Tips & Techniques
Get tips and techniques to become a better beader at Lima Beads.
Chatter
on “Make a Wire Wrapped Bead Link”:“I was trained to use a pair of chain nose pliers to manipulate the wire being…” read »
on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:“I agree -- E6000 is the absolute best!…” read »
- 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 »
- on “Using Vintaj Patinas”:
“I just taught a class with middle school children and one painted on a silver piece…” read »
on “Adding a Focal to Patricia Healey Chain”:“Absolutely Gorgeous! I can't wait to use this!…” read »
- on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:
“I need 1 egg for 50…” read »
- on “Making a Fish Tail Braid”:
“This is great! My mom didn't know what to do with my thick curly hair so…” read »
- on “Using the Sliding Square Knot”:
“How much cord do you use for the knot?…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I want to string the wool beads together with elastic thread in a needle. Which…” read »
on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:“Love the instructions, but which stretch cord are you using? I don't see one like it…” read »
- 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 »
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 »
on “Using Colourful Soul Jewelry Pop-Outs & Ultimate Paints”:“*Squeaks with excitement* …” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“You carry the most beautiful beads, bar none. I tie a surgeon’s knot for more security,…” read »
- on “Using Vintaj Patinas”:
“Has anyone tried to use the patinas on coins?…” read »
- on “Using The Magic Finding”:
“Where can we buy the magic finding. It is not in your product list.…” read »
- 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 »
- on “Hammering Texture on a Blank”:
“Do you sell textured hammers and blocks I can't find?…” read »
on “Using a Hand Punch”:“Can I use it to open holes in Saint medals???…” read »
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 »
on “Using a Crimp Cover”:“To cover a sz 2 crimp tube, 4mm would be ideal. 3mm would fit, but it…” read »
- on “Using a Leather Cord Crimp End”:
“Hi, I am new to working with leather and end caps or any other finishing findings,…” read »
- on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“What size of a crimp cover would you use, for a size 2 crimp tube?…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“Excellent tutorial and superb photos. Cute bracelet!…” read »
- on “Coloring Metal with Alcohol Inks”:
“I just started working with alcohol inks. Most people who use the medium use Krylon Kamar…” read »
on “Crystal Clay”:“Tried to be good…” read »
- 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 »
About this Tip:
This technique explains how to take a bead from your stash and wire wrap a link on each side.
Components:
The products featured in this tip are listed below.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Step 1: Start by cutting the right length wire. I typically find that a good rule of thumb is to have 2 inches of wire on each side of your bead (4” total) plus the length of the bead. Bend your wire at a 90-degree angle approximately 1.5” down from one end. |
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Step 2: While keeping your grip with the round nose pliers, wrap the wire over the top round nose. |
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Step 3: Pull across longer wire. |
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Step 4: Wrap wire around longer wire 2 times creating a coil. |
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Step 5: Cut end with wire cutters. |
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Step 6: String a bead. |
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Step 7: Bend the wire at a 90-degree angle just above the bead. I use the length of the plier nose – this length typically equals 2 wire wraps. |
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Step 8: While keeping your grip with you pliers, wrap the wire over the top round nose. |
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Step 9: Pull across longer wire and wrap wire around approximately 2 times creating a coil until you hit the link. Both sides should have the same number of wraps. |
Designs using this Technique:
Buy Products from this Technique
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You are viewing all 4 items.
On Jun 05, 2011 at 3:46 pm #
queenie50cat says:As a newbie trying to learn this wire wrapping skill-this is one of the more detailed pictured instructions that I have seen, thank you.
On Jun 05, 2011 at 5:40 pm #
Anita C aka PirateChick says:This is a slightly different technique than the one I’ve learned. This technique looks like it will be sturdier for larger, heavier beads.
On Jun 06, 2011 at 4:46 am #
iliea says:Thanks for the demo! i’m looking forward to more!
On Jun 06, 2011 at 10:17 am #
L Dunson says:A pearl bracelet I made for my sister. She loved this on and all the rest of them too.
On Jul 22, 2011 at 11:54 am #
E Mizerk says:Hi,
I don’t know what kind of wire to use. Hard? Soft? What gauge? You make it looks so nice, but I don’t not have the same results!
On Jul 22, 2011 at 11:56 am #
E Mizerk says:Oh my gosh, if I’d have scrolled down a little I would have seen you listed the wire!
Thanks!
On Aug 28, 2011 at 9:40 am #
H Boyd says:You make it look so easy, I’m definitely going to try it now.
On Sep 20, 2011 at 10:08 pm #
S Wagner says:Totally diffrent from other instructions, looks easier, will give it a try.
On Oct 04, 2011 at 3:10 am #
juku7 says:I usually make the loops after stringing the bead. Will try this technique.
On May 08, 2012 at 10:18 am #
M Scharf says:I recently bought stones in AZ that are polished and don’t have beading holes. I’ve been trying to learn to wrap them…very unsuccessfully. Help! I’d hoped this tutorial would help, but they have holes. Do you have wire bales for sale that would allow me to simply slip the stone in it? Mary
On Apr 23, 2013 at 9:35 pm #
Elisa W says:Thank you.
E.W.
On Jan 29, 2023 at 3:26 am #
Wild Mustard says:I was trained to use a pair of chain nose pliers to manipulate the wire being wrapped around the round nose pliers. I have at times just used my fingers to do this, but using the other pair of pliers helps me keep the tension and the wrapping consistent. The chain nose pliers are also extremely useful for tucking in the last tail of the wire after it has been cut.