Tips & Techniques
Learn at Lima Beads!
Get tips and techniques to become a better beader at Lima Beads.
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Featured Technique:
In this tip, we'll show you how you string a guru bead onto a mala necklace. Start with a mala...
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Featured Technique:
Vintaj Patinas are opaque inks specially formulated by Ranger to adhere to metal and create...
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Featured Technique:
The ladder stitch is vital in creating wrap bracelets. In this video, you'll learn how to use the...
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Featured Technique:
Here's a cute way to turn a bead into a charm: wire wrap it with a head pin and pliers!
Recent Tips & Techniques
Using Colourful Soul Jewelry Pop-Outs & Ultimate Paints
Jess from Vintaj shows us how to use Colourful Soul Jewelry Pop-Outs & Ultimate Paints to create stunning custom components.
Finishing Large Acrylic Chain
If you're wondering how to turn our large acrylic chain into a finished necklace, we've got instructions and links to supplies in this tip.
DIY Pom-Poms
Pom-poms are on-trend right now! They are being paired with Boho style designs. We also carry many sports related charms, these are such a cute...
Make a Bolo Necklace
With just a few basic supplies, make a trendy bolo necklace without breaking a sweat. It's a minimal design, but there's plenty of room for your...
Make a Stretch Bracelet
In just a few easy steps, make a stretch bracelet with round beads and a charm for a touch of your personal style. Stack the bracelets for a...
Wrap Loom Basics
This is a short version of introduction video to Wrapit Loom™ by the maker of Rainbow Loom®. Wrapit Loom™ is a wrap bracelet loom kit that is easy...
String a Guru Bead on a Mala Necklace
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...
Using Tassel Caps
Use pewter tassel caps to make a tassel for a necklace focal, earrings or to embellish a craft project.
Using the Tassel Making Tool
Tassels are all the rage and the Beadalon Tassel Maker makes it easier than ever to include them in your designs.
How to Use Amoracast Eternity Frames
These elegant frames by Amoracast have a fluted edge that creates a curved channel for beads to rest in.
How to Finish 10mm & 20mm Hand Tooled Leather Straps
Show off this cool hand tooled hand dyed leather by wrapping around your wrist one, two, three, even four times! Below we are showing you several...
How to set a Nunn Design Glass Dome
Using Nunn Design Glass Domes in these beautiful earthy jewel tones is a great way to make a quick but elegant embellishment or focal for any...
Make an E-Hook Leather Bracelet
Learn how to make a leather strap bracelet with an E-hook clasp. With just a few findings and a leather strap, you can make a bracelet in a matter...
Vintaj Artisan Pewter: DecoEtch & Patina
Mackenzie from Vintaj shows us how to easily DecoEtch and patina Artisan Pewter blanks.
D.I.Y. Tassels
I have been seeing tassels everywhere in jewelry, from the runways to fashion magazines to shops around town. Tassels are a really easy...
Setting Rivets with Anvil & Setter Tools
It's pretty simple, once you see it-- The anvil and setter tools will have your rivets in place in no time.
Crystal Clay
Crystal Clay is a two-part epoxy clay that cures without heat. It's super mold-able and will adhere to nearly anything. This is the same sort of...
Two-Row Pave Bracelet
Add extra sparkle to your look with twice the Pave beads in one bracelet! Here's the low down on the two-row technique.
This...
This...
How to use Katiedid components
These components act as a bezel by providing a variety of channels for designing. Get your creativity caps on-- there's so many ways to use these,...
Making a Memory Wire bracelet
As a little kid, did you ever "wear" your Slinky on your wrist as a fashion statement? Well, this Memory Wire will bring you back to those days,...
How to make a paper bead
Roll your favorite issue of Popular Mechanics or Seventeen into a paper bead using this specialized tool!
Embellishing Leather Cuffs
What can you do with a leather cuff? I've got tips on how to embellish this simple yet beautiful leather into four distinct bracelets.
Vintaj Metallic Patina effects
Check out the line of Metallic Patina by Vintaj and create all new looks to your metal!
Simple Knotted Leather Cord Bracelet
Here's a basic bracelet type: knotting beads into leather cord. It can be dressy or rustic depending on the charms you choose. Learn a few tips on...
The Simple Wire Bracelet
Here we'll make a simple bracelet using beading wire and some of our new Czech Glass beads.
Things to keep in mind:
The...
Things to keep in mind:
The...
Humble Beads Head Pins, Two Ways
I'll show you how to take the super-fun Humble Beads head pins and turn them into great focals for a necklace or a pair of earrings.
Decorivets!
Whether you are attaching the decorivet to a piece of leather or metal, or using the decorivet as a link, this tip will show the best way to fold...
Embellishing a Collage Bracelet
Learn how you can embellish a collage bracelet using 6x6" Paper Pads, Glitter and Resin.
Using the Wire Twister Tool
Make creating Artistic Wire designs more interesting and fun with the Wire Twister!
Using the Beadalon Jump Ring Maker
Make the jump rings you need - in the size and wire gauge you desire - with the exclusive Beadalon Jump Ring Maker.
Using the Vintaj BIGkick™ by Sizzix
The Sizzix BIGkick machine is great for embossing and etching your Vintaj metal blanks.
Making a Fish Tail Braid
One of my earliest memories from school, isn't of school at all, but of my girlfriend's braided hair. Her name was Carrie, and she called it a...
Making a Shamballa Bracelet
The Shamballa Bracelet is very quick and easy to make. It's also a great way to add sparkle to your wrist!
Knitting on a Spool with Soft Flex Beading Wire
Learn how to knit on a spool with Soft Flex® beading wire. Not only are there 3 different styles of knitting spools available (3-peg, 4-peg &...
Adding a Focal to Patricia Healey Chain
Every chain we carry from Patricia Healey comes with a curved bar link right in the center, making it super easy to add a pendant.
Using Vintaj Patinas
Vintaj Patinas are opaque inks specially formulated by Ranger to adhere to metal and create beautiful, durable patina effects. Available in a...
Place a Transfer Image onto a Channel Bead
Looking for ideas on how to use Nunn Design's Channel Beads and Pendants? Applying a transfer image to them is a great place to start!
Using Rubber Stamps and StazOn
Using StazOn Ink with Rubber Stamps on your metal and other non-porous surfaces is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
StazOn Ink Basics
Learn the basics of using StazOn Ink on surfaces like metal, leather, aluminum foil, plastic, cellophane, acrylic, and glass.
Working with WireLace
Want to start working with WireLace? Here are some tips and tricks to get the best results.
Coloring Brass with Inks and Paints
Get ideas, tips, pictures, and more helpful information on coloring brass stampings with alcohol inks and acrylic paints.
Coloring Metal with Alcohol Inks
Alcohol inks are great to use on metal. We'll show you everything you need to get started using them in your projects.
Using Paint Dabbers
Paint dabbers are a great way to apply paint to your metal objects without creating a huge mess!
Quick and Easy Ornament Hangers
Want a great way to use that leftover Artistic Wire? Try making ornament hangers!
Learning the Ladder Stitch
The ladder stitch is vital in creating wrap bracelets. In this video, you'll learn how to use the ladder stitch to create a simple single-wrap...
Using Lillypilly Metal Sheets & Discs
Lillypilly’s metal sheets and discs are a playful addition to your metal working collection. It is an incredibly durable, lightweight metal due to...
Using the Sliding Square Knot
The sliding square knot is a great way to finish off your cord or twine bracelets. If you're already familiar with a square knot, this video will...
Using the Square Knot
The square knot is one of the most basic knots you can learn when you're starting macrame. This video will show you how to make a bracelet using...
Using the Half Square Knot
The half square knot gives the effect of flat twisted ribbon. If you already know the square knot, you'll pick this one up in no time. The video...
Non-Identical Twins
I've always resisted symmetry in my jewelry, so I've been thrilled to see the recent emergence of asymmetrical earrings in fashion.
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Using Collapsible Beading Needles
Collapsible beading needles can be especially helpful when working with seed beads and ribbon.
Closing A Jump Ring
If you've been making jewelry, chances are you've had problems getting jump rings to work exactly the way you want them to.
Fixing a Surface Mistake on a Resin Piece
One of my favorite things about the Lima Studios Crystal Clear Resin is that it’s very forgiving! If you make a mistake, you can sand or scrape...
How to Prevent Bubbles in Your Resin
One of the most frustrating things about working with resin is the formation of pesky little bubbles. You think you’ve made a beautiful piece, only...
Tying a Lark's Head Knot
If you're not sure what to do with that donut pendant, just watch this 20 second video!
Sealing Porous Materials for Use in Resin
When using porous materials like paper, photos, and other natural materials in your resin, it’s necessary to seal them. If you don’t adequately...
Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings
We put together the following instructions to help you get started with your cab & setting projects. The steps below illustrate how to use epoxy to...
Preparing and Using Resin
The following instructions will help you complete a basic resin project using LimaStudios Crystal Clear Resin. Our resin is self-doming, jeweler's...
Rejuvenating Gilders Paste
Does your Gilders Paste look dry and cracked? Try this simple solution to get it spreading like new.
Creating a Leather Link
With leather lacing and wire, you can create a fun little link to use in your projects.
Using a Leather Cord Crimp End
Using crimp cord ends is the easiest way to include leather cord into your designs.
Using a Crimp Cord End with a Feather
Crimp cord ends are a great, easy way to make feather earrings and pendants.
Gluing Feathers in a Cone
Creating eye-catching earrings and pendants with feathers is a breeze using a metal cone, headpin and some epoxy.
Tying an Adjustable Knot
Adjustable knots are a great alternative to using clasps in your bracelets or necklaces.
Apply Gilders Paste To A Stamped Blank
Use Gilders Paste on your stamped blanks. Adding this touch of color will really make your stamped-in patterns pop!
Make a Wire Wrapped Bead Link
This technique explains how to take a bead from your stash and wire wrap a link on each side.
Wire Wrap a Charm
Here's a cute way to turn a bead into a charm: wire wrap it with a head pin and pliers!
Wire Wrapped Cover on a Teardrop
Enjoy wire wrapping? Here's a "messier" take on wire wrapping a bail that creates a cone on a teardrop.
Wire Wrap a Bail on a Teardrop
Wire wrapping comes in all shapes and sizes. Here's one example that we hope you'll love.
Replacing Texture Faces on 9-Head Texture Hammer
The faces of a texture hammer can be swapped out using the steps of this easy tutorial.
Using a Helicopter Punch
Helicopter punches look so fun--and they're really easy to use, too. Try this technique out for size and you'll be punching in no time.
Using a Hand Punch
Punching holes in metal blanks is a piece of cake with a pair of hole punch pliers. Read on to find out how!
Hammering Texture on a Blank
This super-simple hammering technique will give you a unique look to every blank you use in your designs--no two are alike!
Crimping Basics
Learn the basics of crimping, one of the most essential techniques to making bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and other beading designs.
Using a Crimp Cover
Follow this step-by-step technique to learn the basics of using a crimp cover to hide your crimp beads.
Chatter
- Wild Mustard on “Make a Wire Wrapped Bead Link”:
“I was trained to use a pair of chain nose pliers to manipulate the wire being…” read »
- Balthazar on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:
“I agree -- E6000 is the absolute best!…” read »
- Susanannellis 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 »
- donnaruiz60 on “Using Vintaj Patinas”:
“I just taught a class with middle school children and one painted on a silver piece…” read »
- Scavenger on “Adding a Focal to Patricia Healey Chain”:
“Absolutely Gorgeous! I can't wait to use this!…” read »
- Nini H on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:
“I need 1 egg for 50…” read »
- angmoore2011 on “Making a Fish Tail Braid”:
“This is great! My mom didn't know what to do with my thick curly hair so…” read »
- Krp309 on “Using the Sliding Square Knot”:
“How much cord do you use for the knot?…” read »
- S Brewer on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I want to string the wool beads together with elastic thread in a needle. Which…” read »
- Kat R on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“Love the instructions, but which stretch cord are you using? I don't see one like it…” read »
- S Wahl 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 »
- BevB 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 »
- Petunia on “Using Colourful Soul Jewelry Pop-Outs & Ultimate Paints”:
“*Squeaks with excitement* …” read »
- J Jackowitz on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“You carry the most beautiful beads, bar none. I tie a surgeon’s knot for more security,…” read »
- T M on “Using Vintaj Patinas”:
“Has anyone tried to use the patinas on coins?…” read »
- Jona M on “Using The Magic Finding”:
“Where can we buy the magic finding. It is not in your product list.…” read »
- Delia C 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 »
- Powells70 on “Hammering Texture on a Blank”:
“Do you sell textured hammers and blocks I can't find?…” read »
- Eglis T on “Using a Hand Punch”:
“Can I use it to open holes in Saint medals???…” read »
- Stingray 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 »
- Stingray on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“To cover a sz 2 crimp tube, 4mm would be ideal. 3mm would fit, but it…” read »
- LisaK on “Using a Leather Cord Crimp End”:
“Hi, I am new to working with leather and end caps or any other finishing findings,…” read »
- T Hudson on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“What size of a crimp cover would you use, for a size 2 crimp tube?…” read »
- Tater on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“Excellent tutorial and superb photos. Cute bracelet!…” read »
- Pearl M on “Coloring Metal with Alcohol Inks”:
“I just started working with alcohol inks. Most people who use the medium use Krylon Kamar…” read »
- mmmagique on “Crystal Clay”:
“Tried to be good…” read »
- T Lehr on “Non-Identical Twins”:
“I have always loved this idea! It really resonates with me. Interesting to see…” read »
- A Novo on “String a Guru Bead on a Mala Necklace”:
“I, too, need to know how to attach a tassel to the guru bead.…” read »
- terryhardee on “Wire Wrap a Bail on a Teardrop”:
“thank you. I've always wanted to try this…” read »
- 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 »
