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 »
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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 »
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“This is great! My mom didn't know what to do with my thick curly hair so…” read »
- on “Using the Sliding Square Knot”:
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- 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 »
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“Has anyone tried to use the patinas on coins?…” read »
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“Where can we buy the magic finding. It is not in your product list.…” read »
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“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 »
Using our enamel tile beads, stretch cord, and a bit of adhesive, it's easy to make your own customized stretch bracelet! Show off your colors, letters, and ♥. Wear them as a single or a stack!
Supplies You'll Need
- 200mm of enamel tile beads. 25 square enamel tile beads is equivalent to 200mm. See our picture chart for bead sizes equivalents. You can always add more or less beads depending on your bracelet size preference. I selected a combination of sizes in my alma mater’s colors - Go Blue!
- Adhesive such as Super New Glue.
- 2x 24" lengths of 0.8mm elastic stretch cord.
- 2 collapsible needles. I prefer the heavy weight ones.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Gather your supplies and layout your design.
Step 2: Take your 2 lengths of elastic stretch cord and string each length through a needle. Double the cord over and secure each length with an overhand knot. I have found when knotting the stretch cord, it works best to keep the cords taut for 10 seconds before releasing after knotting so that the knot doesn’t slip apart.
Step 3: String both needles through the inside back of one side of the first enamel bead in your layout as shown. Pull the needles and cord through the holes until the knots are securely inside of the bead.
Step 4: Now that you have your first bead on, string several beads onto the needles at a time and pull down the cord. Inevitably you will need to adjust the cords as you pull the beads down. This is stretch cord after all :)
Step 5: As you string your beads, make sure you pull them snuggly together.
Step 6: Once you have all your beads strung, they should curl around like this.
Step 7: Now string the needles and cord through the open holes of the first bead that you strung.
Step 8: Pull the cords through so the bracelet loop closes with the beads snuggly together. Trim off your needles. Take the cords from each hole and tie a simple knot like you are tying a knot in your shoe laces. Remember to keep the cords taut for 10 seconds after knotting so the knot doesn’t slip apart.
Step 9: Trim the tails of your cords close to their knot and dab 1 drop of Super New Glue (or your favorite quick drying adhesive) onto the knots. It will spread, so you really don't need more than this.
Step 10: Now make some more bracelets for stacking!!!
Shop for Supplies:
Read the comments (or add your own)
Add your thoughts!
On Jan 14, 2021 at 3:00 pm #
dolllady aka Pam says:These look like fun to make bracelets, and even more fun to wear.
On Feb 17, 2021 at 3:00 pm #
TLC says:I made one bracelet for my granddaughter and one for myself. They are easy and fun to do, with great results. I love all the colors and added a few gold ones too. When the tutorial says to only use a drop of glue, be careful with this. If you add too much glue it can seep out of the holes on the side of the beads, gluing them together.
On Oct 17, 2021 at 3:44 pm #
S Wahl says:No photo, sorry.
I’m really in a bracelet “phase”. I tried figuring this out on my own, not good and was so pleased to see these wonderful instructions.
I especially like the little tips that make all the difference between a well-done project and a not-so-great result.
The tip about the superglue is spot on.
I would also add to go over your bracelet carefully before you do the final knotting and gluing. Make sure the tension is the same for each strand or you may end up with a little bend somewhere. If you do, don’t panic, these bracelets are very forgiving. Just tug and push a little and the extra cord will adjust itself.
Great work, folks!
On Apr 15, 2022 at 6:54 pm #
Nini H says:I need 1 egg for 50