Tips & Techniques
Get tips and techniques to become a better beader at Lima Beads.
Chatter
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 »
- on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“Great tips maybe my covers won't look so horrible now thanks a lot. Lisa Aceto…” read »
- on “Rejuvenating Gilders Paste”:
“Thank you Thank you Thank you!!! I have been looking for what to do with my…” read »
on “How to Use Colorful Enamel Accents”:“Would love it if they also came in metallics-gold, silver, copper, etc. I'd use a…” read »
- on “Using Tassel Caps”:
“How would you attach a bead/tiny crystal tassel to a tassel cap that does not have…” read »
- on “Wire Wrap a Bail on a Teardrop”:
“I love this. I could make a great pair of earrings with this way of…” read »
- on “String a Guru Bead on a Mala Necklace”:
“Thank goodness you have examples of how to use your products.That puts you head and shoulders…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“These instructions are so easy. I had followed some others, and they were awful! …” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I've been making these for years, but never thought to glue both overhand sections of the…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I love making stretch bracelets. They are super easy and so stylish. I have not…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“A friend gave me a bunch of beads and asked me to make some stretch bracelets…” read »
- on “String a Guru Bead on a Mala Necklace”:
“Thank you for the tip , I always wondered how to string it. Very helpful.
…” read » - on “Wrap Loom Basics”:
“I love it. Can you use this technique with glass and crystal beads? I'm a fenatic…” read »
- on “Using Tassel Caps”:
“For caps like 42012, you'd have to use glue--either epoxy or E6000 would work. First try…” read »
About this Tip:
One of the most frustrating things about working with resin is the formation of pesky little bubbles. You think you’ve made a beautiful piece, only to find that your dry resin has a bubble in it! Don’t worry, bubbles are avoidable if you follow the suggestions below.
Components:
The products featured in this tip are listed below.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Step 1: Make sure to mix the resin slowly and in a warm environment. If you are worried the room is not warm enough or your bubbles are not rising and popping out, place the resin under a warm desk lamp. Don't get the lamp too close or use a real heat lamp, this could cause the resin to yellow. It just needs to be a warm environment, not hot. (See tip: Preparing and Using Resin) |
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Step 2: When placing objects in resin, it works best to put some resin into the bezel first, but not so much that the objects you are inserting will displace the resin over the top of the bezel. Once you decide where you want to place the objects, squish them into place. Try to place them all the way to the bottom so that air pockets can't form behind them, causing bubbles. |
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Step 3: I usually place my resin piece under a desk lamp because it provides a subtle warmth that helps encourage any bubbles to float up. Then I work them to the edge with a toothpick before the resin becomes too tacky. |
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Step 4: Now you have a beautiful piece free of those annoying bubbles. |
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Step 5: This is an example of a "lesson learned" piece. I worked on this piece in a room that was not warm enough. I also didn't wait for most of the bubbles in the mixing cup to dissipate and this was the result. |
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On Mar 27, 2013 at 1:10 pm #
Jbeadz says:THANKS SOOOOO MUCH FOR THIS INFO!
Someone told me to stir the bubbles out and it wasn’t working!
I hope this technique works for me as easy as it did for you!
Thx!
On Apr 13, 2015 at 12:45 pm #
L Swint says:The best way I’ve found to eliminate the bubbles is to fan the flame of a burning butane lighter very quickly over the bezel. The bubbles pop immediately and then just check it for additional bubbles until it starts to set up. I always have crystal clear, non-bubbled resin. Remember to fan quickly…too long in one spot and the resin will yellow.