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 »
The Vintaj Special Edition BIGkick™ Machine by Sizzix can emboss and etch beautiful designs onto your metal blanks using either the DecoEmboss Folders or the DecoEtch Plates. It allows you to customize seemingly endless combinations. The Vintaj BIGkick is compatible with most of the Sizzix product library and techniques as long as you use the Solo Platform & Shim that are included.
What do I need to get started?
To begin creating your own patterned metal jewelry, you’ll need a few things:
- Vintaj BIGkick™ Machine by Sizzix – this includes the Solo Platform & Shim
- One or more of the Vintaj DecoEmboss™ folders or DecoEtch™ plates
- Vintaj Reliefing Block
- If you’d like to add color, check out the Vintaj patinas, alcohol inks, and acrylic paint.
Using DecoEmboss™ Folders
1. With the DecoEmboss Die open, insert a Vintaj blank, then close like a book. Place Cutting Pad above and below the closed Folder to create a “sandwich.”
2. Slide “sandwich,” Platform and Shim into the roller opening as far as it will go. Note the rotation of the handle and continue to rotate it in the same direction until the Platform and “sandwich” have completely passed through the opening and the rollers.Using DecoEtch™ Folders
1. Place DecoEtch Die onto a Cutting Pad with foam side up. Place Vintaj blank on the die. Place another Cutting Pad over the blank to create a “sandwich.” Place “sandwich” on Solo Platform and Shim.
2. Slide “sandwich,” Platform and Shim into the roller opening as far as it will go. Note the rotation of the handle and continue to rotate it in the same direction until the Platform and “sandwich” have completely passed through the opening and the rollers.Designs using this Tip:
Read the comments (or add your own)
Add your thoughts!
On May 31, 2012 at 2:22 pm #
Jane MS says:Hmmm. My birthday is coming up. I think I know what I want.
On May 31, 2012 at 3:04 pm #
J DAVILA says:Me too!
On May 31, 2012 at 5:48 pm #
puppychick labratbecky says:My birthday is in September…. I’m probably not gonna wait that long…….
On May 31, 2012 at 6:34 pm #
Maria S 2 says:Do you have to use the special blanks or can you use copper circles, or sterling silver?
On May 31, 2012 at 11:05 pm #
Kathryn Lobert says:Have been paying homage to the picture on the Vintaj website for months. My birthday is in July. Guess I will start sending anonymous pics to my husband and kids:)
On Jun 01, 2012 at 3:51 pm #
Ali says:Maria, to be 100% safe, you could stick to Vintaj blanks. They are made form a malleable metal (brass) and are not too thick for the BIGkick machine. That said, I’ve used it with some of our copper and brass blanks and it worked fine. I would keep the metal thin (24 gauge or higher) and make sure it’s malleable.
On Jun 01, 2012 at 6:26 pm #
KWB DESIGNS says:Omg. I want one!!!
but I live in Montreal
On Jun 01, 2012 at 8:39 pm #
M Casey says:Do you need to sand the edges of the square and rectangular blanks? They appear to have sharp points.
On Jun 02, 2012 at 8:54 am #
Ali says:M Casey, You could sand or buff the edges if you prefer, but I haven’t found this to be necessary. The corners aren’t too sharp
On Jul 23, 2012 at 2:59 am #
Collie says:Love the technique! Can you safely run this through the Cuttlebug or Vagabond?
On Aug 03, 2012 at 4:08 pm #
J leithauser says:i would also like to know if this can go through the cuttlebug – Thanks
On Aug 07, 2012 at 11:51 am #
Kate says:Hi Collie & J leithuaser– Since we don’t carry the Cuttlebug or Vagabond machines, I can’t speak with personal experience on the matter, but it seems like these blanks should be compatible. It really comes down to thickness: if you do try other-brand products with your machine and it gives a lot of resistance as you run it through, I’d advise to halt progress so you don’t damage your machine!
On Feb 25, 2013 at 11:10 pm #
K RUPPE says:I JUST BOUGHT THIS MACHINE AND BOY WHAT FUN I’VE BEEN HAVING WITH IT. I’M HOPING TO LEARN MORE THINGS I CAN DO WITH IT. ANY IDEAS FROM OTHERS WHO HAVE IT?
On Jun 02, 2013 at 12:58 am #
R Wolfe says:Ali, would you say that fine silver 24 gauge and up would be as safe as your experimentation with copper and brass?