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 »
WireLace is a ribbon woven with very fine wires of brass, copper and/or aluminum. It’s bonded with an enamel coating to create a variety of stunning colors. It’s flexible and forgiving, so it’s a great way to work a new texture into your designs. Below you’ll find some facts & fun ways to get started with WireLace.
Facts about WireLace
Nickel-free: ideal for persons with nickel-allergies or for creating jewelry for countries with a ban on certain products containing nickel.
Waterproof: great for fiber crafts, jewelry and sewing where items may get wet or need to be gently hand washed.
Heat resistant: a great embellishment for use in low heat projects (under 275 degrees). Bake directly into polymer clay; adorn lampshades, hot-glue into scrapbooks. Note: certain colors (primarily copper) can change slightly when heated so advance testing is always recommended.
What can you do with WireLace?
- Expand it to create lacy waves up to 3 times its width (except for the 1mm WireLace, which doesn’t expand)
- Use it like a flat ribbon
- Knot it or braid it
- Insert beads, string or wire inside (except for the 1mm WireLace, which is not tubular)
- Thread it through beads and charms
- Bake it directly into polymer clay
- Knit, crochet, weave or sew with it
Stringing with WireLace
You can use WireLace to string beads like you would use any other stringing material. If you don’t want to use crimp beads to keep your adornments in place on the ribbon, use G-S Hypo Cement to create a floating look.
Create a “needle” by twisting the end of the WireLace and adding a dab of G-S Hypo Cement to the tip. Trim the tip at an angle, and string it through beads. |
To hold your beads in place on the WireLace, apply cement to the ribbon and slide the bead over the adhesive. |
Wrap it, knot it, and twist it! WireLace can add stunning color and texture to any of your stringing projects. |
Expanding WireLace
WireLace can expand from its flat shape into 3-dimensional forms (except for the 1mm width, which is not tubular). You can create wavy shapes, and thread other items through the ribbon to create a layered look.
Use a large blunt-ended needle (like a yarn needle) to open up the end of the ribbon, then insert thread, wire, cord or beads inside the tube. It will help keep the lacy waves from stretching out if you thread a wire through the tube first, and string on the beads second. |
Insert a wire or other object into the WireLace to create shapes. Watch out for sharp ends, though! It’s easy to get caught in the tiny mesh. |
Finishing the Ends
The ends of the ribbon can be finished off using cones or special clamshell clasps.
For a fast & easy way to finish off WireLace, use a clamshell endcap and squeeze it closed. Multiple strands of WireLace ribbon fit easily into one of the clamshells. |
Another approach is to tie the WireLace on an eyepin, and thread it through a cone end. Curl the end of the eyepin to make a hook. |
Read the comments (or add your own)
Add your thoughts!
On Nov 17, 2011 at 4:07 pm #
cluny says:I can’t wait to use this! I’ve only used this once before, and then couldn’t find what I wanted. Great choice here.
Cluny
On Nov 17, 2011 at 4:56 pm #
D Killian says:I can’t wait to try this. I have all kinds of ideas just from seeing this!!
On Nov 17, 2011 at 10:38 pm #
B Cook says:looks cool. I’ve seen it used in magazines and books but at this time I think I’m a bit scared to try it just yet–maybe in the future if I feel like trying something new.
On Nov 18, 2011 at 4:41 am #
trinkets says:I have been using it for a few years now, but was called “wire mesh”
It is easy to work with & makes stunning pieces of jewelry.
On Nov 18, 2011 at 9:41 am #
Steph says:I love you for getting this, LB is the best.
On Nov 18, 2011 at 12:06 pm #
Karen aka kidsauthor says:Wow, this looks really neat to use, I must order some in time for the hoildays. You guys are awesome for all the different types of fun things to use in our jewelry creations!
On Nov 25, 2011 at 7:14 am #
H Boyd says:This looks like fun to use. I’d seen it in magazines but couldn’t find any on websites. I think I’ll be trying my hand at this.
On Nov 25, 2011 at 4:25 pm #
g Fenton says:Just received my wirelace, can’t wait to try it:)
On Nov 27, 2011 at 5:21 pm #
VotreSante says:Looks Great. I will be ordering some soon!!
On Jan 15, 2012 at 3:14 pm #
Morene k says:looks great. I will be ordering some soon. I am always looking for someething new to add to my favorite pastime.
On Apr 03, 2012 at 3:58 pm #
Lynnreedy40 says:I seen this on the Martha Stewart Show and have been searching forever for this wire mesh !! I can’t wait to put my order in !!
On Apr 04, 2012 at 3:46 pm #
Chickie Nonnie T says:Fantastic!
On Jun 17, 2012 at 9:55 am #
Clayre T says:My sister just sent me some of this wire and I was not sure how to use it. Thanks for having this tip. I cant wait to try this.
On Jan 27, 2013 at 6:18 pm #
Frances H says:I have seen pieces done with wire lace but did not know where to get it…
On Jan 28, 2013 at 10:37 am #
dotea says:Just found you, hope we have a good relationship.
On Feb 11, 2013 at 6:42 pm #
Batticat says:I’m excited about this too! I would like to try the 1mm to thread beads . Does anyone know if crystal bicones will fit on it, 6 or 8 mm? Also, I wonder if the 1mm can be squeezed through a 1mm or smaller bead hole, or does it keep a 1mm width even if pressure is applied?
On Feb 14, 2013 at 1:30 pm #
Kate says:Batticat, I think with a little patience, you’d be able to get that 1mm wire lace through a 1mm drill hole.