Learn at Lima Beads!
Get tips and techniques to become a better beader at Lima Beads.
Chatter
- FromTheBunker on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:
“I used a generic version of E6000 on my doll house build. No smell at all,…” read »
- katherinesmith2004 on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:
“How do I save this tip/technique?…” read »
- Daisy D on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:
“I am talking about the enamel. beads…” read »
- Daisy D on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:
“How do you bury the knots when using all small beads? Daisy…” read »
- Wild Mustard on “Wire Wrap a 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 “Fish Tail Braid How-To”:
“This is great! My mom didn't know what to do with my thick curly hair so…” read »
- Krp309 on “Tying the Sliding Square Knot”:
“How much cord do you use for the knot?…” read »
- S Brewer on “Stretch Bracelet How-To”:
“I want to string the wool beads together with elastic thread in a needle. Which…” read »
- Kat R on “Stretch Bracelet How-To”:
“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 “Stretch Bracelet How-To”:
“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 “Stretch Bracelet How-To”:
“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 “Stretch Bracelet How-To”:
“I’ve read in other tutorials to cut the elastic cord length needed and lightly pull each…” read »
- K Manley on “Tying 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 »
DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets
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:
Designs using this Technique:
Read the comments (or add your own)
Add your thoughts!
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On Dec 10, 2023 at 3:05 am
YOU say:

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
On Jul 12, 2023 at 5:25 pm #
Daisy D says:How do you bury the knots when using all small beads?
Daisy
On Jul 12, 2023 at 5:27 pm #
Daisy D says:I am talking about the enamel. beads
On Sep 24, 2023 at 2:22 pm #
katherinesmith2004 says:How do I save this tip/technique?