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Have you ever wanted to try makingbeaded jewelry?
Beginners and experienced crafters will find endless variety in available beads and findings.
Read on to learn how to get started creating jewelry.
Photo:Stock Photosfrom LUNOV MYKOLA/Shutterstock
But, keep in mind that the supplies you’ll use will largely depend on the design.
We’ve compiled a list of commonly used materials and tools below.
Needle nose pliersare excellent for gripping, bending, and manipulating.
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You will also needround nose pliers.
These are often used to create loops in metal wire.
Lastly,sharp wire cutterswill make your life easy.
Blick| $3.99
These metal bits and bobs help shape and hold together your beaded jewelry.
Luckily, several basics to get you started are very affordable.
Lobster clasps,barrel clasps, andtoggle claspsare easy to use for your bracelets and necklaces.
Blick| $4.07
To attach the clasp to the end of your beaded strand, you will need acrimp beador tube.
Made of soft metal, these beads string onto the end of a thin wire or string strand.
Lastly,jump ringsare often useful for attaching charms to chains or strands.
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String and Wire
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The options for crafting jewelry are endless.
Beads can be strung onleatherorwaxed threadfor a natural look.
you’re free to also use stretchyelastic threadfor slide-on bracelets or beaded strands with some give.
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A common and sturdy option isjewelrystringing wire.
This comes in various colors, finishes, and gauges that are soft and flexible.
If you enjoy manipulating metal, try creating charms to hang off a chain necklace or bracelet.
The Beadsmith| $8.49
Buychainin your desired thickness and cut it with wire cutters to your desired length.
To make charms from your beads, you will requireflat head pinsoreye pins.
Slide on the beads and then use your needle-nose and round-tipped pliers to create a partial loop.
Slide the loop through the chain, complete the loop with a twist, andvoilaa charm.
Beads
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Beads offer endless variety.
Glass, plastic, precious stonesthere are options for any jewelry style.
Local glassmakers often make and sell one-of-a-kindfunky creationsor adorable novelties (such as thesetiny bees).
Another helpful innovation is a bead board.
you’re free to lay out your beads and measure length as your project takes shape.
Visualize, create, and craftthe world of jewelry making is at your fingertips.
