Tips & Techniques
Get tips and techniques to become a better beader at Lima Beads.
Chatter
on “How to make a paper bead”:“Does this kit tell u how to make the smaller beads shown in the detailed photo…” read »
on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:“I just finished up a triple wrap using the C-Lon size D, seems to be holding…” read »
on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:“Just found out about your site from my son's teacher. Awesome variety of products and…” read »
on “Make a Transparent Resin Frame”:“Gaea-- what did you make!?!?!…” read »
on “Make a Transparent Resin Frame”:“Awesome! I got a chance to play with my Lima Studio resin kit over the weekend…” read »
- on “Stamping Blanks”:
“Looking forward to learning to crochet some wire.…” read »
on “Two-Row Pave Bracelet”:“I am in the process of making a third bracelet. The first two each had…” read »
- on “Using the Vintaj BIGkick™ by Sizzix”:
“Ali, would you say that fine silver 24 gauge and up would be as safe as…” read »
- on “Apply Gilders Paste To A Stamped Blank”:
“LauraW- you could, but you may want to "tooth" the piece up a bit, so that…” read »
- on “StazOn Ink Basics”:
“Well, Staz On is solvent based permanent ink ideal for non-porous and semi-porous surfaces... so I…” read »
- on “Using a Hand Punch”:
“The EuroTool punch plier can handle up to 18 gauge!…” read »
on “Using ‘Swellegant’ Metal Coatings & Colorants”:“LOVE the informative design tip spiced with humor!!! YOU ROCK!!…” read »
on “StazOn Ink Basics”:“When using this ink on leather, is there some type of sealant one could put on…” read »
- on “Using Lillypilly Metal Sheets & Discs”:
“I keep looking at these but I just can't decide what I would do with them.…” read »
- on “Using a Hand Punch”:
“How many gauge of metal can this punch handle?…” read »
- on “Apply Gilders Paste To A Stamped Blank”:
“thank you for this tutorial! I have a question-when I first started designing my own…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“perfect tutorial/video! The first one I made is still doing quite well, but the working…” read »
- on “Knitting on a Spool with Soft Flex Beading Wire”:
“I love it-looks very relaxing, like kumihimo can be, I like the questions asked, but…” read »
- 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 »
About this Tip:
We put together the following instructions to help you get started with your cab & setting projects. The steps below illustrate how to use epoxy to bond a gemstone cabohcon to a decorative setting—but the steps work for any project with our epoxy!
Components:
The products featured in this tip are listed below.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Step 1: You'll need your 5-Minute Epoxy, a cabochon, a setting, scissors, an index card, tape, and toothpicks. |
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Step 2: If this is your first time using the epoxy, cut the tip of each nozzle with scissors. |
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Step 3: Push down on the plunger to dispense epoxy evenly onto an index card (or any uncoated, unwaxed surface). Be careful, the epoxy comes out fast. When finished, wipe off the nozzles and reseal with the cap found between the syringes. |
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Step 4: Mix the epoxy thoroughly. We like to use a toothpick for this. |
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Step 5: Apply the mixed epoxy to both surfaces. A little goes a long way! |
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Step 6: Press surfaces together firmly. |
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Step 7: Clamp the piece with tape (painter's tape works great and comes off cleanly). Sets in 5 minutes and reaches full strength in 12 to 24 hours. |
Buy Products from this Technique
We only have 1 item to show you on this page!
| 30ml dual cartridge | $5.70 |
We only have 1 item to show you on this page!
On Oct 02, 2011 at 9:58 am #
S Wagner says:I have worked with epoxy before and it was a night mare! Would it be possible to use the E-6000 glue instead or not? Just wondering, Thanks to anyone who has done this and knows.
On Oct 04, 2011 at 2:53 am #
juku7 says:Great tip.
On Dec 27, 2011 at 11:13 pm #
Ali P says:I’ve tried using epoxy to stick two silver discs together (I’m fixing a ring) and the glue has not set in nearly two weeks – maybe I used too much??
On Dec 29, 2011 at 2:04 pm #
ZUBEAJAY says:im just guessing here but i think this will happen if you didnt have equal parts from each cartridge. try again and then mix well and spread thin on both clean surfaces. good luck !
On Dec 31, 2011 at 8:10 am #
Ruby Charlotte says:I want to glue a metal bail to the back of a glass square. I can’t use E6000 .Its smelly and gives me a headache. Will the epoxy work and does it smell?
On Jan 23, 2012 at 12:05 pm #
K Clark says:Epoxy does have a strange smell, but I don’t think it has the strong solvent smell of some other glues, it smells more like stinky feet!
On Feb 23, 2012 at 2:34 pm #
Lesa C says:Wow the tip about taping the cab down while it glues. I usually sit and hold it for about 5 minutes, very time consuming! Rhino glue is another great glue that will work for cabs and pearls. It does have a very strong odor. I use it outside so the fumes do not sit in my house.
On Mar 06, 2012 at 4:11 pm #
Olga A says:i only use epoxy when I need to fix a broken piece of jewelry. Otherwise I use E6000 or Amazing Craft Goop. The goop is actually nicer to work with, it doesn’t dry up as fast as E6000 and is easier to manipulate. I also dedicated some big sewing needles from my needle set for use in jewelry making. I use the sharp end to remove any unwanted glue after I press cabs or other stones down, and the thicker end of the needle to press stones down, hold them down or shift their position as I feel necessary.
On Mar 08, 2012 at 8:55 pm #
Tizzylish1 says:I’m learning which glue is best for the project I’m working on. I use the E6000 most, I will have to try the Amazing Craft Goop. I am working on a special earring, and rings with cabs., and I will try the epoxy first i hope it works.
On Mar 08, 2012 at 8:58 pm #
Tizzylish1 says:Thank You for that.
On Jun 28, 2012 at 7:45 pm #
Sonali says:I also use E6000 for all my cab work. It dries fast so the wait is minimal.
On Jul 09, 2012 at 5:00 pm #
Batticat says:Last night I spent a lot of time reading the hazard info on glues for jewelry-making. I know that E6000 is what professional jewelry-makers use, and I did use mine and noticed I didn’t feel so great after just using a small amount. I was working in a room where windows could not be open. The hazard info for that product advised to have very good ventilation. It seemed to be the only glue that could be carcinogenic if one was overexposed to it. Therefore I am going to be careful about not breathing it and only using it when some other less hazardous glue will do the job.
On Jan 20, 2013 at 1:52 pm #
Snowball says:Very good
On Feb 28, 2013 at 9:46 pm #
shepats designs says:I use E6000 too ….use a mask if the fumes bothers you. Thanks for the info.
On Mar 05, 2013 at 11:15 pm #
C Dushman says:Oh that E6000 is NASTY!!!!! Made me sick and had trouble with eyesight for days and headache. Was not exposed to it for prolonged time either. What else do you folks suggest instead? Must be something I can use to put end caps in place on Memory Wire. That stuff did not even hold. My bracelets came apart and how awful when I had sold two of them. Also for putting cabochons on bracelets??? Thanks.
On Mar 07, 2013 at 1:49 pm #
Kate says:One of the big reasons we love our LimaStudios epoxy is that it’s non-hazardous, non-flammable, & non-volatile. It’s also super sticky and fast setting. Hypo cement is another good alternative, if E6000 is irritating.