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:
With leather lacing and wire, you can create a fun little link to use in your projects.
Components:
The products featured in this tip are listed below.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Step 1: Cut a 3” strip of leather lacing. |
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Step 2: Cut a 10” length of 22 gauge wire. |
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Step 3: Spread Lima Studios 2-part epoxy onto the inside end of the strip of leather lacing. |
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Step 4: Fold over a little more than halfway and press down. |
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Step 5: Spread 2-part epoxy onto the outside end of the strip of leather lacing you just folded over. |
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Step 6: Fold the other end over top of the opposing end and press down. |
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Step 7: Hold together until epoxy is dry. Flat nose pliers work well. |
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Step 8: Bend a piece of wire flat against the leather where you intend to wire wrap. |
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Step 9: Tightly wrap wire over that length spacing the wraps a little further apart as you go. |
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Step 10: Using a nylon block and a plastic mallet, tap the wire to make it flush with the leather. Wrap wire back up the leather, filling in the gaps. Stop halfway and use the mallet to flatten it again. Then, finish your wrap and use the mallet again. |
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Step 11: Taking the end 4mm of the wire, bend using your chain nose pliers and insert in between the leather loop at the end and tap it into place using the nylon block and the plastic mallet. |
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Step 12: You link should look like a pinched figure eight from the side. |
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Step 13: This is not supposed to look perfect, but “natural.” As always, you can make your wire wrapping as messy or neat as you prefer. |
Buy Products from this Technique
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On Jun 16, 2011 at 2:57 pm #
shimmer chick says:love this.. I have some leather that I have been dying to use… this will be fun.
On Sep 27, 2011 at 3:32 pm #
Sherry from Belton Tx says:Then how do we use the leather link?
On Sep 29, 2011 at 2:07 pm #
M Flesch says:One tip: bend under the outer end of the wire to make a totally smooth wrap. It really helps keep it smooth even if the wire comes a little loose.
On Nov 04, 2011 at 9:07 am #
Tricia O says:You could use it just like it was a section of chain! Attach with jump rings or wrapped wire between beads, between more of the same sections, or even between any two things you like.
On Mar 15, 2013 at 4:12 pm #
JIGS1354 says:Hi just found this beading site.Watched the video on the leather link and to me the 22 gauge wire looks so big around. Would it look better with a smaller gauge and still work as well as the 22g? I have not used wire yet but want to try it.I just got some leather cord (round) could that work as well for this leather link? I just got back into jewelry making and love it all over again. I’ve been making the safety pin earings & pins to wear, love them.
jigs1354/Tn.
On Mar 20, 2013 at 11:42 am #
Kate says:24 or 26g wire should work just fine with this technique– the glue holds the leather and the wire is a bit of an extra embellishment of texture and color. A leather link like this easily adds interest to any bracelet or necklace. I think you could probably use round leather cord, but it might not be as flush as using this flat cord…
On Mar 28, 2013 at 12:58 pm #
The Easter Beady says:This makes such a professional-looking component!