Tips & Techniques
Get tips and techniques to become a better beader at Lima Beads.
Chatter
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 »
on “Creating a Leather Link”:“This makes such a professional-looking component!…” read »
About this Tip:
Enjoy wire wrapping? Here's a "messier" take on wire wrapping a bail that creates a cone on a teardrop.
Components:
The products featured in this tip are listed below.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Step 1: Cut enough wire and string it through your teardrop. I sometimes wrap a piece of string around the teardrop to approximate the length of wire I’ll need. |
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Step 2: Bend wire with your fingers at both ends of hole and cross wire ends over each other. You want one longer end and one end that is only about 1.5” long. |
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Step 3: Using your chain nose pliers bend the longer end so that it points straight up. |
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Step 4: Using your chain nose pliers, grip both ends of wire just below where they cross, so that they can be secure while you wrap the shorter end. Wrap the shorter end twice around the longer end beginning at the bend to look like a coil. Using your wire cutters, cut the piece you just wrapped close the coil. |
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Step 5: Bend the wire at a 90-degree angle up from the coil. |
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Step 6: While keeping your grip with the round nose pliers, wrap the wire over the top round nose. |
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Step 7: Begin wrapping around... |
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Step 8: … and around and around until you get to just below the drill hole on the bead. You can do this perfect and neat or a bit messy if you prefer. |
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Step 9: Remove your wire cutters and snip the wire, leaving a bit to bend with your chain nose pliers. |
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Step 10: Using your chain nose pliers, tuck the small, bent end back up into the wrapping. |
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Step 11: Here is a finished example of a messier wire wrapped cap bail on a teardrop. |
Buy Products from this Technique
You are viewing all 5 items.
| Piece | $1.20 | OUT OF STOCK | |
Artistic Wire Bare Copper 20 gauge, 15 yards
BACK IN STOCK!
| 15 yd. spool | $4.40 | OUT OF STOCK | |
| Piece | $9.40 |
| Piece | $23.90 |
| Piece | $23.90 |
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On Jun 04, 2011 at 5:38 pm #
Steve says:I love this one! That messy wire wrapping is a cool touch.
On Aug 12, 2011 at 12:36 pm #
Joann B says:Liked the tutorial but one problem I have is having enough space between the wire and the stone to tuck it in after completing the wrap. I tried but it made the wrap uncoil.
On Aug 15, 2011 at 6:31 pm #
Jewelry by Shannon says:Joann B, you could also finish the end by bringing the wire diagonally across the recently wrapped section, hold it with your thumb and wrap it around the very top of the loop formed at the top. Trim the loose end and you are set … no need try to tuck in the loose end! SLS
On Oct 04, 2011 at 3:15 am #
juku7 says:I like that idea, Shannon
On Oct 06, 2011 at 8:17 pm #
ZUBEAJAY says:personally, i dont like the messy look, though i know its popular right now. and to me this style covers up too much of the stone.
On Oct 15, 2011 at 7:21 am #
celticivy says:I’m in the same boat as Zubeajay, I understand it’s become popular, I remember seeing the style and I made a face and went ”eeeewwwwww’
On Jan 05, 2012 at 1:43 pm #
Nancy Mc says:Thanks Shannon! Wire tucking is a killer! Kudos to the people who have mastered it tho. :+)
On Mar 20, 2012 at 12:42 pm #
M Clevenger says:How do we know how much wire is “enough”? Also, what guage are they using? The supply list says 20, but it sure doesn’t look like 20 in the photos.
On May 05, 2013 at 12:35 am #
K rode says:I like the messy version and the regular one depending on the look of the piece. I have not mastered the wire tuck so I just wrap up to topand around again.
Fun!!
On May 13, 2013 at 12:10 pm #
Kate says:Looks great, KRode!