Select a Wire Gauge
Use gauge 20 or higher for earrings and wrapped bead links in bracelets and necklaces.
Buy gauge 18 to 20 for making most bracelets.
Get 16 to 18-gauge wire for making necklaces. Remember that 16 gauge
is very large and difficult for most beginners to work with.
Decide on Wire Hardness
Use soft wire (hardness 0 or 1) for making spirals and round shapes.
Choose half-hard wire (hardness 2 or 3) for designs that require sharp angles, or where the wire must wrap around itself.
Buy hard wire (hardness 4) for beads jewelry that must stand up to a lot of wear and won't have any round shapes.
Choose a Metal Type
Use gold wire for aesthetics if your budget allows for it.
Gold-filled wire is less expensive and looks and wears like gold. Both
are tarnish resistant and come in soft or half-hard. Gold-plated wire is
made to look like 24K gold, but the gold will wear off eventually.
Get silver wire for the look of it, but remember that it does
tarnish and must be cleaned regularly. Silver-plated wire is
inexpensive, but the silver can wear off, and it tarnishes also.
Sterling silver is available in soft or half-hard.
Buy copper, brass or other less-traditional wire for its strength, looks or durability as necessary for your project.
2012年6月29日星期五
2012年6月20日星期三
Possibilities to consider when crafting with beads
The most popular bead craft hobby is that of jewelry. Everything from
beaded earrings to necklaces and bracelets are widely available and are
handmade by artisans around the world. Found at craft shows, in
specialty stores and online, beaded jewelry designers are responsible
for hand threading each bead until the desired look is completed. Jewelry beads are available in a variety of metals, including
gold-tone, silver-tone, genuine gold and genuine silver. Products used
to create beaded jewelry are typically found at most wholesalers that
deal in jewelry findings.
If you have ever seen a beaded pocketbook, then you have already seen the workmanship that goes into this type of product. However, many do not realize this, but some pocketbooks are made completely of beads. Understandably so, these are very expensive due to the amount of time and work involved in addition to the cost of the beads themselves. However, they are quite possibly one of the most elegant purses that a woman can own.
Another popular bead craft hobby is that of creating handmade napkin rings. These rings are designed to hold a rolled napkin into place before dinner. With beaded napkin rings, many people choose to use them as decor, but they are actually quite functional and are more than capable of serving the purpose as they are intended.
Yet another popular bead craft is hair accessories. It's all about the added touches, right? When it comes to hair accessories, beadwork is everywhere. It is commonly found in hair pins and other hair embellishments that help to complete the perfect look.
After creating their latest designs, most bead craft artists make their work available at craft shows (either local or national), at online auctions, or through specialty craft stores. In some cases, their work is even sold nationally in retail stores. Bead craft artists are skilled professionals that opt to display their artwork in the form of beadwork rather than on canvas. But, make no mistake, an artist who works with beads is no less of an artist than anyone who uses a pencil or paintbrush.
If you have ever seen a beaded pocketbook, then you have already seen the workmanship that goes into this type of product. However, many do not realize this, but some pocketbooks are made completely of beads. Understandably so, these are very expensive due to the amount of time and work involved in addition to the cost of the beads themselves. However, they are quite possibly one of the most elegant purses that a woman can own.
Another popular bead craft hobby is that of creating handmade napkin rings. These rings are designed to hold a rolled napkin into place before dinner. With beaded napkin rings, many people choose to use them as decor, but they are actually quite functional and are more than capable of serving the purpose as they are intended.
Yet another popular bead craft is hair accessories. It's all about the added touches, right? When it comes to hair accessories, beadwork is everywhere. It is commonly found in hair pins and other hair embellishments that help to complete the perfect look.
After creating their latest designs, most bead craft artists make their work available at craft shows (either local or national), at online auctions, or through specialty craft stores. In some cases, their work is even sold nationally in retail stores. Bead craft artists are skilled professionals that opt to display their artwork in the form of beadwork rather than on canvas. But, make no mistake, an artist who works with beads is no less of an artist than anyone who uses a pencil or paintbrush.
2012年6月18日星期一
Guides on how to purchase lampwork glass beads
Decide or find the jewelry project that you would like to create. Find out what kind and how many lampwork beads you will need.
Look on auction sites and craft stores online. You will find many options, and save the ones you like under your bookmarks.
Study the pictures of the lamp work beads well. Be sure that that the quality is in good shape. Look for any chips, cracks, or breaks that might be present. Everything should be completely smooth without any rough surfaces.
Ask the seller any questions you may have about the lampwork glass beads. If they do not get back to you promptly or do not seem knowledgeable about their product, that's a bad sign. You should look elsewhere in that scenario. Also, check out any online stores with the Better Business Bureau if they aren't a nationally reputably company.
Determine your jewelry making budget and how much you would like to spend on lampwork beads. Quality lampwork beads are higher, but are more durable and have longer lifespan. The cheaper lampwork beads may come with chips or weren't handmade correctly. While it is not necessary to spend hundreds of dollars on lampwork beads, you do want quality ones to use in projects-especially if you plan on selling your creations.
Have your credit/debit card or checking account available. You will need these items to make your online purchase. Record your purchase and print out your receipt after checkout to have for your own personal records. Be sure to take back any purchased merchandise at china beads wholesale stores should you question the quality or making of your lampwork beads.
Look on auction sites and craft stores online. You will find many options, and save the ones you like under your bookmarks.
Study the pictures of the lamp work beads well. Be sure that that the quality is in good shape. Look for any chips, cracks, or breaks that might be present. Everything should be completely smooth without any rough surfaces.
Ask the seller any questions you may have about the lampwork glass beads. If they do not get back to you promptly or do not seem knowledgeable about their product, that's a bad sign. You should look elsewhere in that scenario. Also, check out any online stores with the Better Business Bureau if they aren't a nationally reputably company.
Determine your jewelry making budget and how much you would like to spend on lampwork beads. Quality lampwork beads are higher, but are more durable and have longer lifespan. The cheaper lampwork beads may come with chips or weren't handmade correctly. While it is not necessary to spend hundreds of dollars on lampwork beads, you do want quality ones to use in projects-especially if you plan on selling your creations.
Have your credit/debit card or checking account available. You will need these items to make your online purchase. Record your purchase and print out your receipt after checkout to have for your own personal records. Be sure to take back any purchased merchandise at china beads wholesale stores should you question the quality or making of your lampwork beads.
2012年5月29日星期二
Enrich your summer with acrylic style miracle beads
Spring is right under
the way. Be bold and beautiful, this season you can't miss out new innovated
and popular colors like Tangerine Tango, Cabaret, Bellflower, Solar Power,
Sodalite Blue etc. Choose and find those new and fashionable colors supplies
from Zacoo's new arrived miracle beads. In addition, beads sizes are also
varied of 4mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm and 12mm.
By simply stringing mix colors miracle beads to make a candy – like bracelet or creating waved patterns to make a gorgeous necklace, miracle beads can satisfy with your various jewelry creations.
Take your time and shop our new arrivals at my beads supplies free shipping store.
Source from: http://www.newfashionbox.com/www-zacoo-com-new-arrived-miracle-beads/
By simply stringing mix colors miracle beads to make a candy – like bracelet or creating waved patterns to make a gorgeous necklace, miracle beads can satisfy with your various jewelry creations.
Take your time and shop our new arrivals at my beads supplies free shipping store.
2012年5月25日星期五
How to make a pair of earring with two hole beads
Cut two 3-inch lengths of beading wire.
Insert the end of one beading wire through a two-hole bead. Thread one or two smaller beads onto the beading wire and insert the end of the wire back through the second hole of the two-hole bead.
Pull the wire through so the beads sit at the center point along the beading wire.
Bring both ends of the beading wire together and insert them both through three or four smaller beads.
Place a crimp bead onto each beading wire (separately) and thread the ends of the wires through the loop on the bottom of an earring finding. Insert the ends of the wires back through each crimp bead and pull the wire taut so the crimp beads are snugly against the loop of the earring finding.
Crimp the crimp beads with the crimping pliers to secure the beads onto the earring finding. Cut any excess beading wire off on the other end of the crimped beads to finish the earring.
Make a second identical earring to match the first earring.
Insert the end of one beading wire through a two-hole bead. Thread one or two smaller beads onto the beading wire and insert the end of the wire back through the second hole of the two-hole bead.
Pull the wire through so the beads sit at the center point along the beading wire.
Bring both ends of the beading wire together and insert them both through three or four smaller beads.
Place a crimp bead onto each beading wire (separately) and thread the ends of the wires through the loop on the bottom of an earring finding. Insert the ends of the wires back through each crimp bead and pull the wire taut so the crimp beads are snugly against the loop of the earring finding.
Crimp the crimp beads with the crimping pliers to secure the beads onto the earring finding. Cut any excess beading wire off on the other end of the crimped beads to finish the earring.
Make a second identical earring to match the first earring.
2012年5月15日星期二
How to tell real gold from fake ones
Test gold by looking at the gold in the sun. Gold should retain its
color in the sun as well as the shade. Many metals glitter in the sun,
but gold isn't one of them.
Stick a sharp needle or pin in the gold. If it fractures or cracks, it isn't gold. China Beads Wholesale Gold is malleable, meaning it can bend and be dented but it doesn't crack easily.
Gold is heavy. It will sink to the bottom and stay there. If you are gold panning, a great test is to rock the pan back and forth with some water. Gold should stay at the bottom and not move around much.
A sure-fire way to test gold is to wear it on your skin. lampwork glass beads If your skin turns a greenish color, that isn't gold you are wearing, but more likely another metal with possibly a bit of gold content. A pure gold piece of jewelry will not react with skin.
Try running a magnet over the gold. Precious metals like gold and silver are not magnetic, so if your gold is attracted by the magnet, that isn't a good sign. resin flower cabochons Of course, if it isn't, that doesn't guarantee it is gold. Lots of things are nonmagnetic, like wood. The best way to test gold is to take it into an expert to be tested. Tibetan Style Beads Experts have sophisticated acid tests that can determine the exact gold content and tell you the gold price per gram and how much your item is worth.
Stick a sharp needle or pin in the gold. If it fractures or cracks, it isn't gold. China Beads Wholesale Gold is malleable, meaning it can bend and be dented but it doesn't crack easily.
Gold is heavy. It will sink to the bottom and stay there. If you are gold panning, a great test is to rock the pan back and forth with some water. Gold should stay at the bottom and not move around much.
A sure-fire way to test gold is to wear it on your skin. lampwork glass beads If your skin turns a greenish color, that isn't gold you are wearing, but more likely another metal with possibly a bit of gold content. A pure gold piece of jewelry will not react with skin.
Try running a magnet over the gold. Precious metals like gold and silver are not magnetic, so if your gold is attracted by the magnet, that isn't a good sign. resin flower cabochons Of course, if it isn't, that doesn't guarantee it is gold. Lots of things are nonmagnetic, like wood. The best way to test gold is to take it into an expert to be tested. Tibetan Style Beads Experts have sophisticated acid tests that can determine the exact gold content and tell you the gold price per gram and how much your item is worth.
2012年4月25日星期三
Guides on purchasing wholesale beads
When you start making your own jewelry one of the most important components is your beads. These comprise the whole structure of your jewelry and are an important part of this craft. When you set out to find wholesale beads there are several things that you should keep in mind.
Less is sometimes more. When you see a great deal on something that is just too good to be true, it usually is. Try to avoid websites that offer coupons and great deals if you buy $100 worth of merchandise. wholesale beads China, beading supplies. Yes you may eventually need that many beads but if the need is not urgent try to hold off. This is more for first time jewelry makers.
If you know for a fact that you have the money for bulk purchases and that you will need that many beads, go for it. Occasionally the deals are worth that extra bit of money.
Look for quality. Just because something is only 99 cents does not mean that you should buy it. cheap acrylic beads. Occasionally you will get a great deal like this but often when something is selling for that cheap it is because it is poorly made. Try purchasing items that are a little more expensive as this denotes a bit of added quality. Buying in bulk and at wholesale can get a bit thrilling and if you do not keep quality in mind you may end up getting a bunch of junk.
Wholesale does not always mean it is coming from America. Though items from other countries are generally not a problem, everyone remembers the bead scare a few years ago when a batch of beads from China had lead in them. wholesale resin cabochons, resin flower cabochons. When you buy wholesale, odds are they are coming directly from a manufacturer that is often overseas. This means you get a better deal but that you also have to wait quite a bit longer for it to get shipped to you.
The internet is your ally. There are not many stores that allow you to purchase beads at wholesale. That is why the internet can be your biggest asset. You should exploit this resource as much as possible. The internet offers you access to sites and retailers that you may never have been exposed to in person and that gives you that many more chances to find just what you want. Tibetan style beads. If you keep these basics in mind you should be able to find the right wholesale beads for your crafting needs.
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