiPr/w640-h358/Bead%20Stopper.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div><div><b><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/228S-420.asp" target="_blank">Wire Straightener</a></b> - When wire working, you usually want to start with your wire as straight as possible. The Wire Straightener is great for quickly and easily straightening your wire. It works for German Style, Artistic Wire and ColourCraft in all gauges, although I tend to use it more for thicker gauges of wire. The more times you draw the wire through the tool, the more it will work harden your wire, so be aware of that as you are using the tool.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGUPKDtdX_Wx4mG6ttJW4IEtFkro-yg4onazdwjy9tcPghoI499s7YKhBNUh0NrmurFPpqZMrgjXhS4NMPgSc86DcRvTAC1lTv8-VLECo_tOvlbR9_f8uC79pAT4xVw15EmwL-9sr2aeFtX1W4Jqypd0grz0i_qMgPrmN-8ctZhTP8t3IJjS-Jq9d/s1200/AW%20Wire%20Straightener%20Chart_L.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="1200" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGUPKDtdX_Wx4mG6ttJW4IEtFkro-yg4onazdwjy9tcPghoI499s7YKhBNUh0NrmurFPpqZMrgjXhS4NMPgSc86DcRvTAC1lTv8-VLECo_tOvlbR9_f8uC79pAT4xVw15EmwL-9sr2aeFtX1W4Jqypd0grz0i_qMgPrmN-8ctZhTP8t3IJjS-Jq9d/w640-h424/AW%20Wire%20Straightener%20Chart_L.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_tacky_mats.asp?childskumatch=tacky+mat" target="_blank">Tacky Mats</a></b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-align: left;"> – These are great for preventing beads from rolling around as you are working - especially if you like to take your projects on the road. They are also useful for holding in place your <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/tools/216S-210.asp" target="_blank">Beadalon Tying Station</a>, <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_looms.asp?childskumatch=jewel+loom" target="_blank">Jewel Loom</a>, <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/216S-100.asp" target="_blank">Tassel Maker</a>, and the <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/tools/216S-260.asp" target="_blank">Bracelet Knotter Tool</a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"> </span></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMdScf6dKbUxNEjqTqV4eOnxC0goF7C2jh2aX0mtSW9wq2iN4gdngStFf9ZDunmWOxbw4tfeGAFPgao_1s2s9zpMWJCde_Tdzktj_JZSreh1ieh6tDKOL4X2BPlXCvqqbb38WWWcz2vTDGljHX5X-Q6up6bLd1VLe7V-6yW6IghGJqU-y807mahulW/s2340/Tacky%20Mat.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1863" data-original-width="2340" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMdScf6dKbUxNEjqTqV4eOnxC0goF7C2jh2aX0mtSW9wq2iN4gdngStFf9ZDunmWOxbw4tfeGAFPgao_1s2s9zpMWJCde_Tdzktj_JZSreh1ieh6tDKOL4X2BPlXCvqqbb38WWWcz2vTDGljHX5X-Q6up6bLd1VLe7V-6yW6IghGJqU-y807mahulW/w640-h510/Tacky%20Mat.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/pc_product_detail.asp?key=0195AE382A594498A1D9D67F0C8F0CB7" target="_blank">Tool Huggy</a> - Keep your tools organized and accessible with the Tool Huggy. You'll be amazed at how many different shapes and sizes of tools and more you can fit in this table top tool holder!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCxDOPmray519tUUVupNrF-s8Po0r81W7NuJqFXqfPgRZQ-YY-JcO8YXfsZNuvTqjFE7D8ln5A2M9BcFvvBLwHnW-kDIZKB9hoOQnetTvN22CsNSMKJ_NnPnzJKMwvZXraONFbZJxI_JB7XdNMoTpZrzH-gQJSvEubQm_P1QX2xTNSwaGIu4XX2qF/s1191/Tool%20Huggy%20with%20Tools.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1077" data-original-width="1191" height="578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCxDOPmray519tUUVupNrF-s8Po0r81W7NuJqFXqfPgRZQ-YY-JcO8YXfsZNuvTqjFE7D8ln5A2M9BcFvvBLwHnW-kDIZKB9hoOQnetTvN22CsNSMKJ_NnPnzJKMwvZXraONFbZJxI_JB7XdNMoTpZrzH-gQJSvEubQm_P1QX2xTNSwaGIu4XX2qF/w640-h578/Tool%20Huggy%20with%20Tools.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>For even more tips, tricks, and must haves,<a href="https://fb.watch/fNzK9XsAOK/" target="_blank"> rewatch the Facebook Live</a> - this is a good one to read the comments on - lots of extras from the beading community. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Don't forget to set your reminders for 2pm ET on Thursdays to join us live, follow us on all of the socials, and join the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/makeitwithbeadalon" target="_blank">Jewelry Making with Beadalon Facebook Group!</a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Until next time, Happy Beading!</span></div><div>- Meredith</div><div><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><br /></span></div></div>
<iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="429" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBeadalon%2Fvideos%2F2344949818990350%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=0" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe>Meredith@Beadalonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810255346624945991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265399317576392166.post-28727099777303251032022-08-15T16:48:00.000-04:002022-08-15T16:48:49.485-04:00The Conetastic Tool Family <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhhvUhiIWrkoee1MObVG7-dCuK6KZi3Fpu3ok4w0-_o5qYkN9UyChpnNzo6E4_bgthTrJaY87PAWCvLKWaiv8SXiyymj4JHDTz4mLDc0XOFcUehpoEPjCXh9uwOXDdkcOL3UmEcFyHDieQ99j9I9IvzOBo1SLM7ExgzIdbKR_I8u5ohH8rzgBXodB/s1280/Sandra%20Lupo%20Conetastic%20Tassel%20Chain%20Earrings.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="914" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhhvUhiIWrkoee1MObVG7-dCuK6KZi3Fpu3ok4w0-_o5qYkN9UyChpnNzo6E4_bgthTrJaY87PAWCvLKWaiv8SXiyymj4JHDTz4mLDc0XOFcUehpoEPjCXh9uwOXDdkcOL3UmEcFyHDieQ99j9I9IvzOBo1SLM7ExgzIdbKR_I8u5ohH8rzgBXodB/w458-h640/Sandra%20Lupo%20Conetastic%20Tassel%20Chain%20Earrings.jpeg" width="458" /></a></div><p>The <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_conetastic_and_accessories.asp?childskumatch=228S%2D710">Conetastic Tool </a>is a handle with storage in the base that holds different mandrels in place to make bead cones, necklace cones, bead caps and more. Currently, there are 4 sets of mandrels - the three that come with the tool, plus additional sets of 3 <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_conetastic_and_accessories.asp?childskumatch=228S%2D718" target="_blank">Inverted Mandrels</a>, 3 <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_conetastic_and_accessories.asp?childskumatch=228S-714" target="_blank">Hourglass Mandrels</a>, and 5 <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_conetastic_and_accessories.asp?childskumatch=228S-722" target="_blank">Bead Cap Mandrels</a>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAXOA6BwVVM-0RWu2nz6P2wvca0rt2WYGHlzz3WFNarXR7vZav3IsUyFNyVDSfS78WZkhi8eHBWot_Hq60zRmQH-3BsxWvpPPtRpHPcwdtnngr2rrTtg-6jZs4XUYd0MbpV9b1mzRsmw40T7iCz9ALV_1EZhkGdNnw2ypYlX_PvUUZ6pcqFN2qADY/s670/conetastic_l2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="670" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAXOA6BwVVM-0RWu2nz6P2wvca0rt2WYGHlzz3WFNarXR7vZav3IsUyFNyVDSfS78WZkhi8eHBWot_Hq60zRmQH-3BsxWvpPPtRpHPcwdtnngr2rrTtg-6jZs4XUYd0MbpV9b1mzRsmw40T7iCz9ALV_1EZhkGdNnw2ypYlX_PvUUZ6pcqFN2qADY/w640-h640/conetastic_l2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>There are so many different sizes and shapes of mandrels! To change mandrels, use the allen wrench that 's included with the base to loosen and tighten the mandrels into the tool.<br /><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_conetastic_and_accessories.asp?childskumatch=228S%2D718" target="_blank">Inverted Mandrels</a></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Xq9xIRaW4-IKgg6BuYYIwm17SC4EplbG1by0Ez1oqbx-jHhn8W4KtilAMHcUyn3B7IUgEbs-Y9iqer3uPUfCwfPDcWnHLx7uL_nXJTK7rRMM5IgLYXsYedjrhkjQUlbYAV8vsyPszziixsE5LXWssoF7AKKnlm0PatOAMcmZyQRE6zVeoXA48yzu/s670/inverted%20mandrel%20in%20use_l.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="670" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Xq9xIRaW4-IKgg6BuYYIwm17SC4EplbG1by0Ez1oqbx-jHhn8W4KtilAMHcUyn3B7IUgEbs-Y9iqer3uPUfCwfPDcWnHLx7uL_nXJTK7rRMM5IgLYXsYedjrhkjQUlbYAV8vsyPszziixsE5LXWssoF7AKKnlm0PatOAMcmZyQRE6zVeoXA48yzu/w640-h640/inverted%20mandrel%20in%20use_l.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_conetastic_and_accessories.asp?childskumatch=228S-714" target="_blank">Hourglass Mandrels</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vdI69UWYg0g8k1CBZHl4ESC-ogW0KPitLLZTioJ76ExKORj8libL_OkIfxJi9MTaXslOi5ntDtFtcyOi0RN0tW9RXKSuhVuSb6Bax8sM1huAwA3UQNxgtvQkcOdpAXw5qHeuCwbx9ZZyIdtObmiSRvyy4bgQfMXA2z5YxafrVAjwMbVzI6-3AIa7/s670/hourglass%20mandrel%20in%20use_l.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="670" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vdI69UWYg0g8k1CBZHl4ESC-ogW0KPitLLZTioJ76ExKORj8libL_OkIfxJi9MTaXslOi5ntDtFtcyOi0RN0tW9RXKSuhVuSb6Bax8sM1huAwA3UQNxgtvQkcOdpAXw5qHeuCwbx9ZZyIdtObmiSRvyy4bgQfMXA2z5YxafrVAjwMbVzI6-3AIa7/w640-h640/hourglass%20mandrel%20in%20use_l.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_conetastic_and_accessories.asp?childskumatch=228S-722" target="_blank">Bead Caps Mandrels</a></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0K52dnDvQr7lX19znbs1oQQEB2VG5JoknIGNWX18F1NC3F5U3ZW_CV-Aca-uIWzNxvtoFULfs35kPypw1ndCl7cRHBt2Be2nZAm7Szn8mhXC-DhbMwnDRhpP7t83mQKSfYUR1cGZ0s-aFEhqODSFf5IfiEZpNw-5IEuGWbm6kOo41VaXltvEPbmJ/s1193/captastic%20demonstration_l.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1193" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0K52dnDvQr7lX19znbs1oQQEB2VG5JoknIGNWX18F1NC3F5U3ZW_CV-Aca-uIWzNxvtoFULfs35kPypw1ndCl7cRHBt2Be2nZAm7Szn8mhXC-DhbMwnDRhpP7t83mQKSfYUR1cGZ0s-aFEhqODSFf5IfiEZpNw-5IEuGWbm6kOo41VaXltvEPbmJ/w640-h430/captastic%20demonstration_l.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some of my favorite things to make with the Conetasic Tool are cones and caps for finishing Kumihimo and tassel toppers. The inventor of the tool, Sandra Lupo, joined me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Beadalon/videos/1051610038827846" target="_blank">Facebook Live</a> to teach a gorgeous earring design using the inverted mandrels to create a tassel topper for a tassel made out of chain. So fun! I love that Sandra also uses a bicone as the "go-to" for between the top of the cone and the loop. It makes a big difference in the finished design!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Check out the Facebook Live for more tips, tricks and tutorials for using the Conetastic Tool. Have you made anything with the Conetastic? Be sure to join and post in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/makeitwithbeadalon/" target="_blank">Jewelry Making with Beadalon Facebook Group</a>, and as always, set your reminders and join us live on Thursdays at 2pm ET.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until next time, happy beading!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Meredith </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="429" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBeadalon%2Fvideos%2F1051610038827846%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=0" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe>Meredith@Beadalonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810255346624945991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265399317576392166.post-73818647017002426552022-08-01T16:13:00.000-04:002022-08-01T16:13:35.817-04:00Secrets to Making Stretch Cord Bracelets<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbL0Jo0CZNJFgAjJ5CwrWAqmZd4_OH3_dXq54P_btY5dwN3uIXpif64Q8KasogROFoUX26qb-b3uKCGjXWGbvRkeYSOpq2BGooJV8vc4DVLsyurNzazI_xSoIq2YVhQD8bFneva3mv7qvKBD6CwdoOaUIBbqbzWOFlH2QG5z3dKMT9RvGpGfFv3fM/s1000/Elasticity%20Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbL0Jo0CZNJFgAjJ5CwrWAqmZd4_OH3_dXq54P_btY5dwN3uIXpif64Q8KasogROFoUX26qb-b3uKCGjXWGbvRkeYSOpq2BGooJV8vc4DVLsyurNzazI_xSoIq2YVhQD8bFneva3mv7qvKBD6CwdoOaUIBbqbzWOFlH2QG5z3dKMT9RvGpGfFv3fM/w640-h640/Elasticity%20Banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the best places to get started making jewelry is by making stretch cord bracelets. Beadalon has two fantastic types of stretch cord to choose from - </span><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_elonga.asp?childskumatch=elonga" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Elonga</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and </span><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_elasticity.asp?childskumatch=elasticity" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Elasticity</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">To get started, all you will need are 3 things: 1. Stretch Cord 2. Scissors 3. Beads. Easy enough! But you know I'm going to take it to the next level with all kinds of add ons! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">First things first, what is the difference between Elonga and Elasticity, and which should you choose? <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_elonga.asp?childskumatch=elonga" style="background-color: white; color: #2a3551; cursor: pointer; transition-duration: 0.1s; transition-property: color, background-color; transition-timing-function: cubic-bezier(0.25, 0.46, 0.45, 0.94);" target="_blank"><strong><u>Elonga</u></strong></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> is miniature, multi-fiber elastic ribbon that is very supple. It has a built in warning - once it begins to wear it will start to split, which is easy to see and replace. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_elasticity.asp?childskumatch=elasticity" target="_blank">Elasticity</a> is a</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> soft, single strand elastic, all purpose cord that is strong and stretchy. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Elonga is available in 3 diameters - .3mm (.012in), .7mm (.028in), 1.0mm (.039in) - in white, and in 12 colors. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Elasticity is available in 3 diameters - .5mm (.020in), .8mm (.032in), 1.0mm (.039in) - and 5 colors - Rose Gold, Satin Silver, Satin Gold, Black and Clear. I like to match my colors to my beads, but if you need to pick just one spool to start, I recommend <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_elasticity.asp?childskumatch=JE0%2E8T%2D0005M" target="_blank">.8mm clear Elasticity</a>. Remember, whenever you are doing any bead stinging, you want to make sure you fill the bead holes as much as you can to reduce the abrasion of beads on your stringing material. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Always pre-stretch your elastic material. There's a 'sweet spot' that you'll feel where you are taking out the slack of the material, but be sure not to pull too hard and break the cord. If you don't pre-stretch, the material will stretch over time and you will get gaps in your strung design.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">There are several ways to get your beads strung up on your stretch cord. The simplest is to just string up your beads onto the cord. Just take your time, use your magnifiers and you should be just fine. If that's a challenge for you, you can use a <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_elasticity.asp?childskumatch=elasticity" target="_blank">Collapsible Eye Needle</a>, or even a twisted piece of scrap 26 gauge wire to make stringing easier. I also like using an</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_elastic_stretch_cord_needles.asp?childskumatch=elastic+cord+needle" style="background-color: white; color: #2a3551; cursor: pointer; transition-duration: 0.1s; transition-property: color, background-color; transition-timing-function: cubic-bezier(0.25, 0.46, 0.45, 0.94);" target="_blank"><u><strong>Elastic Cord Needle</strong></u></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">. There's a great demonstration of how that works <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sxYCn9f8Yo&feature=emb_title" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgI-wQqfRqaqhofDeJTW2ACIq_gnvDnlokJF1Rb2bYxXCd72hwwJr_nuiGD2WLlCKVwDhG8Nsf35NqcJC0KD-01K4UohNWLLxkfgRW1fi9iXUspT0eMkJhbco0MFAZnF47QnnvD3VYtwxes1XZ3Fz9mMUWch6HxtnrwJZ_RiUUH5FaioDwd9fYY0_/s1207/Elasticity%20Needle%20Instructions_L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1207" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgI-wQqfRqaqhofDeJTW2ACIq_gnvDnlokJF1Rb2bYxXCd72hwwJr_nuiGD2WLlCKVwDhG8Nsf35NqcJC0KD-01K4UohNWLLxkfgRW1fi9iXUspT0eMkJhbco0MFAZnF47QnnvD3VYtwxes1XZ3Fz9mMUWch6HxtnrwJZ_RiUUH5FaioDwd9fYY0_/w640-h424/Elasticity%20Needle%20Instructions_L.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b style="color: #222222;">Knotting</b><p></p><p><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;">On the back of the Elasticity spools, you'll find the recommended knot for finishing:</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGgHJ6QMFUpGUY5afDwk7yOOMPPNIl-ECAKeN04NbiwNlNoamk-tZiOY1nE4llG3lmhyUIGgNp_68xFNw3QqNW9lFja-AwzpITvsWQPGWSBwRfLi8r1PAiGTyclSlBnCRWAMoaXNTrx4VazttPcgAwg5N2oihec6XrsgrShHUwcC4XHbLGiI8FS5A/s1275/Knotting%20Elastic%20Cords.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1275" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGgHJ6QMFUpGUY5afDwk7yOOMPPNIl-ECAKeN04NbiwNlNoamk-tZiOY1nE4llG3lmhyUIGgNp_68xFNw3QqNW9lFja-AwzpITvsWQPGWSBwRfLi8r1PAiGTyclSlBnCRWAMoaXNTrx4VazttPcgAwg5N2oihec6XrsgrShHUwcC4XHbLGiI8FS5A/w640-h338/Knotting%20Elastic%20Cords.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #222222;">I also like using a surgeon's knot. Whichever knot you use, be sure to tighten the knot from all sides. More often than not, when I make stretchy bracelets, I use a doubled strand of elastic cord. When I do that, I use a technique that I learned from a "Tips and Tricks" section of one of the old magazines. I thread one end of the cord through the loop and tie a surgeon's knot. I also use the "<a href="https://dakotastones.com/blogs/news/stretch-bracelets-and-rickys-tricky-knot" target="_blank">Tricky Ricky</a>" knot, made famous by Ricky from Dakota Stones. </span><p></p><p><b>Glue</b></p><p>One question I always get about making stretch bracelets, is "should I glue my knots?". My answer is "it depends". If you've made a good, secure knot, you shouldn't need any extra glue. Truth told, I rarely glue my knots, and never have problems with my stretch bracelets. However, glue will add extra security (and piece of mind) to your bracelet. A little will go a long way, and be sure to use a flexible glue like <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/215A_020.asp" target="_blank">Beadalon Bead Stringing Glue</a> or GS-Hypo Cement.</p><p>I recommend checking out <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5trl1fiSFw">this class I taught for the Michaels Community Classroom </a>with even more tips, tricks, thoughts and suggestions about stretch bracelets - including additional ideas about hiding your knots. And be sure to bookmark <a href="https://d2u0aogsnk9o55.cloudfront.net/uploads/secrets to making stretch bracelets.pdf?v=0000000000" target="_blank">5 Secrets to Making Stretch Bracelets</a> - a handy reference. </p><p>Do you like making stretch cord bracelets? What material is your favorite? Let us know in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/makeitwithbeadalon" target="_blank">Jewelry Making with Beadalon Facebook Group</a>. Be sure to join, and set your reminders to catch us on Facebook Lives on Thursdays at 2pm ET.</p><p>Until next time - Happy Beading!<br />Meredith </p>Meredith@Beadalonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810255346624945991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265399317576392166.post-75351831175305481802022-07-11T11:59:00.001-04:002022-07-11T11:59:54.283-04:00Link jump rings together to make Chain Maille Jewelry - it's easier than you think!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8WccNUfKmUHHBRZh6wPKsvpGvE41QD-1QWjFHwMpVyFaw6qh0MnSFxSEPlqAiKRGamhhx-eHWGPHFqcRnfTWTLqHaD31x5BlRAvjAMvVqDvuG85zNZG-e526j6l7ZiXqBx-K25KQUrgaGtNXQBL33ztlrSQmFGElA8P1HzAOdCggOPLtvLB0pWNd/s1365/Donut%20Chain%20Maille%20Necklace.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8WccNUfKmUHHBRZh6wPKsvpGvE41QD-1QWjFHwMpVyFaw6qh0MnSFxSEPlqAiKRGamhhx-eHWGPHFqcRnfTWTLqHaD31x5BlRAvjAMvVqDvuG85zNZG-e526j6l7ZiXqBx-K25KQUrgaGtNXQBL33ztlrSQmFGElA8P1HzAOdCggOPLtvLB0pWNd/w640-h640/Donut%20Chain%20Maille%20Necklace.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">One of my favorite jewelry making techniques is making Chain Maille! Not only is it meditative, relaxing, and therapeutic, but it provides a great foundation for embellishing with beads to make beautiful jewelry. </div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittvgkarnqhml9aDey9AmsASsWmdhTEmMdwDUV8yvlQQVboISIAS94izRz7dcNx3frLtb510OY6UVeiBtDOa3lFzcKMJdLAPPsPCnop62sopfObv8ky309mHsKE0gtNBSii_2N4cKWrtNblK3iTOyoe9udjvWNAYUWtHV8O9hg0LqojGKQkaL3MoR0/s6000/purple%20chainmaille%20earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittvgkarnqhml9aDey9AmsASsWmdhTEmMdwDUV8yvlQQVboISIAS94izRz7dcNx3frLtb510OY6UVeiBtDOa3lFzcKMJdLAPPsPCnop62sopfObv8ky309mHsKE0gtNBSii_2N4cKWrtNblK3iTOyoe9udjvWNAYUWtHV8O9hg0LqojGKQkaL3MoR0/w426-h640/purple%20chainmaille%20earrings.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://d2u0aogsnk9o55.cloudfront.net/images/chain%20maille%20and%20spider%20earrings%20instructions.pdf?v=0000000000" target="_blank">Purple Chain Maille Earrings Instructions</a> available in the Learning Center!</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><p>Getting started with Chain Maille can definitely be daunting. There's a lot to learn at the outset - a new set of vocabulary, a new group of materials, new concepts to grasp, but the good news is that you really only need 2 tools to get started making chain maille. You'll need two pliers - chain nose, flat nose, bent chain nose pliers - any combination that works best for you. And one technique - opening and closing a jump ring. If you can open and close a jump ring, you can do chain maille!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AOTjktbN-05lCcytldYOn9bH-_sKKAyad1NqmB8OlCDRnHG8Tgo-McnPClzLMjaqaTaJh1ZF12yUiKBbSJ1xgQZP9qIbWYLIb23okGTEkvVv14em-dy1eNdbaRI2_egOmwUcABHGH0h2lFQsFUSRdnUmEn6qMx0g9Tsy1KaFVUDm3AKuygGGfY1u/s1000/snub%20nosed%20pliers.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AOTjktbN-05lCcytldYOn9bH-_sKKAyad1NqmB8OlCDRnHG8Tgo-McnPClzLMjaqaTaJh1ZF12yUiKBbSJ1xgQZP9qIbWYLIb23okGTEkvVv14em-dy1eNdbaRI2_egOmwUcABHGH0h2lFQsFUSRdnUmEn6qMx0g9Tsy1KaFVUDm3AKuygGGfY1u/w640-h640/snub%20nosed%20pliers.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/201A_410.asp" target="_blank">Beadalon Snub Nose Chain Maille Pliers</a> are perfect for making chain maille!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The first thing to know is the "anatomy of a jump ring". There is an inner diameter (the distance between the inside edges of the ring), an outer diameter (the distance between the outside edges of the ring), and a gauge of the wire that the ring is made from. The relationship between the inner diameter to the gauge is called the "aspect ratio" (the inner diameter divided by the gauge of the rings). The best way to explain aspect ratio is that it informs whether or not the rings will fit together and how tight the weave will be. In the chain maille world according to Meredith, all of the rules get thrown out the window - if your rings will fit together and look the way you want them to, then they will work for chain maille!</p><p>Wyatt and I worked closely with the Chain Maille Lady, Lauren Anderson, to develop the Beadalon Chain Maille Program as a way to simplify the process of making chain maille. Here is the breakdown: </p><p>1. Start with the <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/artistic_wire/JBKCHML03.asp" target="_blank">Chain Maille Booklet</a>. There are full color instructions for 8 weaves, as well as all of the information you need to get started.<br />2. There are 4 colors of rings - Silver, Gold, Black and Antique Brass.<br />3. There are 2 gauges of rings - 18 and 20 gauge.<br />4. The Chain Maille Weave recommended gauges and rings per inch chart (shown below) is the guide to follow. You don't have to worry about calculating any aspect ratio, we've taken care of that for you! All you need to do is follow the guidelines on the chart and you'll know which rings to use and how many rings that you need.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpTvbvCt2NYMc_sxRZEfzC6JYQJwUSLqttfN7PIjmKF3biojzCTUPQ_rph1zw7n_iWSc_izL6aUmn2_p3IkvigohfpR49clX0KaJI7pOra4Gc-L6UB5_c0VNJXAQu_B4X8lQ1pMpnrY7UnkY1msrtMGKxCJO2qmt-YZA7vtp7m8hEk3K3kB1M1vSl/s1245/AW%20Chain%20Maille%20Jump%20Rings%20Chart.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="1245" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpTvbvCt2NYMc_sxRZEfzC6JYQJwUSLqttfN7PIjmKF3biojzCTUPQ_rph1zw7n_iWSc_izL6aUmn2_p3IkvigohfpR49clX0KaJI7pOra4Gc-L6UB5_c0VNJXAQu_B4X8lQ1pMpnrY7UnkY1msrtMGKxCJO2qmt-YZA7vtp7m8hEk3K3kB1M1vSl/w640-h424/AW%20Chain%20Maille%20Jump%20Rings%20Chart.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>For the Full Persian weave that I chose to demonstrate for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Beadalon/videos/809949076638853" target="_blank">Facebook Live</a>, according to the chart, I'll need either <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_artistic_wire_chain_maille_rings.asp?childskumatch=A314%2D20S%2D10%2D07" target="_blank">20 gauge 11/64"</a> OR <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_artistic_wire_chain_maille_rings.asp?childskumatch=A314%2D18%2D02%2D09" target="_blank">18 gauge 7/32"</a> rings. 20 gauge wire will make a more delicate weave, the 18 gauge will be heavier and the rings will be slightly harder to open and close. I went with the 18 gauge rings, and chose black and silver in 7/32".</p><p>I definitely recommend watching the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Beadalon/videos/809949076638853" target="_blank">Facebook Live Replay</a>, but here are my most important tips and tricks to set yourself up for success:</p><p>1. Start out with a nice airy weave using larger jump rings.<br />2. Use <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/207A-100.asp" target="_blank">8 Compartment Storage Rings</a> to store your jump rings and label them with the gauges and sizes of your jump rings with either a label maker or a Sharpie.<br />3. Use different colors of rings for contrast as you are weaving. It makes it much easier to see the different steps.<br />4. When you are starting your weave, attach it to something larger so that you can have something substantial to hold on to - a QuickLink ring, a paperclip, a binder clip, a keyring, anything you can think of that you can attach to.<br />5. Keep a bit of "starter strip" for each weave. Sometimes starting the weave is the hardest part. If you have a bit already started, you never have to worry about fiddling with the start again.<br />6. Depending on your weave, start by pre-opening and/or pre-closing a bunch of rings. <br />7. Follow the Beadalon Chart, and the instructions in the <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/artistic_wire/JBKCHML03.asp" target="_blank">Chain Maille Booklet</a> to learn the weaves!</p><p>I'll be presenting several chain maille demonstrations over the next few months on Facebook Live. Be sure to set your reminders to join us live on the Beadalon Facebook Page - 2pm ET on Thursdays - or catch the replay! Have you done any chain maille weaving? Post what you've made in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/makeitwithbeadalon" target="_blank">Jewelry Making with Beadalon Facebook Group</a>, we love to see what you've made.</p><p>Most of all - have patience, give yourself grace and enjoy the journey!</p><p>Until next time, Happy Beading!<br />Meredith</p><p><br /></p><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="429" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBeadalon%2Fvideos%2F809949076638853%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=0" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe></div>Meredith@Beadalonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810255346624945991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265399317576392166.post-6489177272956781732022-06-01T13:10:00.000-04:002022-06-01T13:10:12.600-04:00New Product Debut - New Colors and Sizes of French Wire!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrwHFBGl2ZiJ_9qn-Gf9NWiw5d5iUSMAHwzbX7U2sVepILgf7FmF8o95dcLq_F07PPtOHeR_2RpVeRKyrD4hwWkgOljmBx_0NWKMbJBy-mmhL8BeohAHZNao51RYmFIMWaBm45i3rIGL36_gdwCr-m-l-8ujioGgasBNJGS7yZn0fy6DOJpAxo8Dc/s3742/A97FDE5F-384B-499F-B8FF-0446B8EC305E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3023" data-original-width="3742" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrwHFBGl2ZiJ_9qn-Gf9NWiw5d5iUSMAHwzbX7U2sVepILgf7FmF8o95dcLq_F07PPtOHeR_2RpVeRKyrD4hwWkgOljmBx_0NWKMbJBy-mmhL8BeohAHZNao51RYmFIMWaBm45i3rIGL36_gdwCr-m-l-8ujioGgasBNJGS7yZn0fy6DOJpAxo8Dc/w640-h518/A97FDE5F-384B-499F-B8FF-0446B8EC305E.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Beadalon has added 3 new colors of French Wire - Rose Gold Color, Vintage Bronze Color, and Vintage Silver Color! When added to the .925 Sterling Silver, Silver Plated, and Gold Color already in our catalog, there are 6 total colors to choose from! Not only that, but we also have French Wire available 5 sizes - from Fine to XX-Heavy to best fit the stringing material that you'll be covering. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/parent_french_wire.asp?childskumatch=" target="_blank">Beadalon French Wire</a>,<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> also known as 'Gimp' and 'Bullion' is used to cover and protect bead cord from friction and breakage at the clasp area. French Wire is especially helpful for fortifying </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">silk beading cord</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> and giving designs a professional finish. You can find full instructions for adding French Wire to a traditionally knotted pearl necklace <a href="https://d2u0aogsnk9o55.cloudfront.net/images/knotter%20tool%20instructions%20.pdf?v=0000000000" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Heebo;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Heebo;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEuAADhEgRKOAs993nrLDVQaVI9NMD9dKtR0sDezfkHnNb27Kmmcfe2TQHvVoUfwpD0XcWxinsNlfQlI5SzolPt5CLSHj5XwyRz2P1vbKuJZgGH-RAbtR6QAilLRdv-6PVtpOdPzqV92anvxeRon3xaLL32PDrjCNEm067mh4P09dLWtO383uju6L/s500/French%20Wire.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEuAADhEgRKOAs993nrLDVQaVI9NMD9dKtR0sDezfkHnNb27Kmmcfe2TQHvVoUfwpD0XcWxinsNlfQlI5SzolPt5CLSHj5XwyRz2P1vbKuJZgGH-RAbtR6QAilLRdv-6PVtpOdPzqV92anvxeRon3xaLL32PDrjCNEm067mh4P09dLWtO383uju6L/w640-h640/French%20Wire.png" width="640" /></a></span></div></div><p></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Heebo;"><span style="background-color: white;">Of course, I can't just use French Wire for its original intention. I've been using it in all kinds of designs from memory wire (shown above) to bead stringing, to wire work. I love the way it adds extra shine and sparkle when used as a spacer bead, or as an extra buffer under a large holed bead. I've found that lengths less than about an inch and a half are best. Remember, French Wire is very fine wire, tightly coiled into a spring. It's delicate, so be sure to handle with care!</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Heebo;"><span style="background-color: white;">Do you use French Wire in a non traditional way? Show us what you've made in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/makeitwithbeadalon" target="_blank">Jewelry Making with Beadalon Facebook Group</a>, and check out the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Beadalon/videos/701895614413215" target="_blank">Facebook Live all about French Wire</a> from last week and set your reminders to join us live on Facebook at 2pm ET on Thursdays.<br />Until then, happy beading!<br />Meredith </span></span></p><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="314" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBeadalon%2Fvideos%2F701895614413215%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe>Meredith@Beadalonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810255346624945991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265399317576392166.post-56907887171754431302022-05-09T16:55:00.000-04:002022-05-09T16:55:46.563-04:004 Crimping Hacks to Finish off Beaded Jewelry<p>By now, we all know the formula for proper crimping: wire diameter + corresponding crimp bead or tube + right size crimp tool = well constructed jewelry, but did you know that there are many other ways to finish off designs strung on beading wire? Whether you are not a fan of "traditional" crimping, you are looking for a different look, or just like to change it up a bit, consider these alternatives for finishing off strung designs.</p><p>1. <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/findings_ezcrimp.asp" target="_blank">EZ Crimp Findings </a>- These findings are available in Silver Plated and in Gold Color, and in several designs - including one with a lobster claw attached. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLI3IwARvfI_vmEOq17nyj4bH5fP6uoiAgywqMFXzL-ficzgAHXEiGBsOrkuVc9id6qaxWJBHB_JqC9PFbwjDChbgTP8pgwjZv98gqedppAU0PTjfULnAeY1TooDU0V83DR4u8CGOPsCfXQ2YMuQP1pmIqzwEVlbbB_l7yYodoj214R6SymjVC7R1/s1200/EZ%20Crimp%20Pliers%20Chart_L.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="1200" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLI3IwARvfI_vmEOq17nyj4bH5fP6uoiAgywqMFXzL-ficzgAHXEiGBsOrkuVc9id6qaxWJBHB_JqC9PFbwjDChbgTP8pgwjZv98gqedppAU0PTjfULnAeY1TooDU0V83DR4u8CGOPsCfXQ2YMuQP1pmIqzwEVlbbB_l7yYodoj214R6SymjVC7R1/w640-h424/EZ%20Crimp%20Pliers%20Chart_L.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>These are one of my favorite findings in the Beadalon catalog. They are great to use if you struggle with using crimp beads or tubes. They accommodate beading wire up to .024 diameter (although .018 or smaller is easier to thread through), and close easily with either the <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/JTEZCRIMP.asp" target="_blank">EZ Crimp Pliers</a> or the rounded jaw of the <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/JTCRIMP1.asp" target="_blank">Standard Crimping Pliers</a>. Just like when you crimp with a crimp bead, you need to make sure you build in enough wiggle room so that the beads have enough room to be happy and not cause unnecessary tension on the bead stringing wire. A great clasp to use with the EZ Crimps is an <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/315B-220.asp" target="_blank">EZ Lobster Clasp</a> - no additional jump rings needed!</p>2. <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/findings_beadtips.asp" target="_blank">Bead Tips</a><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdG2lcjAnbyjbiSl8fKcdzNZLF2FmBzpNUJHTRcSNok7y0njKwPF2f3g-pmBQ5saedmBWFFuSwxcqYSvDYoQRK9AZ69YPgzHbliW5u56lq5wqFOp6BOXCcFcYbyh0octZe2c9RTD0X52KquByeUBnwGPfKPVkBEQx2jEq5Ecx7mHlh9Au8sfSdIjMy/s922/Products_BeadTips_N.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="131" data-original-width="922" height="90" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdG2lcjAnbyjbiSl8fKcdzNZLF2FmBzpNUJHTRcSNok7y0njKwPF2f3g-pmBQ5saedmBWFFuSwxcqYSvDYoQRK9AZ69YPgzHbliW5u56lq5wqFOp6BOXCcFcYbyh0octZe2c9RTD0X52KquByeUBnwGPfKPVkBEQx2jEq5Ecx7mHlh9Au8sfSdIjMy/w640-h90/Products_BeadTips_N.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Bead Tips are often used with silk cord to finish knotted jewelry, but they are also a great alternative for finishing a design strung on beading wire. To use a Bead Tip, string up your design, thread on the bead tip, and add a crimp bead on the end of the wire. I like looping the wire and back through the crimp for added security before crimping. Once everything is trimmed, pull the crimp into the bead tip. Use a chain nose pliers to gently squeeze the bead tip shut. Use a round nose pliers to close the loop. Repeat on the other side, but as always, make sure that your design isn't strung too tight.</p><p>3. <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/findings_loop_crimps.asp" target="_blank">Loop Crimps</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXirfHtHJCjCUDtu5DH-OBPz027fsXxQo6-HH-7OITshmq5YEeY8opP_YC-ZliFzma2x6I-5f_Mn8sR2krqbIMSo0jasYn3kJxMTJLrSm87ikMNR41GLEz_n77xoZZ8I-dIPLEGo45yhATIZS-Pe9OD5B-syyjLBP59-UBrXvkvt5azyzepWphFLT9/s1200/loop%20crimps%20with%20lobster%20clasp_L.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXirfHtHJCjCUDtu5DH-OBPz027fsXxQo6-HH-7OITshmq5YEeY8opP_YC-ZliFzma2x6I-5f_Mn8sR2krqbIMSo0jasYn3kJxMTJLrSm87ikMNR41GLEz_n77xoZZ8I-dIPLEGo45yhATIZS-Pe9OD5B-syyjLBP59-UBrXvkvt5azyzepWphFLT9/w640-h426/loop%20crimps%20with%20lobster%20clasp_L.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Loop Crimps are similar to EZ Crimps, but they have a much larger hole and will accommodate wire or cording up to 1mm. Once you put the stringing material into the hole, you can use either a chain nose pliers or the very tip of a crimping pliers pliers to flatten it. </p><p>4. <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/findings_tube_slide_ends.asp" target="_blank">Tube Slide Ends</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFqe0AZ6oKfEO0oGo9MHsrSm1-FrzQS6z9icmecDuObKIADi6rP4dDCmofM7ZBNvzOGxbpiUd2zmE6DgJ84oTXVY8D04gZ2ep3zeCujPwuQnPLl2BOdOEURqifTe2qB79DZCHeaVmhOpbvPVLSKl8nvOAl1wUaHkh2YEXDxLihYEgWuaW1uiR1nxX/s670/SlideConnector_CloseInstructions%20_L.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="670" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFqe0AZ6oKfEO0oGo9MHsrSm1-FrzQS6z9icmecDuObKIADi6rP4dDCmofM7ZBNvzOGxbpiUd2zmE6DgJ84oTXVY8D04gZ2ep3zeCujPwuQnPLl2BOdOEURqifTe2qB79DZCHeaVmhOpbvPVLSKl8nvOAl1wUaHkh2YEXDxLihYEgWuaW1uiR1nxX/w640-h640/SlideConnector_CloseInstructions%20_L.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>You may know these findings are a great way to finish off loom work or seed bead designs, but they are also great for making multi-strand crimped designs. After you've crimped the end of the wire, you can slide it into the slot in the finding. Here's one of my <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/images/Jewelry%20Making%20111%20Multistrand%20Bead%20Soup%20Bracelet.pdf" target="_blank">favorite designs</a> made this way:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/images/Jewelry%20Making%20111%20Multistrand%20Bead%20Soup%20Bracelet.pdf" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXK3QG7Agi4G5wyfkqCy2ETE8j226T5PRipzFwB6h-F7uFIm67O0BYVS2AfRk_j1961dvgoh8zeqq69NOAz_orcjDcK_Pt0JNfRUatJRzxxZby0d4G-8lkjoZyTImA6bSL3aH2Ge59NPnOufoUpDjIqPv7m67WhJUstmqNn2UCBzXmIDZpul2Y5gYY/w640-h426/Multistrand%20Bead%20Soup%20Bracelet_L.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Looking for more tips and tricks? Check out the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Beadalon/videos/306593258304593" target="_blank">Facebook Live on Crimping Hacks</a>. Do you have an alternative crimping technique that you like? Head on over to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/makeitwithbeadalon" target="_blank">Jewelry Making with Beadalon Facebook Group</a> and let us know! Be sure to set your reminders and join us Live on Facebook each Thursday at 2pm ET. <div><br /></div><div>Until then, happy beading!<br />Meredith <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="314" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBeadalon%2Fvideos%2F306593258304593%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe>Meredith@Beadalonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810255346624945991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265399317576392166.post-82467642635149920492022-04-27T16:07:00.000-04:002022-04-27T16:07:10.859-04:00Coiled Wire Daisy Bracelet<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGU4qpC0IGsd1ALK0b5iGmSAO9TMi3xCnK7RgM7Rgo6azTKhJhU1Dnjkkpp_kGw92LpADhS2eviKFD6hsI4n6_COmv9GC5xyYBw2u6Rp0L6d8kGw3TuzgZjTtXLgxr9-NEfgUcS-Duvl56MjHxhlr0slZRIsCdRPFC1Ly_xQxZIa8RYjJH9JK6ZbO/s300/Coiled%20Wire%20Daisy%20Bracelet.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="300" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGU4qpC0IGsd1ALK0b5iGmSAO9TMi3xCnK7RgM7Rgo6azTKhJhU1Dnjkkpp_kGw92LpADhS2eviKFD6hsI4n6_COmv9GC5xyYBw2u6Rp0L6d8kGw3TuzgZjTtXLgxr9-NEfgUcS-Duvl56MjHxhlr0slZRIsCdRPFC1Ly_xQxZIa8RYjJH9JK6ZbO/w400-h376/Coiled%20Wire%20Daisy%20Bracelet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>This is one of my favorite designs in the Beadalon and Artistic Wire design collection, and now that Spring has arrived in full force, it's the perfect time to revisit the <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/images/Coiled%20Wire%20Daisies.pdf">Coiled Wire Daisy Bracelet</a>. The original design was made with Silver Plated Artistic Wire, and I took the technique and used it with <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/artistic_wire/artistic_wire_multicolor.asp" target="_blank">MultiColor Artistic Wire</a> to make earrings. Coiling shows off the variegated colors of this wire so well, and earrings are a quick and easy project to use this technique.<p></p><p>I've updated the <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/images/Coiled%20Wire%20Daisies.pdf" target="_blank">original instructions</a> for the bracelet, and if you check out this <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Beadalon/videos/276332237897624" target="_blank">Facebook Live Video</a>, you can make the earrings along with me. I used the <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/artistic_wire/JTPROFWIN.asp" target="_blank">Professional Coiling Gizmo</a> with a mandrel for the <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/artistic_wire/JTECONWIN1.asp" target="_blank">Deluxe Coiling Gizmo</a> - easier coiling for me - and a new way to use tools that I have in my workshop.</p><p>Do you combine tools in interesting, useful ways to make beading easier and more efficient? Let us know in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Beadalon" target="_blank">Jewelry Making with Beadalon Facebook Group</a>. If you make this project and post it on your socials, be sure to tag #beadalon so we can see what you'd done!</p><p>Until next time, happy beading!<br />Meredith</p><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="314" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBeadalon%2Fvideos%2F276332237897624%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe>Meredith@Beadalonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810255346624945991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265399317576392166.post-73310678001544721472022-02-16T08:00:00.003-05:002022-02-16T08:00:00.177-05:00New Product Debut! RePEat 100% Recycled Jewelry Cord<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/RePEat_Jewelry_Cord.asp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="2000" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6ubWl6r2G9YByYg4PD8r4snJuxfoTmm_ISnYiWp8TPbwJTMdsHPIAkscDXJKlab27qp5JhbUoa6yf59Gh8QdqZXaq7HrR9S320posBkonn45Arm5SaOm6p87W4ahPrXh8yzNbDuk3wdlUxfXA8n5DX_Fu2R7WIyAaOJsAIRnn2Zi0af46--PwlrRn=w640-h156" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">Make Earth-Friendly jewelry with RePEaT braided jewelry cord made from <b>100% recycled plastic bottles </b>- even the packaging is made from recycled cardboard, and the plastic cover is actually a baggie that you can use to store beads, needles, scraps and more! There are 10 colors and 2 sizes - 1.0mm and 1.5mm. It is a braided cord that has a beautiful sheen, and is ideal for making slide bracelets, necklaces, and anklets. It is also a great material for making Kumihimo braids. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/images/mojo%20repeat%20bracelet%20-%20MR.pdf" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1kULYPpNZiWUlmlRjrzRIAgAwAw0O6j7Q6rN2wCyplqmwtY5_hpUEhiEWrp5XsUUdBrrbG-kJWG7MP2Eu_nFg_fQpqkHVXF3Plac-Lb6yQ1kUvTB-8Ev7hDgNJB8Gs2nf_17ppP5kNFrrsDDYKc5IUFR_8bvJ8od_OWyrBo721y1VtntfXUF9Tgpx=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">Check out the </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Beadalon/videos/996634864282918" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">Facebook Live video</a><span style="background-color: transparent;"> where I debuted RePEat cord, and went through the </span><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/images/mojo%20repeat%20bracelet%20-%20MR.pdf" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">Make It Take It Project</a><span style="background-color: transparent;"> we did at the<a href="https://www.mojoshowusa.com/" target="_blank"> MOJO Show</a> in Tuscon. I love this project because it uses so many of the tools and supplies that I have in my workshop including <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/artistic_wire/Flat_Artistic_Wire.asp" target="_blank">Flat Artistic Wire</a>, the <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/pc_product_detail.asp?key=3550F4D366A6437CBF2137D2459BBB87" target="_blank">Triangle File</a>, the<a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/205S-110.asp" target="_blank"> 2 Hole Punch</a>, the <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/tools/211F-100.asp" target="_blank">WildFire Cord Cutter</a> (my favorite tool for cutting and sealing the ends), and more. If you don't have the specific pieces and parts, not to worry, it's a very versatile technique that you can make with a connector charm (like the one I used from the new TierraCast Wild West collection), different knots, and whatever large holed beads you have on hand.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">We can't wait to see what you make with the RePEat cord! Be sure to join and post in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/makeitwithbeadalon" target="_blank">Jewelry Making with Beadalon Facebook Group</a> and tag #beadalon when you post on your socials.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">As with most of our new products, we have only just scratched the surface of what this material can do, and are looking forward to revealing more of our inspiration over the next few months!</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">Until then, Happy Beading!<br />Meredith </span></p><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="314" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBeadalon%2Fvideos%2F996634864282918%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe><div><br /></div>Meredith@Beadalonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810255346624945991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265399317576392166.post-82114375604608346472022-01-10T16:00:00.000-05:002022-01-10T16:00:37.529-05:00Back to the Basics of Bead Stringing<p>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}.</p><p>First things first, the spool of beading wire will tell you all of the information that you need.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjejy5wrsGLFYdRougp6nl9Pu2cufLd-1qa7e55QfFjLQUn4WA-g4AIyG9KCEE3bKklmsZj0YCF0xylhKM712R3Zwvh07oBadetCDz5SDq1XfOyBPBRSrpDx6H7E4bOlR5DV1UpaQ0_HxY1WljU4f9Y1PTBd73qlOpNwE-9U6nEDjAX0QTRGgROezSU=s1200" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjejy5wrsGLFYdRougp6nl9Pu2cufLd-1qa7e55QfFjLQUn4WA-g4AIyG9KCEE3bKklmsZj0YCF0xylhKM712R3Zwvh07oBadetCDz5SDq1XfOyBPBRSrpDx6H7E4bOlR5DV1UpaQ0_HxY1WljU4f9Y1PTBd73qlOpNwE-9U6nEDjAX0QTRGgROezSU=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><p>{<a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/shop_by_product_wire.asp" target="_blank">beading wire</a>}:<br />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.</p><p>+ {calibrated crimp bead/tube}:<br />The Beadalon <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/findings_crimpbeads.asp" target="_blank">Crimp Beads</a> and <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/findings_crimptubes.asp" target="_blank">Crimp Tubes</a> 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. </p><p>+ {corresponding size <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/tools_pliers_pliersbytype_crimpers.asp" target="_blank">crimp tool</a>} - Micro, Standard, Mighty <br />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. </p><p>+ {proper crimping technique} - A 3 part process<br />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 - <br /><span> </span>1. Place the crimp in the front notch of the pliers and gently squeeze to turn the round crimp into an oval. <br /><span> </span>2. Place the crimp in the back notch and gently squeeze to turn the oval into a jelly bean. <br /><span> </span>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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixV1XPwqQi_St3p6n5VAfc1ovOEVTWonKwxJjnyfYetLegFqMaSTEoaWmvFjq25-Jf_LtSN5vYAm49PZpFkp-RSuF1DMgoMfCBFSUcXo3iTXruu2cv-WjVSdk95b-vC-SxOuDVBQfDCfDlU_gG4CbIasHK0PFfpWajU2Ku9-AaJmX_r19qEOey-hxR=s1245" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="1245" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixV1XPwqQi_St3p6n5VAfc1ovOEVTWonKwxJjnyfYetLegFqMaSTEoaWmvFjq25-Jf_LtSN5vYAm49PZpFkp-RSuF1DMgoMfCBFSUcXo3iTXruu2cv-WjVSdk95b-vC-SxOuDVBQfDCfDlU_gG4CbIasHK0PFfpWajU2Ku9-AaJmX_r19qEOey-hxR=w640-h306" width="640" /></a></div><div>= {professional, lasting, well made, durable jewelry}</div>By following this formula, you will exponentially increase your chances for successful jewelry making. It's a lot to remember, but the more you practice, the more the choices become automatic. There are plenty of additional resources in the <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/content/choosing_the_right_bead_stringing_wire.asp" target="_blank">Learning Center</a> on the Beadalon website. I also recommend watching the replay of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Beadalon/videos/685335742850684" target="_blank">Facebook Live</a> for even more information about the Magical Equation of Excellent Beading. <div><br /></div><div>Please post any additional tips, comments, or questions in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/makeitwithbeadalon" target="_blank">Jewelry Making with Beadalon Facebook Group</a>, and join us on Facebook Live Thursdays at 2pm EST.</div><div><br /></div><div>Until then, happy beading!<br />Meredith </div><div><br /><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="314" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBeadalon%2Fvideos%2F685335742850684%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe></div>Meredith@Beadalonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810255346624945991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265399317576392166.post-69520761630809164732021-12-13T14:09:00.001-05:002021-12-13T14:09:52.384-05:00Make a Beaded Christmas Tree to Celebrate the Holiday Season!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxuCz4adgY-4ieCDKIqFR-Ks60q9HnwOZcNJ6Sgli3A1UxgpSXCLVaBErxCD3BW9L8UshtWOQn4D1-Ue38KwPUznjSFZm2bPdYSvyP0wUHgxv27VqutfSJL5CzGiTYYy3fRds2e_ODBnI/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1692" data-original-width="1128" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxuCz4adgY-4ieCDKIqFR-Ks60q9HnwOZcNJ6Sgli3A1UxgpSXCLVaBErxCD3BW9L8UshtWOQn4D1-Ue38KwPUznjSFZm2bPdYSvyP0wUHgxv27VqutfSJL5CzGiTYYy3fRds2e_ODBnI/w427-h640/Beadalon+Season%2527s+Greetings+2021.jpeg" width="427" /></a></div><br /><br /></div>As 2021 comes to a close, I think we can all agree it wasn't quite what we expected. Nevertheless, we persisted, we kept pivoting, and I am so very grateful for each and every one of my beady friends who helped me get through the year with inspiration, community, and lots of fun. <div><br /></div><div>I finally, after much prodding and encouragement, tackled a project that has been on my list for years. Lesson learned, it was so much fun, much easier than anticipated, and a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit! </div><div><br /></div><div>There are so many variations to make, but here are the basic instructions for making a Beaded Christmas Tree. <div><div><br /></div><div>Materials:</div><div><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/tools/206A-400.asp" target="_blank">Spin-N-Bead</a></div><div><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/pc_combined_results.asp?search_cat=searchexact~pcpcm.parent_pc_id~23FD5A4B915E432B95BFA84D9D5538F3&pc_id=23FD5A4B915E432B95BFA84D9D5538F3" target="_blank">14 Gauge Artistic Wire</a></div><div><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/pc_combined_results.asp?search_cat=searchexact~pcpcm.parent_pc_id~BB43B35E4B61489C92F4980572EAB803&pc_id=BB43B35E4B61489C92F4980572EAB803" target="_blank">24 Gauge Artistic Wire</a></div><div><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/pc_combined_results.asp?search_cat=searchexact~pcpcm.parent_pc_id~363EB71AFFDC415E8FC34F5626C3CA39&pc_id=363EB71AFFDC415E8FC34F5626C3CA39" target="_blank">30 Gauge Artistic Wire</a></div><div><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/artistic_wire/Chain_Maille.asp" target="_blank">Jump Rings</a></div><div><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/JTNJ3.asp" target="_blank">Nylon Jaw Pliers</a></div><div><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/228S-420.asp" target="_blank">Artistic Wire Wire Straightener</a></div><div><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/202E-001.asp" target="_blank">Flush Cutters</a></div><div><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/201A-240.asp" target="_blank">Stepped Bail Making Pliers</a></div><div>Floral Tape</div><div>Size 11 seed beads</div><div>Jingle Bells, drops and Christmas Tree Light beads from <a href="https://jessejamesbeads.com/" target="_blank">Jesse James Beads</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Step 1</div><div>Use the Spin-N-Bead to string up several feet of seed beads onto the 24 gauge Artistic Wire.</div><div><br /></div><div>Step 2 - Make the branches</div><div>Working from the spool, leave about a 4 inch tail and measure out 3/4 inch of beads. Twist the beads into a loop. Leave about a half of an inch of bare wire, then pull out about 3/4 of an inch of beads and twist the beads into a loop. Continue until you have 6 loops on one side. After the 6th loop, start working the row of loops back down the other side. When you have 11 loops - one on the top and 5 on either side, start at that top loop, and twist the two sides together. Continue twisting the wire together so the tail is about 4 inches. Snip the wire from the spool and snip the loop off so that the wires are even.</div><div><br /></div><div>Make lots of branches - at least 4 each with 3 loops, 5 loops, 7 loops, 9 loops and 11 loops.</div><div><br /></div><div>Step 3 - Make the tree trunk</div><div>Cut three 12 inch pieces of 14 gauge wire. Straighten them with the Artistic Wire Wire Straightener, lash them together with the 30 gauge wire, and cover half way with floral tape (don't leave space at the top like I did in the video, wrap the floral tape all the way to the top so you don't have to fiddle with it at the end).</div><div><br /></div><div>Step 4 - Attach the branches</div><div>Work from the top down and lash each of the branches to the base with the 30 gauge wire. Start with the smallest branches, wrap around three or four times, and keep adding branches until they have all been added. Bend and move the branches into place so that they are sticking straight out from the trunk.</div><div><br /></div><div>Step 5 - Create the base</div><div>Unwrap the 30 gauge wire and floral tape from the bottom of the wires leaving about 2 inches under the last branches. Trim the branch wire ends if necessary. Add another piece of floral tape to cover the rough wire ends. Bend the three 14 gauge wires at 90 degree angles to create a base for the tree. Use the Stepped Bail Making Pliers and Nylon Jaw Pliers to turn spirals in the same direction on each of the base wires.</div><div><br /></div><div>Step 6 - Decorate your tree!</div><div>Use festive holiday beads to decorate your tree. Add drops with jump rings, create a garland, or add a strand of lights strung on 30 gauge wire. Don't forget my favorite part of the tree - the star on the top! For mine, I cut the loop off of a star charm, then wrapped it with 22 gauge Artistic Wire and made a coil on the bottom using the Stepped Bail Making Pliers.</div><div><br /></div><div>Check out the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Beadalon/videos/3055351074721929" target="_blank">Facebook Live</a> with all kinds of extra information, including a long discussion on using the Spin-N-Bead and a bonus demonstration on using <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/organization-storage/spool_tamers.asp" target="_blank">Spool Tamers</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Have you made a beaded Christmas Tree or another kind of beaded or wire worked tree? Be sure to show us in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/makeitwithbeadalon" target="_blank">Jewelry Making with Beadalon Facebook Group</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once again, I want to express my sincerest appreciation to all of our beady friends. I look forward to hanging out with you on Facebook Live each Thursday at 2pm ET, and love being able to create a feeling of togetherness even when we aren't able to get together in person. I wish you all the very happiest holiday season and send you all my best wishes for a healthy new year!</div><div><br /></div><div>Until then, happy beading!<br />Meredith </div><div><br /><p></p><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="314" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBeadalon%2Fvideos%2F3055351074721929%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe></div></div></div>Meredith@Beadalonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810255346624945991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265399317576392166.post-21307481929746261692021-11-08T13:45:00.000-05:002021-11-08T13:45:15.150-05:00All About Adhesives!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeH5_QsqHmInKqpmBVJ1i-VLlGraRJZIkYhz9q7m1RXTm2IfGg7PF6Kfm0SeWZ4U2uvDBp-aW9iCqMQ_iH-ESvHi3EWCDkeCjCZKniQhii8no8OngpHKoWgvafPgUfeSso_s_xpwXLe1E/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeH5_QsqHmInKqpmBVJ1i-VLlGraRJZIkYhz9q7m1RXTm2IfGg7PF6Kfm0SeWZ4U2uvDBp-aW9iCqMQ_iH-ESvHi3EWCDkeCjCZKniQhii8no8OngpHKoWgvafPgUfeSso_s_xpwXLe1E/w640-h426/11.3.21+glues+MR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>When it comes to joining jewelry items together, it can sometimes get confusing, but with Beadalon Adhesives in your jewelry making toolbox, you'll be prepared for most sticky situations. Whenever you are working with glue, we advise using both safety gloves and safety glasses and working in a well ventilated space. Use caution to make sure you do not get any glue on your skin, clothing, or elsewhere and be sure to keep away from children and pets. <div><div style="text-align: center;">~</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/215A_020.asp" target="_blank">Beadalon G-S Hypo Cement</a></b></div><div>Traditionally used in the watch making industry, G-S Hypo Cement has become the "go-to" adhesive to use when making knotted jewelry with silk cord. The pinpoint precision tip allows for getting just the right amount of glue onto the silk to secure the first and last three knots. Check out this <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/images/Knotter%20Tool%20Instructions%20.pdf" target="_blank">handy PDF on pearl knotting</a> to see how it's done.</div><div><br /></div><div>Another great use for Beadalon GS-Hypo is creating illusion necklaces without crimp beads. Make a knot in <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/cords_and_stringing_supplemax.asp" target="_blank">Supplemax™ Monofilament Illusion Cord</a>, use the precision applicator to place a drop of glue on the knot and slide the bead over the knot. Continue to space out the beads to create a “floating” effect.</div><div><br /></div><div>PRO TIP: When working with GS-Hypo, hold the tube in your hand and allow the heat from your hand to cause the glue to flow out of the tip rather than squeezing.</div><div style="text-align: center;">~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/215K-100.asp" target="_blank">Beadalon® BeadFix™ Adhesive</a> and <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/215A-050.asp" target="_blank">BeadFix Gel </a></b></div><div>When you need a strong bond for metal-to-metal applications, this jewelry adhesive is for you! It’s also great for adhering glass, stone, metal, plastic, wood and most other types of beads. Both formulas are the same, but the BeadFix Gel has a much thicker viscosity making it ideal for filling small gaps.</div><div style="text-align: center;">~</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/215A-050.asp" target="_blank">Beadalon® Beadfix™ Two Part Epoxy Glue</a></b></div><div>Two part epoxy is the strongest bond for most gluing applications. The Beadalon Two Part Epoxy is a single use epoxy that eliminates the need for measuring. Empty both tubes <u>completely</u> onto a mixing surface (aluminum foil or heavy paper to be discarded after use) mix the two parts together fully and begin gluing. Don't be tempted to squeeze out a little of each - we've done the measuring for you to make sure that the parts will work best together. With a little preparation of all items that you need to glue before mixing, you'll have just the right amount of glue without too much waste. Working time (pot life) of the Epoxy is approximately 20 minutes from when the two parts are fully mixed together.</div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">~</div><div style="text-align: center;">Safety First! </div><div>Whatever you are gluing, we can't emphasize safety enough. Remember - safety gloves, safety glasses, and plenty of ventilation. Take your time, be careful, work away from children and pets, and read all of the additional warnings on the package to insure successful glueing. We've also created a cheat sheet with all of the information that you need - you'll definitely want to bookmark the <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/design_workshop/all_about_adhesives.asp" target="_blank">All About Adhesives</a> page in the <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/learning_center.asp" target="_blank">Beadalon Learning Center </a>to refer back to. And take a moment to check out Wyatt's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mf3rDoH9_c" target="_blank">YouTube Tutoria</a>l that has even more information. </div><div><br /></div><div>What is your favorite go-to glue? Let us know in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/makeitwithbeadalon" target="_blank">Jewelry Making with Beadalon Facebook Group.</a> Have you made a project using glue? Post it on your socials and tag #beadalon. We love to see what you're making!</div><div><br /></div><div>Until next time, happy beading!<br />Meredith</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Meredith@Beadalonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810255346624945991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265399317576392166.post-70259124594420284382021-11-01T14:54:00.000-04:002021-11-01T14:54:32.246-04:00Wire Forms aren't just for Snowflakes!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7pgOfm_Alg6zhj4cPNcs0fLZOqDQ-Y4L_y3pZmVM6H5vo48pI_aC1hN-nJCB6gHmz_SEs9wbl4HkPYw9lN4wV51MYndZKOYdTPhpAtS9ngSaH-I_linJ5BUTfu1cKRz_OCaQbBmVFd8/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1658" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7pgOfm_Alg6zhj4cPNcs0fLZOqDQ-Y4L_y3pZmVM6H5vo48pI_aC1hN-nJCB6gHmz_SEs9wbl4HkPYw9lN4wV51MYndZKOYdTPhpAtS9ngSaH-I_linJ5BUTfu1cKRz_OCaQbBmVFd8/w517-h640/Snowflake+Example+copy.jpg" width="517" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Whether we're ready for it or not, the holiday season is officially upon us! Beadalon has you covered with these functional, versatile <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/wire_forms.asp" target="_blank">Wire Forms.</a> Whether you are making ornaments for your tree, gifts, or decorations for your home or office, there are so many ways to use them. The Wire Forms are made of Stainless Steel and are available in 4 sizes - 3.75", 4.5", 6", and 9" (and in a <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/750S-199.asp" target="_blank">variety pack </a>with all sizes!). Here are some designs from Wyatt White to spark your creativity.</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKL4mRqZ9V5XF3AY3vJtqlGoy1Z1U5O3FJ2562_yHJ1GFRZl2SVEPQ1PtnqNBlZ2aJlpx2Pzgt3lMphyphenhyphenBmMKL1wSLzUKSvmlvf6yt_VpvToLUb_izttrcVYqEgYEtNowt6n63yXr0Fz4/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1469" data-original-width="1249" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKL4mRqZ9V5XF3AY3vJtqlGoy1Z1U5O3FJ2562_yHJ1GFRZl2SVEPQ1PtnqNBlZ2aJlpx2Pzgt3lMphyphenhyphenBmMKL1wSLzUKSvmlvf6yt_VpvToLUb_izttrcVYqEgYEtNowt6n63yXr0Fz4/w544-h640/3.75+wire+form+wild+copy.jpg" width="544" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You don't need symmetry for a beautiful design! Give those leftover beads some spotlight time. Using a similar pattern helps create a visually pleasing design.</div><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1730" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv27KnUe_6d-dHvU1Gsbeib6F2VVXnA-DpsJK0KBbF-luA053ScntxN82T74GIJ_9AzzkYZkqvvAkrStIPpcMOfpILWCNCCcp3J2MvViJetK9dASFHoVbTkFDdqmPJ1d7j8qvVdfoWsTc/w541-h640/Spider+Web+Bling.jpg" width="541" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Wire Forms are a great structure for wire wrapping. Work from the spool and wrap the wire in the same direction around the spokes each time. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezvP9uvCOea2PyWvVYAnMm4A8DqurLu63vUjsT3aH5VLAaklYXgg_W47UAjhVzmKFxIhtBhol5UOnDS6gmn0cLzJuXXXhVpgADselEG1lCxVSEURVjFbrI5OSD6r23ZwXZiAr5uDLfJg/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezvP9uvCOea2PyWvVYAnMm4A8DqurLu63vUjsT3aH5VLAaklYXgg_W47UAjhVzmKFxIhtBhol5UOnDS6gmn0cLzJuXXXhVpgADselEG1lCxVSEURVjFbrI5OSD6r23ZwXZiAr5uDLfJg/w547-h640/9+inch+finished+sea+memories.jpg" width="547" /></a></div>I love this beach themed design to keep the spirit of the sand in my toes all year round. To create the bends, grab the wire in the jaws of your pliers - I would chose flat nosed pliers for this job - and create a 45 degree bend. If you need to trim the spokes, I recommend the <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/JTMEMCUT1.asp" target="_blank">Memory Wire Shears</a>. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNAkiU4ZgPJYYATcthdpObadMeX8rxHl6W4yko90lizkP1MpZzfAgPW-iGexu0lG_iX1AAl7H4_sIcojcKTEBW1YSXuTTJ1ICH6jcwNzN8dd5nU4_JyD3EkzFoMbPoaTNJ_Rq2WQ6n-oc/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1978" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNAkiU4ZgPJYYATcthdpObadMeX8rxHl6W4yko90lizkP1MpZzfAgPW-iGexu0lG_iX1AAl7H4_sIcojcKTEBW1YSXuTTJ1ICH6jcwNzN8dd5nU4_JyD3EkzFoMbPoaTNJ_Rq2WQ6n-oc/w619-h640/6+inch+wire+form+angled+design.jpg" width="619" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A simple loop is the easiest way to finish off your design. Try using the <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/201A_250.asp" target="_blank">Memory Wire Finishing Pilers</a> - hold the wire down as far into the jaw as you can - to make different sizes of loops.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93rDdJiqR__54F_Uh-5ag2ZOmbB3CJu4bUJSswTIN35TkruhZZQiJbIrxIS_fm_0mpXb54GMwrzt3rxDdXg8gyMHz1kX7t0PaozIwFF7Cn_kTFgAfHIStB0UftpyWDbU2Aj3evmx2J6U/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1818" data-original-width="1713" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93rDdJiqR__54F_Uh-5ag2ZOmbB3CJu4bUJSswTIN35TkruhZZQiJbIrxIS_fm_0mpXb54GMwrzt3rxDdXg8gyMHz1kX7t0PaozIwFF7Cn_kTFgAfHIStB0UftpyWDbU2Aj3evmx2J6U/w603-h640/4.5+inch+wire+form+swirl.jpg" width="603" /></a></div>Did someone say <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/beadbumper.asp" target="_blank">Bead Bumpers</a>? Any time you're using thick wire, adding a Bead Bumper is a quick and clean way to hold your beads in place. They may be small, but they are mighty! I also love how Wyatt curved the spokes (try the <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/content/201S-270.asp" target="_blank">Bracelet Bending Pliers</a> to do this) and glued the beads onto the end of the Wire Form to finish off the design. <div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-8SUBW7-FUMs_1GuldTxxWJWY3gDGpU3P6x6B9SaWWCUbVCHtScnd5YB81QpjtdiMo9_pAxQKDsVtLRcO_xckvarDHYY4z5j7sTYGKH8kgi6NfqLAwFaIaxOdT65YHSgEztRzAMZEIk/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1500" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-8SUBW7-FUMs_1GuldTxxWJWY3gDGpU3P6x6B9SaWWCUbVCHtScnd5YB81QpjtdiMo9_pAxQKDsVtLRcO_xckvarDHYY4z5j7sTYGKH8kgi6NfqLAwFaIaxOdT65YHSgEztRzAMZEIk/w640-h512/spooky+spiderweb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Even though Halloween in behind us, there's always room for something spooky to tuck in a dark corner. I'll definitely pull this project that Shelley Penney and I demonstrated on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Beadalon/videos/4917955314904657" target="_blank">Facebook Live</a> out again next October! I love how the Wire Form is the perfect frame for a spiderweb. My favorite finishing technique is to use <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/215A-050.asp" target="_blank">Bead Fix Gel</a> to glue <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/findings_memory_wire_end_caps.asp" target="_blank">Memory Wire End Caps</a> onto the ends of the spokes. Can you guess what the component part is with the loop that I used to hang the chain from the top and the spider from the bottom? You can find the answer <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/360B-110.asp" target="_blank">here</a>!</p><p>We've just scratched the surface of the design possibilities for the Wire Forms. What have you made with them? Be sure to post your creations in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/makeitwithbeadalon" target="_blank">Jewelry Making with Beadalon Facebook Group</a>, and on your socials use #beadalon so we can see what you make!</p><p>Until next time, happy beading!</p><p>Meredith</p><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="314" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBeadalon%2Fvideos%2F4917955314904657%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe></div>Meredith@Beadalonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810255346624945991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265399317576392166.post-655411098261452592021-10-25T14:32:00.000-04:002021-10-25T14:32:22.325-04:00A Beautiful Rainbow of Artistic Wire Colors<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hoXocXDN2Iuqbb4qj0gH2f8XHWkwOWrYy9gbvaojfUky7lP2zJhe0KNhnrkF0WHpIR3Fam31xanji_zM2YIRmJXY9QkiQAxMHGazqLXw26HmKprjs03Tac4YUdtiyBFc0fJfG1edbDw/s2048/All+Swatches+Rainbow.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hoXocXDN2Iuqbb4qj0gH2f8XHWkwOWrYy9gbvaojfUky7lP2zJhe0KNhnrkF0WHpIR3Fam31xanji_zM2YIRmJXY9QkiQAxMHGazqLXw26HmKprjs03Tac4YUdtiyBFc0fJfG1edbDw/w512-h640/All+Swatches+Rainbow.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>I love creating jewelry with wire, and I'm so glad that Artistic Wire offers so many different colors, gauges, tempers, spool lengths and finishes to choose from. No matter what kind of project I'm creating - from a simple clasp to a wire tree, I can always find what wire I need. <p></p><p>Artistic Wire is a dead soft wire made from either a copper or brass core which is then coated with enamel color, silver plating, or both. All but 5 of the wires then have a tarnish resistant coating on top. If a natural patina is what you're after, Tinned Copper, Stainless Steel, Bare Phosphorous Bronze, Bare Copper, and Bare Brass are all uncoated and will patina over time. Otherwise, that tarnish resistant coating will keep your wire bright and shiny under normal conditions. We recommend not wearing jewelry made with Artistic Wire in the ocean, shower, or exposing it to body sprays, perfumes, etc.</p><p>Wires come in different tempers (how malleable the wire is), and Artistic Wire falls on the "dead soft" range of the Wire Hardness Scale. That means that it will be the softest and easiest to bend. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8ndA8mxrCB0RwoyPvxWX03T_i1nqhJusEYp_u3Lq_KAUbmVuFTY756CFReanIpswFoOjMufch4Uq-DSoqzBiZF4Ll0hUwwu4Oy8kAUod0MYD__Rs2hcuyXheHIIhK8NkrGp-T7WuFhA/s2048/Wire+Hardness+Chart+2021.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1583" data-original-width="2048" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8ndA8mxrCB0RwoyPvxWX03T_i1nqhJusEYp_u3Lq_KAUbmVuFTY756CFReanIpswFoOjMufch4Uq-DSoqzBiZF4Ll0hUwwu4Oy8kAUod0MYD__Rs2hcuyXheHIIhK8NkrGp-T7WuFhA/w640-h494/Wire+Hardness+Chart+2021.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If a harder, sturdier wire is what you're after, try German Style, Silver Filled, or even Stainless Steel Wire. On the Beadalon website, you can find projects made with <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/wrapping_wires/german_style_wire.asp" target="_blank">German Style Wire</a> and <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/pc_combined_results.asp?search_cat=searchexact~pcpcm.parent_pc_id~138E8C83782B42659ED0876B001EB62B&pc_id=138E8C83782B42659ED0876B001EB62B" target="_blank">Artistic Wire</a> in the <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/learning_center.asp" target="_blank">Learning Center</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wyatt White shared his top 5 favorite tools to use when he works with wire in his <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Beadalon/videos/433349195054875" target="_blank">last Facebook Live</a> - and he should know which tools are the best - he invented many of them!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What is your favorite wire to use? What are your favorite tools? Let us know in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/makeitwithbeadalon" target="_blank">Jewelry Making with Beadalon Facebook Group</a>, and join us live on Facebook each Thursday at 2:00pm ET.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until then, happy beading!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Meredith </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="314" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBeadalon%2Fvideos%2F433349195054875%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe>Meredith@Beadalonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810255346624945991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265399317576392166.post-75551278719572927902021-10-18T16:51:00.000-04:002021-10-18T16:51:02.575-04:00<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONoSrLwX2-b7Oh2GM7sBNDv1xtmDYPjXjnAXCBOYfBDz7OnAw3fZeT2JQ0C3rbdMponryLA34q_QTZpD-dYppYdwH1gbXJ_JLikReyvAG2jKu9vwqgz6UY0moamI897ymWRDCdq4sG7w/s2048/10.6.21+needles+MR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONoSrLwX2-b7Oh2GM7sBNDv1xtmDYPjXjnAXCBOYfBDz7OnAw3fZeT2JQ0C3rbdMponryLA34q_QTZpD-dYppYdwH1gbXJ_JLikReyvAG2jKu9vwqgz6UY0moamI897ymWRDCdq4sG7w/w640-h426/10.6.21+needles+MR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div>Needles are some of the most important tools in my Jewelry Making Toolbox, and just like with tools, I always use the right needle for the job at hand. Luckily, Beadalon has all of the different needles I need to make my beadwork as efficient, professional, and accessible as possible.</div><div><br /></div><div>Which needle is right for your project? Here's the breakdown of each type of Beadalon needle and what they are best for. And the best news? You don't have to chose just one needle - we now offer three variety packs - one with an <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/JNEED-ASST01.asp" target="_blank">assortment of Big Eye Beading Needle</a>s, one with an <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/700K-120.asp" target="_blank">assortment of Collapsible Eye Needles</a>, and one with an <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/700K-140.asp" target="_blank">assortment of 4 different needles</a> - #10, #12, Big Eye and Collapsible Eye. We've also added more sizes and diameters of needles, so you'll always be able to find one that works best for you and your project.</div><div><br /></div><b><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/quick_links_collapsible.asp" target="_blank">Collapsible Eye Needles</a></b><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-d7VNSznA_GmemN2H5NEQGLU4-NynZaD1aF7QrI7DvgOF2c7-GRBOOFUrz9hjf7IqzWHuj3UTqqk2fa-zR4vfhnWASndkxIqIz5JSzCbNggcLBL9zzZMmqzsR8HDQXvxAdwI0xT6ng4/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="4976" height="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-d7VNSznA_GmemN2H5NEQGLU4-NynZaD1aF7QrI7DvgOF2c7-GRBOOFUrz9hjf7IqzWHuj3UTqqk2fa-zR4vfhnWASndkxIqIz5JSzCbNggcLBL9zzZMmqzsR8HDQXvxAdwI0xT6ng4/w640-h50/COLLAPISBLE+EYE+NEEDLE.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div>A collapsible eye needle saves you time and effort when you are stringing beads onto wire or thread. The specially designed eye automatically collapses and instantly reshapes when it is pulled through the beads. Because the eye is large, it is easy to thread thicker stringing material. </div><div><p><b><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/quick_links_hard_twisted_beading_needles.asp" target="_blank">Twisted Beading Needles</a></b></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyi1fuUxyp1MA57Rj4nGzFpyP5w2qAFZpl-ysiZHArJUZDG9JbKUCxIaS_UiC69il5TdEl7bdf9UmLQgzB1KiD_rdkHfqr0Ucnfghtd5G_ku_8DDpnG_nlit-xYMEVLEksMN9eaA-F1I/s3943/TWISTED+BEADING+NEEDLE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="198" data-original-width="3943" height="32" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyi1fuUxyp1MA57Rj4nGzFpyP5w2qAFZpl-ysiZHArJUZDG9JbKUCxIaS_UiC69il5TdEl7bdf9UmLQgzB1KiD_rdkHfqr0Ucnfghtd5G_ku_8DDpnG_nlit-xYMEVLEksMN9eaA-F1I/w640-h32/TWISTED+BEADING+NEEDLE.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div></div></div>Create your own needles like the ones found on carded silk cord. These value priced, high quality, single use needles have a large, circular eye that is easy to thread with thicker materials. The eye will close after being pulled through the first bead to help hold the stringing material more securely.<br /><p></p><p><b><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/elastic_cord_needles.asp" target="_blank">Elastic Cord Needle </a></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU01zCE4aubYj6l_4o26m_Dh9ZHRpWPBsAHNveyzv81AfgbbiMDFm5iEj88wTnI2kQTR1ntfLSgyMYESwuHjH5LTh97f3t0k_QHItGJeAvs87jqE39vLe2wF81R2UaNguuc1rqBcjOMlw/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="1207" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU01zCE4aubYj6l_4o26m_Dh9ZHRpWPBsAHNveyzv81AfgbbiMDFm5iEj88wTnI2kQTR1ntfLSgyMYESwuHjH5LTh97f3t0k_QHItGJeAvs87jqE39vLe2wF81R2UaNguuc1rqBcjOMlw/w640-h142/Elasticity+Needle+Instructions_L+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p></p><div><div>Transferring beads and pearls from the needle to DIY bracelet strings is easy with the Beadalon elastic cord needle. Use this needle to fit beads with 0.79 mm hole or larger.</div><div> </div><div><b><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/needles/701S-500.asp" target="_blank">Jewel Loom Needle</a></b></div><div>The Jewel Loom Needle is ideal for using with all loom and off-loom bead stitching. The needle diameter is 0.46 mm (0.18 in), and fits cord sizes up to 0.28 mm (.011 in); The long needle length of 8 cm (3.125 in) is ideal for making beaded fringe. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6DU2KCCwsGHJrolgKHa-UTNbLM04QXBN5IlzwQNjqr50wz9Es6ivQWnfsKP24xNi2cW3p7zpmpopfBagxW36m2rfnb9Oq0I7VyMqNnkh04XS79cZ56NtFFH6Wdyw8uwJHywmWskmRbU/s2698/701S-500+Jewel+Loom.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2698" data-original-width="872" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6DU2KCCwsGHJrolgKHa-UTNbLM04QXBN5IlzwQNjqr50wz9Es6ivQWnfsKP24xNi2cW3p7zpmpopfBagxW36m2rfnb9Oq0I7VyMqNnkh04XS79cZ56NtFFH6Wdyw8uwJHywmWskmRbU/w206-h640/701S-500+Jewel+Loom.jpg" width="206" /></a></div></div><div><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/needles.asp" target="_blank"><b>Big Eye Beading Needles</b></a></div><div>Thread your needle in a snap! The big eye helps to eliminate eye strain when you are stringing thread on a needle. Plus, the needle itself is carefully sharpened for precise use. Made from special, high-tensile Beadalon stainless steel wire, the needle is very flexible, making it ideal for stringing beads individually or from a tray. Fits many sizes of bead cord.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgsydUIvLkupsUtubXuefeMjq66Fli98YI86-HaVGK_FJHKWXY3lU1apuW9kZh5f_a-sBS7TtCNpUF4zmf7bqPCEiBbj1oZUrnh6EDyBMe782uwc5GQfpVShD9Hv-UpF86i4p7PDRGqY/s1357/BigEyeNeedleLarge.tif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="88" data-original-width="1357" height="42" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgsydUIvLkupsUtubXuefeMjq66Fli98YI86-HaVGK_FJHKWXY3lU1apuW9kZh5f_a-sBS7TtCNpUF4zmf7bqPCEiBbj1oZUrnh6EDyBMe782uwc5GQfpVShD9Hv-UpF86i4p7PDRGqY/w640-h42/BigEyeNeedleLarge.tif" width="640" /></a></div><div><b><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/quick_links_hard_beading_needles.asp" target="_blank">Hard Beading Needles</a></b></div><div>These English-style needles are rigid, so they are perfect for sewing beads on projects, stringing beads with thread or using on a bead loom. They work well with DandyLine™ Stringing Thread, WildFire™ Bead Weaving Thread, Supplemax, stretch cord, silk thread and other cords. Use the included threader for quick and easy threading. Available in size 10 and size 12. We also have a size 13 needle - the <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/content/JNEEH1310.asp" target="_blank">WildFire Beading Needle</a> - which is perfect for beadweaving projects.</div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzCJDMoNa_NKUwF0LMzQT_wCimzUNm0nNL3jEDt_qrVFGgUsrdpA-HHQU86TSRjeWrkvInQKrXWgbBMPVKLU-JZWZJp3suoBE4hAOpQ4JvVf0AIXgdDPpC3wx3Lky4Tpt_DF75DJ26N4/s2048/JNEEH10SLASH12+-+12+NEEDLES+NUMBER10+-+035926057371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzCJDMoNa_NKUwF0LMzQT_wCimzUNm0nNL3jEDt_qrVFGgUsrdpA-HHQU86TSRjeWrkvInQKrXWgbBMPVKLU-JZWZJp3suoBE4hAOpQ4JvVf0AIXgdDPpC3wx3Lky4Tpt_DF75DJ26N4/w640-h640/JNEEH10SLASH12+-+12+NEEDLES+NUMBER10+-+035926057371.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLY147OKuBRRRwjBVy0FIJCyM0pY9q_k8Bew4z1XYTVCwAbZvS5PtsiZpdq2nZxAE5rsJ7mgHTJTkITI3jbC-JcYL-rTNqnYZjudMXMPJilB9Yya9CX93aRJQZSy-IlvGxDKd2OUiM6Y/s250/JNEEH13.10+-+035926133082+-+WILDFIRE+BEADING+NEEDLES.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="250" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLY147OKuBRRRwjBVy0FIJCyM0pY9q_k8Bew4z1XYTVCwAbZvS5PtsiZpdq2nZxAE5rsJ7mgHTJTkITI3jbC-JcYL-rTNqnYZjudMXMPJilB9Yya9CX93aRJQZSy-IlvGxDKd2OUiM6Y/w640-h640/JNEEH13.10+-+035926133082+-+WILDFIRE+BEADING+NEEDLES.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/needles_big_eye_beading_needles.asp" target="_blank"><b>Curved Beading Needles</b></a></div><div>The <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/700A-300.asp" target="_blank">Big Eye Curved Beading Needle</a> makes threading beads from the Spin-N-Bead bead loaders fast and easy- seed beads just jump onto the curved needle like magic! The <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/710A-010.asp" target="_blank">Rigid Curved Beading Needle</a> has an eye like a hard beading needle, and a curved end designed to use with the Spin-N-Bead bead loader. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwBiEA523gmnEM10OouyJVMyrrFyfYCfvs7xs5_hq9rTj95ZNtWIx4y1XQv1S0wMVoOkk6e-8-Bx87bgam73yFEtcxqMzMMvaLvUyA1VbCeZCGtEIsnta_R5RWqXa8QnwosxuxD8fxWs/s1620/SpinNBeadCurvedNeedle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1567" data-original-width="1620" height="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwBiEA523gmnEM10OouyJVMyrrFyfYCfvs7xs5_hq9rTj95ZNtWIx4y1XQv1S0wMVoOkk6e-8-Bx87bgam73yFEtcxqMzMMvaLvUyA1VbCeZCGtEIsnta_R5RWqXa8QnwosxuxD8fxWs/w640-h620/SpinNBeadCurvedNeedle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>There is so much more information about all of our needles on the <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/beadalon-needles.asp" target="_blank">Beadalon website</a>. Be sure to visit to find out about the needles' diameters, lengths and more. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was so happy to talk all about needles in this Facebook Live. Do you have a favorite needle that's your go-to? What project do you use it for? Let us know in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/makeitwithbeadalon" target="_blank">Jewelry Making with Beadalon Facebook Group</a>. Follow us on the socials, tag us when you post a project with #beadalon, and set your reminders for 2pm ET to catch us live on Facebook. </div><div><br /></div><div>Until next time, happy beading!</div><div>Meredith</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="314" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBeadalon%2Fvideos%2F420804262792614%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe>Meredith@Beadalonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810255346624945991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265399317576392166.post-37403656182930783242021-08-26T16:47:00.000-04:002021-08-26T16:47:58.290-04:00Finally! An In-person Bead Show!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UXOq8ArfM4FaIIMjORghAfZeOZwUYHd8FKsuLcbrr5MvGhcC7heD8jm1ZkbKkYokQ6dZ-Pdj0H1fh7h4-heM8mIYOdW2x-Z3AqOiE3BxvCdb5C22RLlrq42ey91ZrpW3D9BvoMXHcQ0/s1440/2021+Whole+Bead+Beadalon+Booth.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UXOq8ArfM4FaIIMjORghAfZeOZwUYHd8FKsuLcbrr5MvGhcC7heD8jm1ZkbKkYokQ6dZ-Pdj0H1fh7h4-heM8mIYOdW2x-Z3AqOiE3BxvCdb5C22RLlrq42ey91ZrpW3D9BvoMXHcQ0/w640-h640/2021+Whole+Bead+Beadalon+Booth.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We were so excited to get back to our first in-person bead show since the pandemic started! The last time we were able to be live with our beady friends was at the To Bead True Blue Show in Tucson February of 2020 - right before everything locked down. The world has changed a lot since then, but our love of beads and making jewelry is as strong as ever! </p><p>I always say that I love bead shows because I get to hang out with people who love doing what I love doing, and the Whole Bead Show at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center last weekend was a perfect opportunity to do just that! There were beads and supplies and inspiration everywhere. It was just what I needed to get my head back into the beady game. </p><p>At the Beadalon booth, we were selling Mystery Bead Boxes filled with all kinds of beady goodness. Everyone who bought one was so excited about the plethora of beading supplies - tools, beading wire, artistic wire, findings, and more - so much more than the $25 price tag! AND….you asked, we listened…..the remaining boxes will be available on the Beadalon website soon - while supplies last!</p><p>Check out this Facebook Live that we did unboxing one of the Mystery Boxes at the show, and check back often to see when the link goes live - you don’t want to miss this one, friends!</p><p>Until then - happy beading!<br />Meredith</p><p><iframe <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBeadalon%2Fvideos%2F2971879906458872%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe>Meredith@Beadalonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810255346624945991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3265399317576392166.post-24566875937291455972021-07-22T17:24:00.000-04:002021-07-22T17:24:19.930-04:00Don't Make These Wire Wrapping Mistakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn0cchboe83yWhnqLmZY1uoufcTpYZdNsmelsbcKmlRvalIuvljLi8cCFJyPDBa4AoeyQ5RVDgaBDlgNQ3XmBNuHx8hXAFc5FMW0fSj6z5iASLj6EpU3jxaVywEN9EmlP5SN9dEEGRK-o/s2048/7.21.21+wire+wrapping.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="2048" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn0cchboe83yWhnqLmZY1uoufcTpYZdNsmelsbcKmlRvalIuvljLi8cCFJyPDBa4AoeyQ5RVDgaBDlgNQ3XmBNuHx8hXAFc5FMW0fSj6z5iASLj6EpU3jxaVywEN9EmlP5SN9dEEGRK-o/w640-h458/7.21.21+wire+wrapping.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Whether you are brand new to wire wrapping, or a seasoned professional, it's always a good idea to review to basics. I originally wrote this post with my own tried and true tips to make your wire wrapping the best it can be, but during the Facebook Live, my beady friends had so many more suggestions, the list grew and grew!</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>One size does not fit all - don’t use one gauge or one temper of wire for all projects. <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/content/choosing_the_right_german_style_wire.asp" target="_blank">Choose the best gauge and hardness for what you’re making</a>.</li><li>You can work harden your wire by tapping it with a <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/228S-010.asp" target="_blank">Nylon Hammer </a>on a <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/228S-220.asp" target="_blank">Bench Block</a>, but don't use a flame to anneal German Style or Artistic Wire - the Tarnish Resistant coating will not react well with the flame.</li><li>Don’t guestimate to make your loops the same size – make a mark on your round nose pliers with a permanent marker or use a <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/201A-240.asp" target="_blank">Stepped Bail Making Pliers </a>to insure consistent loops.</li><li>Don't forget to cut with the flush cut facing your work, hold onto the piece you are cutting off so it doesn't go flying, and tuck your tails in! *The <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/JTCRIMP1.asp" target="_blank">Crimping Pliers </a>works great for tucking in particularly pesky wire tails.</li><li>Don’t start with bent wire. Use a <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/JTNJ1.asp" target="_blank">Nylon Jaw Pliers</a> to straighten your wire before you start wrapping.</li><li>Don’t use chain nose pliers to make loops – use round nose pliers.</li><li>Don’t only use <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/german_style_round.asp" target="_blank">round wire</a> for wire wrapping – try <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/german_style_halfround.asp" target="_blank">half round </a>and <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/german_style_square.asp" target="_blank">square wire</a> for professional looking results. <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/180CU-342.asp" target="_blank">This Practice Kit</a> with one of each is a great place to start!</li><li>Don’t use non-jewelry grade tools to do your wire wrapping – always buy the best tools you can afford for the best results. And don't let anyone take your good jewelry pliers for household repairs!</li><li>Don't leave sharp edges on your wires. Use a <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/208F-005.asp" target="_blank">Cup Burr Attachment</a> for the <a href="https://www.beadalon.com/products/240A-100.asp" target="_blank">Battery Operated Bead Reamer</a> or a file to smooth your ends.</li><li>When you take the German Style Wire out of the pack, don't snip off both of the zip ties - leave one on to keep your wire neat. Also, store your coils of German Style Wire in baggies labeled with the gauge and whether it's round, half round, or square.</li><li>Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – wire wrapping takes practice, practice, practice!</li></ol><div>What are your best wire wrapping tips and tricks? Let us know in the comments, or post a photo on your socials and tag #beadalon. Be sure to join the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/makeitwithbeadalon" target="_blank">Jewelry Making with Beadalon Facebook Group</a> and show us your favorite wire wrapped creations!</div><div><br /><div><div>Until then, happy beading!</div><div>Meredith </div><div><br /><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="429" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBeadalon%2Fvideos%2F520089602535332%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=0" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe><div></div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p></p>Meredith@Beadalonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810255346624945991noreply@blogger.com0