Tips & Techniques
Get tips and techniques to become a better beader at Lima Beads.
Chatter
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 »
on “How to Use Colorful Enamel Accents”:“Looks like great stuff! Might try it.…” read »
on “Using ‘Swellegant’ Metal Coatings & Colorants”:“Has anyone tried the clear sealant on glass beads with special finishes? I'm thinking of Czech…” read »
- on “Preparing and Using Resin”:
“How do you use resin with an open frame and transfer sheet?…” read »
- on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:
“i'd like to hear about securing jump rings closed too. thank you, debi…” read »
on “Wrap Loom Basics”:“If you need an answer from Lima, use the customer service link. I don’t think they…” read »
- on “Wrap Loom Basics”:
“Did you ever receive an answer about them not answering questions???…” read »
- on “Finishing Large Acrylic Chain”:
“Great post! Thank you!…” read »
- on “Using the Square Knot”:
“Hi size of hemp twine ??…” read »
- on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“Are the beads large hole beads? I'll be trying this also I just book marked the…” read »
- on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“DISCLAIMER—I haven’t actually put a decorative bead in the middle of a sliding closure, but I…” read »
- on “Using Lillypilly Metal Sheets & Discs”:
“Can these sheets be die cut on a Big Kick/Big Shot machine using normal dies or…” read »
- on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“How do you get that decorative silver bead in the middle of the square knot? Also, can…” read »
- on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“How do you get that decorative silver bead in the middle of the square knot?…” read »
- on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“looking forward to learning this!…” read »
- on “DIY Pom-Poms”:
“Hi....my question is in regards to the ring used.....what is the gauge...or do you have it…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“Great tutorial, looks easy. Now I want to try it. Thanks Ali.…” read »
- on “Making a Memory Wire bracelet”:
“Good morning all, hoping to learn from everyone here. I love beads, and am hoping to…” read »
on “The Simple Wire Bracelet”:“I'M HAVING A PROBLEM KEEPING THE WIRE PROTECTOR IN PLACE ...USING ECONOFLEX NYLON COATED .019IN. WIRE.CAN.T…” read »
- on “Making a Memory Wire bracelet”:
“I love making and selling memory wire bracelets. I advertise them as "One Size Fits Most."…” read »
- on “Using The Magic Finding”:
“I have seen the crimp beads here made in gold plated brass, which are much cheaper…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“I've made a lot of these...using gemstones & Fireline doubled (2 strands). Gemstones are very hard…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I used the elastic cord for awhile,but switched to the nylon cord for more strength(.05mm),because my…” read »
- on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“I like the crimp tubes better than the beads,myself,and use a crimp cover closer to give…” read »
- on “Making a Shamballa Bracelet”:
“What kind of glue is being used in this project?…” read »
on “Using a Crimp Cover”:“Great advice! I’ve been doing it wrong for so long and getting so frustrated and wasting…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“B Tuttle - ibuse Fireline on a regular. It’s durable and can stand the pulling…” 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:
Read the comments (or add your own)
Add your thoughts!
On Aug 25, 2017 at 10:27 am #
H Libercent says:LOVE THOSE BIG CHAINS!!!
On Feb 08, 2018 at 11:23 pm #
Bugs-N-Onions says:These chains are completely fun!
On May 23, 2019 at 8:53 am #
SPARX44 says:I love those! Thanks!
On Apr 04, 2020 at 10:45 pm #
BeadsVenture says:Great post! Thank you!