Tips & Techniques
Get tips and techniques to become a better beader at Lima Beads.
Chatter
on “Make a Wire Wrapped Bead Link”:“I was trained to use a pair of chain nose pliers to manipulate the wire being…” read »
on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:“I agree -- E6000 is the absolute best!…” read »
- 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 »
About this Tip:
Wire wrapping comes in all shapes and sizes. Here's one example that we hope you'll love.
Components:
The products featured in this tip are listed below.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Step 1: String a 4” piece of wire through your teardrop. |
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Step 2: Bend the wire with your fingers at both ends of the hole and cross the wire ends over each other. I usually leave one end longer than the other. |
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Step 3: Using your chain nose pliers to bend the longer end so that it points straight up. |
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Step 4: Grip both ends of wire just below where they cross, so that they can be secure while you wrap the shorter end. |
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Step 5: Wrap the shorter end twice around the longer end. |
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Step 6: Using your wire cutters, cut the piece you just wrapped and close the coil. |
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Step 7: Bend the wire at a 90 degree angle up from the coil. |
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Step 8: While keeping your grip with the pliers, wrap the wire over the top round nose. |
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Step 9: You want the two wire ends to meet up. |
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Step 10: Continue gripping the wire with your pliers and wrap the end around the wire. |
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Step 11: Remove your pliers and grip the loop with your chain nose pliers, continuing to wrap the wire around, creating a coil. Wrap as many times as needed to meet up with the other end. |
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Step 12: Cut remaining wire with wire cutters and press in the ends with chain nose pliers. |
Designs using this Technique:
Buy Products from this Technique
On Sep 16, 2011 at 2:22 am #
Marla says:That would make a nice pair of earings. Thank you.
On Mar 18, 2012 at 8:16 pm #
Zulay C says:Great tutorials!make it so easy to learn a technique
On May 05, 2012 at 4:48 pm #
DazzleBeads says:I’ve always been a little afraid to try the wire wraps but this looks so easy I have to give it a go! Thank you.
On Apr 18, 2014 at 10:31 am #
BLR says:i always have trouble doing this type of bail; i think i will try your method. thank you!
On Aug 15, 2016 at 9:07 pm #
Catt M says:I just discovered this site! Great site, great photos and great products!
I will be back
On Feb 15, 2017 at 7:41 pm #
M Bonetpels says:I love this. I could make a great pair of earrings with this way of wire wrapping! Thank you!
On Mar 01, 2021 at 11:03 pm #
terryhardee says:thank you. I’ve always wanted to try this