Tips & Techniques
Get tips and techniques to become a better beader at Lima Beads.
Chatter
on “Make a Wire Wrapped Bead Link”:“I was trained to use a pair of chain nose pliers to manipulate the wire being…” read »
on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:“I agree -- E6000 is the absolute best!…” read »
- 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 »
- on “Using Vintaj Patinas”:
“I just taught a class with middle school children and one painted on a silver piece…” read »
on “Adding a Focal to Patricia Healey Chain”:“Absolutely Gorgeous! I can't wait to use this!…” read »
- on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:
“I need 1 egg for 50…” read »
- on “Making a Fish Tail Braid”:
“This is great! My mom didn't know what to do with my thick curly hair so…” read »
- on “Using the Sliding Square Knot”:
“How much cord do you use for the knot?…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I want to string the wool beads together with elastic thread in a needle. Which…” read »
on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:“Love the instructions, but which stretch cord are you using? I don't see one like it…” read »
- 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 »
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 »
on “Using Colourful Soul Jewelry Pop-Outs & Ultimate Paints”:“*Squeaks with excitement* …” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“You carry the most beautiful beads, bar none. I tie a surgeon’s knot for more security,…” read »
- on “Using Vintaj Patinas”:
“Has anyone tried to use the patinas on coins?…” read »
- on “Using The Magic Finding”:
“Where can we buy the magic finding. It is not in your product list.…” read »
- 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 »
- on “Hammering Texture on a Blank”:
“Do you sell textured hammers and blocks I can't find?…” read »
on “Using a Hand Punch”:“Can I use it to open holes in Saint medals???…” read »
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 »
- on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“To cover a sz 2 crimp tube, 4mm would be ideal. 3mm would fit, but it…” read »
- on “Using a Leather Cord Crimp End”:
“Hi, I am new to working with leather and end caps or any other finishing findings,…” read »
- on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“What size of a crimp cover would you use, for a size 2 crimp tube?…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“Excellent tutorial and superb photos. Cute bracelet!…” read »
- on “Coloring Metal with Alcohol Inks”:
“I just started working with alcohol inks. Most people who use the medium use Krylon Kamar…” read »
on “Crystal Clay”:“Tried to be good…” read »
- on “Non-Identical Twins”:
“I have always loved this idea! It really resonates with me. Interesting to see…” read »
- on “String a Guru Bead on a Mala Necklace”:
“I, too, need to know how to attach a tassel to the guru bead.…” read »
- on “Wire Wrap a Bail on a Teardrop”:
“thank you. I've always wanted to try this…” read »
on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:“I made one bracelet for my granddaughter and one for myself. They are easy and…” read »
on “How to make a paper bead”:“Interesting that paper beads are "in" again... Nearly 50 years ago, crafters (including my grandma) were…” read »
on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:“Because of the constant abuse they usually get, glue is not an ideal hold for jump…” read »
on “Wrap Loom Basics”:“Moogie is right, if you need an answer from Lima you'll need to use the customer…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I’ve read in other tutorials to cut the elastic cord length needed and lightly pull each…” read »
- on “Using the Square Knot”:
“Perfect illustration and instruction for a knot-challenged brain …” read »
on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:“These look like fun to make bracelets, and even more fun to wear.…” read »
- on “Using Lillypilly Metal Sheets & Discs”:
“I completely fell in love with the color of these little LillyPilly sheets and ordered my…” read »
on “The Simple Wire Bracelet”:“Nice tutorial. For me, I would need more visual. The camera needs to be closer…” read »
- on “How to set a Nunn Design Glass Dome”:
“Beautiful design!…” read »
- on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“Tip:If I have miss judged my project, I have found I can use a crimp cover…” read »
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:
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Step 1: Hold either side of the jump rings using pliers. I prefer to use chain nose in my right hand and the back of my bent nose in the other hand. You can use your fingers, but they aren't as steady and you can hurt the tips of your fingers if you are working with a heavier gauge. |
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Step 2: With your pliers, move the ring apart, separating back and forth rather than side to side. If you separate side to side, you will have a very difficult time trying to get the jump ring to close properly and will more than likely not be able to regain the round shape. |
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Step 3: Once you have attached your open jump ring to a clasp, charm, chain, etc, you now close the jump ring the same way you opened it. As you bring the ends together, make sure to have them bump into each other. This creates a firmer connection at the opening. |
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Step 4: TIP: If you find that you have followed these steps and still do not have a closed jump ring, I recommend gently tapping the jump ring on a nylon block using a plastic mallet. Make sure to only tap a couple times and then turn so that the shape stays maintained. The combination of this and working the ends back and forth with your pliers will help the jump ring come together nicely. |
Designs using this Technique:
Buy Products from this Technique
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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!