Tips & Techniques
Get tips and techniques to become a better beader at Lima Beads.
Chatter
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 »
- 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 »
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
You are viewing all 4 items.
| 15 yd. spool | $4.40 |
| Piece | $9.40 |
| Piece | $23.90 |
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.