Tips & Techniques
Get tips and techniques to become a better beader at Lima Beads.
Chatter
on “Using the Wire Twister Tool”:“I use a household power drill. Just insert the wire(s) into the tip and tighten.…” read »
on “Make a Transparent Resin Frame”:“super cool and simple! endless possibilities with this technique if using shapes created with heavier gauge…” read »
on “Using the Wire Twister Tool”:“Interesting tool,but I find my power drill works fast and you can put multi wires in…” read »
on “Wire Wrapped Cover on a Teardrop”:“Looks great, KRode!…” read »
on “Vintaj Metallic Patina effects”:“I plan to buy these products. I love the way the Patina looks and these videos…” read »
- on “Wire Wrapped Cover on a Teardrop”:
“I like the messy version and the regular one depending on the look of the piece.…” read »
on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:“k ty…” read »
- on “How to use McLees Multi Strand Clasp”:
“I'm interested in getting the paper bead making kit and one of the brass or bronze…” read »
on “Using the Wire Twister Tool”:“I love the tool and it's a great video! Thanks for all the helpful videos! Wire gauges…” read »
on “Using Lillypilly Metal Sheets & Discs”:“Just checked into the larger sheets. It doesn't appear that we'll be able to get 6x6,…” read »
- on “Make a Wire Wrapped Bead Link”:
“Thank you. E.W.…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“if you're looking for a quick easy glue option, the hypo cement or LimaStudios tends to…” read »
- on “Making a Memory Wire bracelet”:
“Dutchy-- My favorites are the hypo cement or our very own LimaStudios epoxy: http://www.limabeads.com/Adhesives-C3769…” read »
- on “Making a Memory Wire bracelet”:
“I'm new to jewelry making and have so much to learn. You mentioned using glue at…” read »
- on “Tying a Lark's Head Knot”:
“Thanks so much! My Mom picked up some beautiful donut pendants for me and I…” read »
- on “How to make a paper bead”:
“I recently made 2 necklaces w/matching earrings with my first paper beads.sold both sets within a…” read »
- on “How to make a paper bead”:
“I,too, would like to know when you have these kits back in stock. Thanks!!…” read »
on “Decorivets!”:“This is a great tutorial; to the point and simply put.…” read »
- on “How to make a paper bead”:
“I want to try making the paper beads.When will the kit be back in stock?Can you…” read »
- on “Stamping Blanks”:
“Want to start doing this.Really like this.Only site that I have found the supplies.Thanks Lima Beads!…” read »
- on “Non-Identical Twins”:
“I love this idea!…” read »
on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:“I can't wait to try this, I just need to get the right supplies. I have…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“Also I found awesome buttons for ten cent each at a local thrift shop…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“This is really cute! love the frog. I'm going to try this for the first time…” read »
on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:“I made a second bracelet using purple fishing line and no needle. I had started…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“nice n easy,thanks for that vedeo…” read »
- on “How to make a paper bead”:
“I would like to try making paper beads.…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“i really like the video but cannot stand the music in the background. i find it…” read »
- on “Using Lillypilly Metal Sheets & Discs”:
“how about larger sheets?…” read »
- on “Making a Fish Tail Braid”:
“Very instructive. Very pretty…” read »
- on “Melting Pot Basics”:
“where are all the eggs i'v been on here alday today and havent found not evon…” read »
on “Stamping Blanks”:“I am new to this as well, I am using a hammer from the hardware store…” read »
- on “Using Paint Dabbers”:
“LOVE LOVE LOVE this site. Being a rookie metal stamper this site has provided me with…” read »
- on “Make a Birthstone Pendant”:
“This is such a great idea to "personalize" for craft fairs. I could make these up…” read »
- on “Using the Sliding Square Knot”:
“I'm excited to see this demo! I bought a bracelet that was finished this way and…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“Carola, We do offer a couple of thread conditioners: http://www.limabeads.com/Thread-Conditioners-C4791 TOHO or C-lon thread is great for seed…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“Also, do you need to separate the plys, as one would do in an embroidery skein,…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“Could you just include in the written instructions, under the video, the list for the suggestions…” read »
- on “Setting Rivets with Anvil & Setter Tools”:
“I am just now starting to work with leather. Can't wait to learn these ideas.…” read »
- on “How to make a paper bead”:
“do you have patterns for other shape beads? Or where can I find that?…” read »
About this Tip:
Learn the basics of crimping, one of the most essential techniques to making bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and other beading designs.
Components:
The products featured in this tip are listed below.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Step 1: Slide a crimp bead or tube over your beading wire. |
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Step 2: Slide on a clasp if needed and loop beading wire back through crimp bead leaving enough beading wire to thread back through a bead. |
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Step 3: Using your crimping pliers, put the crimp bead into the appropriate sized “C” shaped notch. Before your pinch the pliers closed, pull the bead wire apart so that they are at opposite ends of the “C.” Now pinch closed. |
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Step 4: Your crimp bead now looks like a “C.” Take the “C,” make a quarter turn with the bead and crimp closed. |
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Step 5: Now you have a crimped crimp bead. I typically do an extra pinch just to make sure I have it secured. |
Designs using this Technique:
Buy Products from this Technique
You are viewing all 4 items.
| 30 ft. spool | $13.90 |
| Piece | $17.90 |
You are viewing all 4 items.
On Jun 05, 2011 at 8:33 am #
Lubna K says:Thank you, for teaching us even the very basics. I am an absolute newbie and this will help.
On Jun 06, 2011 at 2:58 am #
Dot says:The Euro Crimper is the BEST! I’m getting another one for a friend!
On Jun 06, 2011 at 3:32 pm #
Foxkatt says:Okay, does anyone else have the trouble I do with crimps? I get the “C” shape easily enough, but when I try to turn the crimp and make the second pinch, instead of tightening it, the second pinch makes the crimp bead round again and the whole thing slides apart. Also, when trying the second crimp, the silly thing twists and slips making it difficult to even get it lined up properly.
I’m certain this is just inexperienced “operator” error, but I HATE having my pieces fall apart. Anyone have hints for this?
On Sep 20, 2011 at 10:26 pm #
S Wagner says:This is the first I have ever heard of the “C” shape, I have read where you put the bead at the “back” crimping hole on your pliers first, THEN when you are ready to do a flip over you move it up front, on it’s side. These must be entirely two different ways to crimp. Haven’t tried the c yet, but will for sure try it. Should make putting the crimp ball on easier.
On Dec 31, 2011 at 12:41 pm #
A Swaim says:Enjoy your site, Thank you Ann
On Apr 05, 2012 at 2:02 pm #
Snowy says:I seem to have problems with the crimp beads breaking. That’s so frustrating. Any idea what I am doing wrong??
On Apr 06, 2012 at 4:56 pm #
Noemi A says:same here. thought i was the only one with crimping problems
On Aug 21, 2012 at 4:05 pm #
C Bradshaw says:I am just learning how to crimp beads and I have the problem because the crimp beads are so small but i am still trying. those little beads can make you so mad.
On Dec 10, 2012 at 5:05 pm #
Evangelina says:I’ve never tried this before….or tried any jewelry making before, but by reading the directions, I don’t really understand how to do it. An anyone explain?
On Dec 10, 2012 at 5:08 pm #
Evangelina says:Do you make the wire long enough for the whole bracelet?
On Dec 11, 2012 at 8:52 am #
Kate says:EvangelinaT, check out this video on a simple wire bracelet: http://www.limabeads.com/The-S.....acelet-T58 It’ll give you a good starting place when thinking about what all you’ll need.
On Dec 11, 2012 at 10:05 pm #
Evangelina says:Thanks, Kate:) I’ll check it out. You can call me Eva. It’s shorter.
On Dec 11, 2012 at 10:10 pm #
Evangelina says:I typed in the website but it said the page had been removed from the website:(
It’s probably just my iPad. It always does these kinds of things.
On Mar 27, 2013 at 8:10 am #
Inna D says:Found a lot of useful information on the site! Thank you very much)