Tips & Techniques
Get tips and techniques to become a better beader at Lima Beads.
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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 »
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on “Adding a Focal to Patricia Healey Chain”:“Absolutely Gorgeous! I can't wait to use this!…” read »
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on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:“Love the instructions, but which stretch cord are you using? I don't see one like it…” read »
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“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 »
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“You carry the most beautiful beads, bar none. I tie a surgeon’s knot for more security,…” read »
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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 »
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- 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 »
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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 »
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“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 »
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“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 »
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“Beautiful design!…” read »
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“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 »
About this Tip:
In this tip, we'll show you how you string a guru bead onto a mala necklace. Start with a mala necklace that is finished except for the guru bead in the middle. Make sure there is enough cord
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Step 1: Gather your materials. You'll need a mala necklace strung on 1mm cord, a thread burner (for nylon cord only), adhesive, collapsible needle, and your guru bead set. |
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Step 2: Curl the collapsable needle. Do this by pulling the needle between your thumb and finger nail. Repeat until the needle resembles a fishing hook. |
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Step 3: String the cord through your needle. Then string the needle through the side hole of the guru bead and down through the bottom hole. |
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Step 4: Pull the cord through the bead. |
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Step 5: With the other end of your cord, repeat Step 3 by stringing it through the opposite side hole of the guru bead and down through the bottom. |
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Step 6: Pull the cord through the bead so that both the tails are even. |
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Step 7: String on the bottom of the guru bead and slide the 2 parts of the guru bead up to the necklace. |
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Step 8: Secure the guru bead in place by knotting. |
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Step 9: Now that the guru bead is strung, finish your necklace. A thread burner can seal the ends of nylon cord, and a dap of adhesive on the knot will keep it strong. |
Read the comments (or add your own)
Add your thoughts!
On Aug 25, 2016 at 8:38 pm #
dolllady aka Pam says:This is a great tutorial! I saw a guru bead on another website a while back. The negative of it on that site…. there was not tutorial on how to put it together. Thank you, Ali! You always provide directions and samples. That’s why LB is my favorite and most used bead site.
On Aug 25, 2016 at 10:25 pm #
Nancy B 2 says:Excellent tutorial, always find you information very helpful. Thanks Nancy B
On Aug 26, 2016 at 1:37 pm #
S KatollakaSue says:Always wondered just how to do that. Now I know. Thanks!
On Jan 15, 2017 at 2:27 pm #
T klense says:Thank you for the tip , I always wondered how to string it. Very helpful.
On Feb 07, 2017 at 8:32 pm #
aunthatties says:Thank goodness you have examples of how to use your products.That puts you head and shoulders above a lot of other sites. Good on you,Lima Beads.
On Jul 08, 2017 at 10:01 pm #
Gisele L says:I have big Pearl wirh one hole and I want to use it as pendant on my bracelet. Do hou have the grip wirh a loop.
On Oct 31, 2017 at 3:12 pm #
R Fox says:Sooooo very helpful!! Thanks so much. Now that I finished my very first mala with a guru bead I’m going to order some more beads to start on number two!
On Jun 24, 2018 at 2:35 am #
ClovisakaLois says:Very nice tutorial, and the information is wonderful. I am wondering if you could use some beading wire, such as Beadalon, and double a short piece over the beading cord to pull the cord through the guru bead. The 49 strand wire with nylon coating is very flexible and I don’t know if I ever ordered a collapsible needle…I looked at them, but figured the beading wire would do the trick.
On Oct 28, 2018 at 7:20 pm #
L Jaworski says:How do you attach the tassel?
On Feb 14, 2019 at 12:22 pm #
wisdomwheelranch says:Thank you, thank you thankyou!! It took a bit of wiggling the needle around to go through the bottom hole, but patience prevailed. Thank you for your wonderful tutorials!
On Mar 23, 2019 at 12:14 am #
K Grande says:Yikes, I’m having the worst time trying to string that 20mm African turquoise guru bead. This is the second mala Ive tried to string it on and Im ready to give up again.
On Apr 14, 2021 at 5:35 pm #
A Novo says:I, too, need to know how to attach a tassel to the guru bead.