Tips & Techniques
Get tips and techniques to become a better beader at Lima Beads.
Chatter
on “Using The Magic Finding”:“I have had Magic Findings in my findings for years. It is nice to have them used,…” read »
on “Making a Shamballa Bracelet”:“Love this jewelry . Yes I am going to join in and start making them too…” read »
on “Finishing Large Acrylic Chain”:“LOVE THOSE BIG CHAINS!!!…” read »
on “Making a Memory Wire bracelet”:“Have been experimenting with memory wire off and on. Got frustrated becs. bracelets I…” read »
on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:“I use e-6000 for everything and anything...even on my shoe!!! But seriously, I set stones…” read »
- on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:
“About the glues-I use E6000 for all my projects. It is very fast drying and…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“Ready to start making men's jewelry, I think this is the place I can order…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“Love these..great look..super easy!…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I never thought about using a bail slide.Thanks for that idea.…” read »
on “Using a Leather Cord Crimp End”:“You can use Super New glue, just one drop, to an end such as this--https://www.limabeads.com/Antique-Silver-plated-Square-Loop-End-5x8mm-P32130. Of course…” read »
- on “String a Guru Bead on a Mala Necklace”:
“I have big Pearl wirh one hole and I want to use it as pendant on…” read »
- on “Using a Leather Cord Crimp End”:
“Hello, I have a leather band of 5mm I do not know what to buy to…” read »
on “Adding a Focal to Patricia Healey Chain”:“I am a really gigantic fan of Patricia Healey's designs. I really love it that she…” read »
- on “Using ‘Swellegant’ Metal Coatings & Colorants”:
“It would probably be best if you visit Christi Friesen's site & ask the question there.…” read »
- on “Using ‘Swellegant’ Metal Coatings & Colorants”:
“Can the patina's or Swellegant line be mixed with epoxy to make a color for inlay?…” read »
- on “Crimping Basics”:
“thank you so much for this tutorial! you guys are great! love your site love your…” read »
on “D.I.Y. Tassels”:“I like the twine chosen. The varied pastel colors look so soft and pretty.…” read »
- on “Make a Bolo Necklace”:
“Leave it up to LIMA BEADS to bring us the latest, coolest and best findings and…” read »
on “Using the Snake Knot”:“Oops, wrong pic sent. Square knots between beads...…” read »
- on “Using Collapsible Beading Needles”:
“Love your site. Your selection of charms, beads, and supplies is a feast for jewelry artists.…” read »
- on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“Using Chinese Knotting Cord 0.8mm Tibetan Agate matte 8mm, African Turq 6mm Joesphine macrame knot …” read »
- on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“Love this knot! It holds the bead in place and keeps it from spinning when I…” read »
- on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“Wow this is gonna be fun learning!…” read »
on “Using the Snake Knot”:“I will definitely try this. Tana R -- Thanks for the heads up.…” read »
- on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“8mm gemstone rounds that 2 strands did not fit through that I tried: African Turquoise Tibetan Agate…” read »
- on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“Got my order today to make bracelets using 8mm gemstone rounds, Chinese Knotting Cord 0.8mm using…” read »
- on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“I am definitely going to try this! I love the look of knotted work, but have…” read »
on “Using the Snake Knot”:“Oooooohhhhh ... this looks so cool, absolutely something I'll try.
…” read »
on “Using the Snake Knot”:“Thank you for the written and visual instructions for the snake knot! I found the…” read »
- on “Using a Helicopter Punch”:
“I'm using alcohol inks on your blanks and having a great time, experimenting.…” read »
on “DIY Pom-Poms”:“Who knew? A fork of all things! Looks like a fun way to make pom poms.…” read »
- on “DIY Pom-Poms”:
“Depending on where you tie it, you could make tiny tassels too. Thanks for the…” read »
- on “DIY Pom-Poms”:
“Brilliant, with a greater chance of uniformity than i am used to!…” read »
on “DIY Pom-Poms”:“A fork?! Of course! Brilliant! These are too cute! Time to go check out the bakers…” read »
- on “DIY Pom-Poms”:
“What an easy way to make pompoms!…” read »
- on “DIY Pom-Poms”:
“Adorable! I bet these would make cute earrings.…” read »
- on “Coloring Metal with Alcohol Inks”:
“I am excited to start using alcohol inks and especially on metel.…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“Hi! Do you have any suggestions on a way to possibly tighten my threat on a…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“Great video instructions but I wondered if you have ever created a PDF for it? I…” read »
- on “Rejuvenating Gilders Paste”:
“Alas, I've tried Gamsol too, with the same poor results - grainy, thinly tinted Gamsol. …” read »
If you’re wondering how to turn our large acrylic chain into a finished necklace, we’ve got instructions and links to supplies in this tip. You’ll need the following supplies:
Step 1 (above) – Gather your supplies. You will need 2 segments of a large curb or cable chain measuring 1.5-2” each; 1 clasp; acrylic chain; pliers. I recommend using 2 pairs of bent nose pliers, but flat nose will also work.
Step 2 (above) – You are going to need to remove some acrylic links so that your necklace will lay nicely as a 21” necklace (approx). This is very easy to do, simply take 2 links and slip them off the chain along the slit in the link. You will need to gently pull the links. Do this at both ends. These leftover links will come in handy for other projects 
Step 3 (above) – With clasp attached to the chain, link your finishing chain to your acrylic chain, along the slit in the end links on the acrylic chain. That’s it!
Designs using this Tip:
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On Aug 25, 2017 at 10:27 am #
H Libercent says:LOVE THOSE BIG CHAINS!!!