Tips & Techniques
Get tips and techniques to become a better beader at Lima Beads.
Chatter
on “Using ‘Swellegant’ Metal Coatings & Colorants”:“Has anyone tried the clear sealant on glass beads with special finishes? I'm thinking of Czech…” read »
on “Preparing and Using Resin”:“How do you use resin with an open frame and transfer sheet?…” read »
on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:“i'd like to hear about securing jump rings closed too. thank you, debi…” read »
on “Wrap Loom Basics”:“If you need an answer from Lima, use the customer service link. I don’t think they…” read »
- on “Wrap Loom Basics”:
“Did you ever receive an answer about them not answering questions???…” read »
- on “Finishing Large Acrylic Chain”:
“Great post! Thank you!…” read »
- on “Using the Square Knot”:
“Hi size of hemp twine ??…” read »
- on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“Are the beads large hole beads? I'll be trying this also I just book marked the…” read »
- on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“DISCLAIMER—I haven’t actually put a decorative bead in the middle of a sliding closure, but I…” read »
- on “Using Lillypilly Metal Sheets & Discs”:
“Can these sheets be die cut on a Big Kick/Big Shot machine using normal dies or…” read »
- on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“How do you get that decorative silver bead in the middle of the square knot? Also, can…” read »
- on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“How do you get that decorative silver bead in the middle of the square knot?…” read »
- on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“looking forward to learning this!…” read »
- on “DIY Pom-Poms”:
“Hi....my question is in regards to the ring used.....what is the gauge...or do you have it…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“Great tutorial, looks easy. Now I want to try it. Thanks Ali.…” read »
- on “Making a Memory Wire bracelet”:
“Good morning all, hoping to learn from everyone here. I love beads, and am hoping to…” read »
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 »
- on “Making a Memory Wire bracelet”:
“I love making and selling memory wire bracelets. I advertise them as "One Size Fits Most."…” read »
- on “Using The Magic Finding”:
“I have seen the crimp beads here made in gold plated brass, which are much cheaper…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“I've made a lot of these...using gemstones & Fireline doubled (2 strands). Gemstones are very hard…” read »
- 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 »
- on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“I like the crimp tubes better than the beads,myself,and use a crimp cover closer to give…” read »
- on “Making a Shamballa Bracelet”:
“What kind of glue is being used in this project?…” read »
on “Using a Crimp Cover”:“Great advice! I’ve been doing it wrong for so long and getting so frustrated and wasting…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“B Tuttle - ibuse Fireline on a regular. It’s durable and can stand the pulling…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“Gabriele P: the stretch cording comes in black and clear. They used black here.…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“best tutorial I've read in a long time. i'll be making some tonight!…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I enjoy the tutorials.…” read »
on “Wire Wrapped Cover on a Teardrop”:“I like the messy look! I think it's a lot more fun to create whimsical piece!…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“What about fireline? I know that the colors are not as plentiful as all the others.…” read »
on “Finishing Large Acrylic Chain”:“I love those! Thanks!…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“The stretch material used in this tutorial doesn’t seem like the one listed. Can someone please…” read »
- on “Using The Magic Finding”:
“After watching the videos, I decided to purchase tool and components and try it myself. A…” read »
- on “String a Guru Bead on a Mala Necklace”:
“Yikes, I’m having the worst time trying to string that 20mm African turquoise guru bead. This…” read »
- on “Make a Birthstone Pendant”:
“They don’t carry it anymore:(…” read »
- on “Make a Birthstone Pendant”:
“How can I buy the bezel tag? I cannot find it on your site! …” read »
- on “Making a Fish Tail Braid”:
“Wonderfully easy to follow tutorial! Love the design results! Will be trying this knot.…” read »
- on “Making a Shamballa Bracelet”:
“Does the cord used have to be Chinese Knotting Cord or would C-Lon work?…” read »
- on “Make a Birthstone Pendant”:
“Love the idea, where can I find the bezel tag. Every time I search for bezel…” read »
- on “Preparing and Using Resin”:
“Please try using customer service to ask your questions!…” 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
You are viewing all 16 items.
| 1 gram (approx. 40 pieces) | $3.20 |
| Package of 20 | $2.70 |
Sterling Silver Wire Protector 3mm
BACK IN STOCK!
| Package of 10 | $1.50 |
Soft Flex Satin Silver .019" (Medium) 49 Strand Wire 100ft.
BACK IN STOCK!
| Piece | $17.90 |
You are viewing all 16 items.
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.