Blog for Beaders

Q: Hi Bailey,
My question for you is, what is the best and easiest way (as I am a beading novice) to tie off or end a beaded bracelet or necklace using non-elastic string?  I have just gotten into beading and have made quite a few anklets and necklaces but always using wire and putting clasps on the end.  I just wondered how you would go about using string and fishing line.  I have purchased quite a lot of these materials and would like to start using them.  I ran out of clasps and tubes and wondered if there was anything I could do while waiting for my order to arrive.  Thank you in advance for your time and expertise.

Julie

A: Hello Julie,
Using jewelry wire with crimps and clasps is the simplest and most secure method for finishing your beaded strands.  If you are referring to string such as beading cord you can knot at the end of the strand but if you want the jewelry item to be removable you still need some sort of clasp or closure. Traditionally the cord is attached to a clasp and then knotted and glued. If you are trying to avoid a clasp, you can make a sliding knot closure. This works best with a heavier cord such as hemp or silk cording.
   
To make the sliding closure:
Overlap the two ends of the cord. Take the end of the cord on the right, and tie a simple overhand knot over the cord on the left. Then take the end of the cord on the left, and tie a knot over the cord on the right. Knot the ends of the cord to prevent fraying.  Trim if necessary. 
 
Sincerely,
 
Bailey Beader
www.artbeads.com

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Q: I am new to beading with seed beads (sz 8/0 & 11/0)  I want to make rings with them and the instructions told me to use Fire Line, okay I went searching the web and came to your site, where I found the product: Nymo D Large Bobbin White, Product Code: NYD-WHT-L

I need to know if this thread is small enough to work with the seed beads, if it is I would like to get some ordered yet today

 A: Thank you for your inquiry. The Nymo Waxed Nylon Thread is small enough to work with the seed beads you are working with. You can view our entire selection of Nymo Thread by clicking here.  We hope this information is helpful, and look forward to working with you soon.

Have a question you’d like to ask Bailey? Email her at artbeadsblog@gmail.com or post your question to our blog.

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Q: Any suggestions for what or how I string those tiny tiny 2-3mmm peridot rounds or the 2mm Tourmaline beads?  Is there a trick to threading those little holes? Terrified of taking them off the temp. string they came on- worried I’ll never get them threaded again.
 
A: For the 2-3mm rounds, they string up just fine on a fine wire. If you are stringing the small rounds with larger beads I’d recommend using ZambaPro 49 .014 jewelry wire (ZP49-30F-014). If you are stringing them on their own I’d recommend using ZambaPro 49 .012 jewelry wire (ZP49-30F-012). Magnifiers may also help if you are having trouble seeing the holes.

Have a question you’d like to ask Bailey? Email her at artbeadsblog@gmail.com or post your question to our blog.

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Q: Hi, I’m interested in making small faux dichroic glass pieces.  Where might I find directions and a list of supplies needed?  Are kits available? Looking forward to hearing from you….
 
Donna

A: We don’t carry any kits making Dichroic Glass but we do carry a product called Magic Glos that can be used to create the effect of dichroic pieces.  For further instructions on creating faux dichroic glass I’d suggest looking into Lisa Pavelka’s method of creating faux dichroic glass using polymer clay and Mylar-backed foils.
 
Check out page 5 in this .pdf file
http://www.buttons.com/PDFs/Catalogs/LisaPavelka.pdf
 
Sincerely,
  
Bailey Beader

Have a question you’d like to ask Bailey? Email her at artbeadsblog@gmail.com or post your question to our blog.

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Q: Hi, I have an idea for using Swarovski pearl beads which requires about a 20
gauge wire.  I know the beads come in a version with a larger than normal
hole but I may still need to enlarge it a bit.  Do you know if a bead reamer
can do this?  I know the bead is made of leaded glass and I don’t have any
experience using a reamer on this material.

Thanks for your answer.

Patricia

A:  Hello Patricia, After receiving your question I tested the bead reamer on a Swarovski pearl. While the hole did enlarge, the pearl coating around the hole became rough and unsightly. Because of this, I would hesitate using the bead reamer on Swarovski pearls.
 
Sincerely,
  
Bailey Beader

Have a question you’d like to ask Bailey? Email her at artbeadsblog@gmail.com or post your question to our blog.

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Q: What is an AB finish?

A: “AB,” or Aurora Borealis, is a bead treatment inspired by Northern Lights. It is a coating (usually on one side) applied to glass beads that creates a rainbow or iridescent effect. The effect was invented in 1955 by Swarovski in partnership with Christian Dior.

Have a question you’d like to ask Bailey? Email her at artbeadsblog@gmail.com or post your question to our blog.

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Q: Is it safe to dry clean my Swarovski crystals?

A: For most clear and regular-colored crystals, it is fine to dry clean. However, avoid dry cleaning AB finishes or other special finishes.

Have a question you’d like to ask Bailey? Email her at artbeadsblog@gmail.com or post your question to our blog.

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Q: Dear Bailey,
Isn’t there a way to secure beads on the wire without a crimp bead? 
Thanks, Jerry

A: Hi Jerry,
Thanks so much for your question. Crimp beads and tubes are really the best way to secure beads when working with jewelry wire. Crimping is so quick and easier than knotting and using glues. A well done crimp allows you to cut the tail of the wire strand right up to the crimp, you can use crimp covers over the bead or tube or you can hide the crimp in a larger bead or cone. A basic pair of crimping pliers such as TOOL-100 is a worthwhile investment.
Bailey

Have a question you’d like to ask Bailey? Email her at artbeadsblog@gmail.com or post your question to our blog.

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Q: How do I use Organza ribbon?

A: Organza Ribbon is a great way to get a very feminine look quickly and easily. To string the beads on, use a piece of strong stringing material. Fold the stringing material in half and pass the ribbon through the loop. String the ends through your bead, and the ribbon will follow. To help keep your ribbon looking nice, work from the center out, using both ends of the ribbon, and don’t use beads with sharp or jagged edges that could cut or damage the ribbon. To finish your necklace you can tie the ends of the ribbon to a clasp, use a beadtip, or simply tie a bow.

For detailed techniques to use this product, please click HERE or visit the Handy Tips section of the Learning Center and click on how to string beads on organza ribbon.

Have a question you’d like to ask Bailey? Email her at artbeadsblog@gmail.com or post your comment to our blog.

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Q: What’s the difference between gold-filled and gold-plated?

A: The difference is in the amount of gold. Gold-plated products have a very thin layer (seven-millionths of an inch) of gold, while 14K/20 gold-filled products must have at least one-twentieth of their entire weight in 14K gold. What this means for you as a beader is that gold-plated items, while cheaper, will not last as long. Eventually the thin gold layer will rub off. Gold-filled items, however, will remain gold for a lifetime if cared for properly. The occasional silver spot is from solder holding joints together. Unless you are using harsh chemicals or abrasives, the gold layer will stay gold for years to come!

Have a question you’d like to ask Bailey?  Email her at artbeadsblog@gmail.com or post your comment to our blog.

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