Learn at Lima Beads!
Get tips and techniques to become a better beader at Lima Beads.
Chatter
- TLC on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:
“I made one bracelet for my granddaughter and one for myself. They are easy and…” read »
- K McPhail on “How to make a paper bead”:
“Interesting that paper beads are "in" again... Nearly 50 years ago, crafters (including my grandma) were…” read »
- Stingray on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:
“Because of the constant abuse they usually get, glue is not an ideal hold for jump…” read »
- Stingray on “Wrap Loom Basics”:
“Moogie is right, if you need an answer from Lima you'll need to use the customer…” read »
- Joy T on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I’ve read in other tutorials to cut the elastic cord length needed and lightly pull each…” read »
- K Manley on “Using the Square Knot”:
“Perfect illustration and instruction for a knot-challenged brain …” read »
- dolllady aka Pam on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:
“These look like fun to make bracelets, and even more fun to wear.…” read »
- angmoore2011 on “Using Lillypilly Metal Sheets & Discs”:
“I completely fell in love with the color of these little LillyPilly sheets and ordered my…” read »
- E moccaldi on “The Simple Wire Bracelet”:
“Nice tutorial. For me, I would need more visual. The camera needs to be closer…” read »
- Dusty Rose on “How to set a Nunn Design Glass Dome”:
“Beautiful design!…” read »
- R Duhon on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“Tip:If I have miss judged my project, I have found I can use a crimp cover…” read »
- L Bernadett on “How to Use Colorful Enamel Accents”:
“Looks like great stuff! Might try it.…” read »
- Wordgrrl on “Using ‘Swellegant’ Metal Coatings & Colorants”:
“Has anyone tried the clear sealant on glass beads with special finishes? I'm thinking of Czech…” read »
- C Dallara on “Preparing and Using Resin”:
“How do you use resin with an open frame and transfer sheet?…” read »
- Debi z on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:
“i'd like to hear about securing jump rings closed too. thank you, debi…” read »
- Moogie on “Wrap Loom Basics”:
“If you need an answer from Lima, use the customer service link. I don’t think they…” read »
- povertyridgeranch1 on “Wrap Loom Basics”:
“Did you ever receive an answer about them not answering questions???…” read »
- BeadsVenture on “Finishing Large Acrylic Chain”:
“Great post! Thank you!…” read »
- Jules H on “Using the Square Knot”:
“Hi size of hemp twine ??…” read »
- povertyridgeranch1 on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“Are the beads large hole beads? I'll be trying this also I just book marked the…” read »
- Moogie on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“DISCLAIMER—I haven’t actually put a decorative bead in the middle of a sliding closure, but I…” read »
- BEAD WABBIT on “Using Lillypilly Metal Sheets & Discs”:
“Can these sheets be die cut on a Big Kick/Big Shot machine using normal dies or…” read »
- kathrynfitzgerald on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“How do you get that decorative silver bead in the middle of the square knot? Also, can…” read »
- kathrynfitzgerald on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“How do you get that decorative silver bead in the middle of the square knot?…” read »
- J Kanalas on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“looking forward to learning this!…” read »
- N Rios on “DIY Pom-Poms”:
“Hi....my question is in regards to the ring used.....what is the gauge...or do you have it…” read »
- S Behn on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“Great tutorial, looks easy. Now I want to try it. Thanks Ali.…” read »
- MrsBaum on “Making a Memory Wire bracelet”:
“Good morning all, hoping to learn from everyone here. I love beads, and am hoping to…” read »
- Ebonyfrogg 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 »
- Scotti C on “Making a Memory Wire bracelet”:
“I love making and selling memory wire bracelets. I advertise them as "One Size Fits Most."…” read »
- doglover72 on “Using The Magic Finding”:
“I have seen the crimp beads here made in gold plated brass, which are much cheaper…” read »
- J Marable on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“I've made a lot of these...using gemstones & Fireline doubled (2 strands). Gemstones are very hard…” read »
- C Edmonds 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 »
- C Edmonds on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“I like the crimp tubes better than the beads,myself,and use a crimp cover closer to give…” read »
- M Borland on “Making a Shamballa Bracelet”:
“What kind of glue is being used in this project?…” read »
- Drio on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“Great advice! I’ve been doing it wrong for so long and getting so frustrated and wasting…” read »
- Octobermom on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“B Tuttle - ibuse Fireline on a regular. It’s durable and can stand the pulling…” read »
- S Gogna on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“Gabriele P: the stretch cording comes in black and clear. They used black here.…” read »
- J rovner on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“best tutorial I've read in a long time. i'll be making some tonight!…” read »
- Sheri Z on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I enjoy the tutorials.…” read »
The Simple Wire Bracelet
About this Tip:
Here we'll make a simple bracelet using beading wire and some of our new Czech Glass beads.
Things to keep in mind:
The medium wire used in this video works will with most beads. I really like the 6-8mm beads purely for the aesthetic appeal. This wire is not, however, a good fit for our Pearl selection (the hole is too small!). All the beads featured here fit the bill!
Wire protectors do just that-- protect your wire's durability while the clasp that you attach rubs the wire as you wear your bracelet. These are going to help reinforce the medium wire and smaller. As you string the protector, you may need to spread the two ends further so it gives you more room to give you space for your clasp.
Crimpers have several "settings", use middle portion for initial crimp (creates valley), use end setting to finalize crimp.
Buy Products from this Technique
1 gram (approx. 40 pieces) | $3.20 |
Package of 20 | $2.70 | OUT OF STOCK |
Package of 10 | $1.50 | OUT OF STOCK |
Piece | $17.90 |

On Aug 22, 2012 at 3:16 pm #
Lois D says:As a novice beader, I’m anxious to watch this video, but am having trouble with it loading. Anyone else, or is it just me? (It usual is – LOL)
I love the colors of all the beads selected for the bracelet. Some folks have all the talent – and others like me, well, we stand in awe
On Aug 24, 2012 at 6:02 am #
Tim Hyland says:From another novice beader: Sorry that you can’t load the video Lois, but don’t go assuming it’s something you are doing wrong. Unfortunately the technology continues to outpace the typical user’s ability to stay current enough for some features. Maybe that’s all it is in your situation, and if so that’s not your fault.
If you’re using a (relatively) older computer perhaps it can’t open an MP4 file, or the 67mb size is an issue. I hate my local rip-off cable company, but I love having a high speed internet connection, which is almost a requirement these days.
Good luck, and with a bit of just doing some beading I’ll bet you’ll find that you had the talent all along.
Oh yeah, find some teenage hotshot who knows computers and can at least diagnose your problem. Lots of them around these days.
On Aug 31, 2012 at 5:50 pm #
Lois D says:Hello Tim,
Thanks for the advice about my computer glitch, and also the encouraging words about beading. Very much appreciated.
Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while, and so it seems I have discovered – quite by accident – the reason behind my inability to view the video.
I did a ‘right click’ on the video itself, and chose “Settings” from the menu display. This brought up a box for “Adobe Flash Player Settings”. I then ‘de-selected’ the”Enable Hardware Acceleration”.
Like magic, the video started playing
Now it’s time to enjoy the show.
Regards,
Lois
On Dec 29, 2012 at 9:05 pm #
B Whitacre says:I typed a long message, where did it go?
On Mar 21, 2013 at 1:22 pm #
C Novak says:Love the tips and comments: all very helpful. Thanks to all!
On Jul 25, 2013 at 5:24 pm #
jabbajane says:wait. what kind of beading wire? what size crimp tube or bead? what size holes in my beads should I use for the size and kind of wire? uggg. so confused. I guess I’ll keep searching videos for the answers to my questions.
On Aug 05, 2013 at 2:36 pm #
Kate says:@jabbajane: we’re using the medium beading wire (see products listed above). This wire should accommodate nearly any drill hole bead we offer.
On Aug 13, 2013 at 4:02 pm #
jabbajane says:Thanks Kate~! I appreciate the attention! I have another question. At 2:15 she says it is important to string a 6mm or an 8mm bead on first. Why is that important? sorry for all the questions but I am just learning and my stuff comes out will all kinds of mistakes that I only realize after I have crimped the last crimp bead and clasp! They don’t look bad, but I know it’s there. and I contemplate taking them all apart. and another mistake I have made is that I have already used sterling silver crimp beads, wire, etc. and now that is wasted if I take them apart. I’ve learned it saves money if you practice with cheaper findings! thanks for your help.
On Aug 14, 2013 at 1:39 pm #
Kate says:@jabbajane: I think she just meant to make sure the first (and last) bead that you string allows for 2 strands of wire to go through the drill hole, because you’re doubling up the wire on the ends.
The only way you learn to perfect your craft is by doing! Don’t take early mistakes too hard. In fact, I always keep my “first project” to remind myself of how far I’ve come…it works!
On Sep 26, 2014 at 12:52 pm #
Jo g says:why is the “valley” in the crimp bead important before crimping finally? why do wires need to be separated before crimping? i never understood this!
On Oct 08, 2019 at 7:10 pm #
Ebonyfrogg says:I’M HAVING A PROBLEM KEEPING THE WIRE PROTECTOR IN PLACE …USING ECONOFLEX NYLON COATED .019IN. WIRE.CAN.T GET A TIGHT FIT BEFORE CRIMPING.ANY HELP APPRECIATYED.
On Nov 24, 2020 at 1:25 am #
E moccaldi says:Nice tutorial. For me, I would need more visual. The camera needs to be closer to the instructor’s hands in order to see each step more clearly. The audio is terrific but maybe a little fast for first timers. On the whole, it was helpful. Thanks!