Tips & Techniques
Get tips and techniques to become a better beader at Lima Beads.
Chatter
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 »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“Gabriele P: the stretch cording comes in black and clear. They used black here.…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“best tutorial I've read in a long time. i'll be making some tonight!…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I enjoy the tutorials.…” read »
on “Wire Wrapped Cover on a Teardrop”:“I like the messy look! I think it's a lot more fun to create whimsical piece!…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“What about fireline? I know that the colors are not as plentiful as all the others.…” read »
on “Finishing Large Acrylic Chain”:“I love those! Thanks!…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“The stretch material used in this tutorial doesn’t seem like the one listed. Can someone please…” read »
- on “Using The Magic Finding”:
“After watching the videos, I decided to purchase tool and components and try it myself. A…” read »
- on “String a Guru Bead on a Mala Necklace”:
“Yikes, I’m having the worst time trying to string that 20mm African turquoise guru bead. This…” read »
- on “Make a Birthstone Pendant”:
“They don’t carry it anymore:(…” read »
- on “Make a Birthstone Pendant”:
“How can I buy the bezel tag? I cannot find it on your site! …” read »
- on “Making a Fish Tail Braid”:
“Wonderfully easy to follow tutorial! Love the design results! Will be trying this knot.…” read »
- on “Making a Shamballa Bracelet”:
“Does the cord used have to be Chinese Knotting Cord or would C-Lon work?…” read »
- on “Make a Birthstone Pendant”:
“Love the idea, where can I find the bezel tag. Every time I search for bezel…” read »
- on “Preparing and Using Resin”:
“Please try using customer service to ask your questions!…” 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!