Tips & Techniques
Get tips and techniques to become a better beader at Lima Beads.
Chatter
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 »
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:
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
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Sterling Silver Crimp Tube 2x2mm
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Sterling Silver Wire Protector 3mm
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BeadSmart Euro Crimper
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↳ Also available as: 30 ft. spool
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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!