Tips & Techniques
Learn at Lima Beads!
Get tips and techniques to become a better beader at Lima Beads.
Chatter
- Wild Mustard on “Make a Wire Wrapped Bead Link”:
“I was trained to use a pair of chain nose pliers to manipulate the wire being…” read »
- Balthazar on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:
“I agree -- E6000 is the absolute best!…” read »
- Susanannellis on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:
“I don't use epoxy on any of the jewelry I make, plus depending on the temperature…” read »
- donnaruiz60 on “Using Vintaj Patinas”:
“I just taught a class with middle school children and one painted on a silver piece…” read »
- Scavenger on “Adding a Focal to Patricia Healey Chain”:
“Absolutely Gorgeous! I can't wait to use this!…” read »
- Nini H on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:
“I need 1 egg for 50…” read »
- angmoore2011 on “Making a Fish Tail Braid”:
“This is great! My mom didn't know what to do with my thick curly hair so…” read »
- Krp309 on “Using the Sliding Square Knot”:
“How much cord do you use for the knot?…” read »
- S Brewer on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I want to string the wool beads together with elastic thread in a needle. Which…” read »
- Kat R on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“Love the instructions, but which stretch cord are you using? I don't see one like it…” read »
- S Wahl on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:
“No photo, sorry. I'm really in a bracelet "phase". I tried figuring this out on my…” read »
- BevB on “Using Colourful Soul Jewelry Pop-Outs & Ultimate Paints”:
“Vintaj came out with this line in July. I am glad to see LB is selling…” read »
- Petunia on “Using Colourful Soul Jewelry Pop-Outs & Ultimate Paints”:
“*Squeaks with excitement* …” read »
- J Jackowitz on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“You carry the most beautiful beads, bar none. I tie a surgeon’s knot for more security,…” read »
- T M on “Using Vintaj Patinas”:
“Has anyone tried to use the patinas on coins?…” read »
- Jona M on “Using The Magic Finding”:
“Where can we buy the magic finding. It is not in your product list.…” read »
- Delia C on “Quick and Easy Ornament Hangers”:
“These are so pretty. I've been looking for a "template" for ear wires/cuffs. I think these…” read »
- Powells70 on “Hammering Texture on a Blank”:
“Do you sell textured hammers and blocks I can't find?…” read »
- Eglis T on “Using a Hand Punch”:
“Can I use it to open holes in Saint medals???…” read »
- Stingray on “Using a Leather Cord Crimp End”:
“A good starting point for necklaces would be 2mm(ideal for .5"-1.5" pendants). For larger pendants(1.5"+) 3,…” read »
- Stingray on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“To cover a sz 2 crimp tube, 4mm would be ideal. 3mm would fit, but it…” read »
- LisaK on “Using a Leather Cord Crimp End”:
“Hi, I am new to working with leather and end caps or any other finishing findings,…” read »
- T Hudson on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“What size of a crimp cover would you use, for a size 2 crimp tube?…” read »
- Tater on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“Excellent tutorial and superb photos. Cute bracelet!…” read »
- Pearl M on “Coloring Metal with Alcohol Inks”:
“I just started working with alcohol inks. Most people who use the medium use Krylon Kamar…” read »
- mmmagique on “Crystal Clay”:
“Tried to be good…” read »
- T Lehr on “Non-Identical Twins”:
“I have always loved this idea! It really resonates with me. Interesting to see…” read »
- A Novo on “String a Guru Bead on a Mala Necklace”:
“I, too, need to know how to attach a tassel to the guru bead.…” read »
- terryhardee on “Wire Wrap a Bail on a Teardrop”:
“thank you. I've always wanted to try this…” read »
- TLC on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:
“I made one bracelet for my granddaughter and one for myself. They are easy and…” read »
- K McPhail on “How to make a paper bead”:
“Interesting that paper beads are "in" again... Nearly 50 years ago, crafters (including my grandma) were…” read »
- Stingray on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:
“Because of the constant abuse they usually get, glue is not an ideal hold for jump…” read »
- Stingray on “Wrap Loom Basics”:
“Moogie is right, if you need an answer from Lima you'll need to use the customer…” read »
- Joy T on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I’ve read in other tutorials to cut the elastic cord length needed and lightly pull each…” read »
- K Manley on “Using the Square Knot”:
“Perfect illustration and instruction for a knot-challenged brain …” read »
- dolllady aka Pam on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:
“These look like fun to make bracelets, and even more fun to wear.…” read »
- angmoore2011 on “Using Lillypilly Metal Sheets & Discs”:
“I completely fell in love with the color of these little LillyPilly sheets and ordered my…” read »
- E moccaldi on “The Simple Wire Bracelet”:
“Nice tutorial. For me, I would need more visual. The camera needs to be closer…” read »
- Dusty Rose on “How to set a Nunn Design Glass Dome”:
“Beautiful design!…” read »
- R Duhon on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“Tip:If I have miss judged my project, I have found I can use a crimp cover…” read »
Closing A Jump Ring
About this Tip:
If you've been making jewelry, chances are you've had problems getting jump rings to work exactly the way you want them to.
Components:
The products featured in this tip are listed below.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Designs using this Technique:
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You are viewing all 6 items.
You are viewing all 6 items.

On Sep 08, 2011 at 10:36 am #
QTWIQ says:Awesome! I am a knitter and use beads in my knitting and make my own stitchmarkers using jump rings and beads. Now I know how to keep them round.
On Sep 28, 2011 at 5:23 pm #
Jane MS says:Thank you for this. I have taught myself most of what I know. Most sources gloss over the basics like they are no big deall and and you will always do it perfectly.
On Oct 02, 2011 at 9:54 am #
S Wagner says:No matter how hard I try, and believe me when I say I have tried, I cannot get the ring to make that click sound everyone talks about! It worrie’s me that the piece I make will come apart on me! Can you solder them closed I wonder? Anyone know about this? Thanks!
On Oct 04, 2011 at 3:00 am #
juku7 says:Jump rings are usually the bane of my jewelry making existence. I have never used the bent nose pliers in closing them. Will give it a shot.
On Oct 12, 2011 at 12:25 pm #
qltldy10 says:I also would like to know more about jump rings. Twice I have tried using silver ones to join 2 chains to a clasp- the silver is soft and opens right up and the chains fall off, lol…
On Nov 16, 2011 at 1:33 am #
beaded banana says:i sometimes use small crimp pliers to hold one end. dunno why, maybe it’s the shape of the handle, but it seems to work for me. although i do have to be careful of tool marks.
i’ve come across jump rings from other stores that have rough and what seems like uneven edges, making it hard to close properly. i get that ‘click’ but it’s because part of the ring has touched but not all of it.
On Apr 04, 2012 at 10:27 pm #
Betsie C says:This is something I will try, for sure!! I always have problems with these and I think you are right, if you go back and forth makes a lot of sense!
On Apr 05, 2012 at 5:53 am #
beaded banana says:I have had problems with rings sliding out of bent nose pliers. Weird, I know…
On Jun 26, 2012 at 5:32 pm #
desert beader says:That’s the only way to open a jump ring. I learned the hard way, trial and error
On Jun 26, 2012 at 5:34 pm #
desert beader says:That’s the AONLY way to opren a jump ring. I learned the hard way, trial and error.
On Jul 06, 2013 at 11:11 am #
Redroses says:So glad I found our site, will definitely be ordering in the near future.
On Jan 13, 2014 at 12:27 am #
91dazie says:Have just started in making earrings. Enjoy your site because you include kits or information about making a specific earrings. Have a lot to learn…
On Jun 05, 2015 at 9:37 pm #
barbies baubbles and bea says:hey all you beaders,i love shopping at lima beads.everything ive gotten from them has been awesome.never a problem.i also like going through the directions for new jewelry.i always come away with all different ideas.keep up the great job lima beads.do you have a shop in ann arbor?we go home to Michigan several times a year if you have a shop. we would love to.stop and shop.barbies baubles and beads
On Jun 09, 2016 at 5:33 pm #
K krupa says:I will try this technique as well. I seem to have more jump rings on the floor, instead of my jewelry! Thank you for the tip!