Beads
Beads, of course, are the primary component of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Beads can be made of wood, bone, metal, glass, semi-precious stones, or pearls. The choice depends on the look desired and the amount of money available to spend.
Beads come in all shapes, sizes, and colors and choosing just the right ones to match an outfit or as the perfect hand-made gift is magically creative. That first trip to the bead shop can be an incredible sensory experience, and to avoid impulse spending, it is best to have a color family in mind and a general idea of the piece to be created. Looking through magazines, catalogs, and beading books is a great way to generate ideas.
Jewelry Findings
Findings link beads together to form the jewelry piece. Findings can be made of base metal, such as nickel, but sterling silver and gold-filled findings retain their luster longer and only increase the price of a piece by about five dollars.
Head pins are long, blunt pieces of wire that have a head on one end to secure beads. Eye pins are similar except there is a looped eye on one end instead of a head. These are typically used to make stacked bead earrings. Crimp beads or tubes are small, thin-walled metal pieces used to secure the beads in necklaces and bracelets. The beads are threaded onto the wire and the crimp bead is strung in place and flattened to secure the beads before the clasp is attached.
Clasps come in many shapes and sizes. Choosing the size and shape of a clasp can be an important design, as well as functional, consideration. Clasps are named based on the closure mechanism and include the toggle, the lobster claw, the S-hook, the hook and eye, and the magnetic tips.
Stringing Materials
Cords, threads, or flexible beading wire are used to string the beads. The choice depends primarily on whether the stringing material will be exposed and, therefore, should be decorative.
Decorative materials are usually cords or threads, including colored fabric and leather. Nylon-wrapped wire is typically used if the stringing material will be hidden. Strength is another important factor in choosing stringing material, and the weight and size of the beads should be considered.
Jewelry-Making Tools
There are several different tools used in beading, but beginners will typically need only a pair of chainnose pliers, roundnose pliers, and diagonal wire cutters.
Chainnose pliers are used for gripping small pieces, opening and closing loops, and for crimping. Roundnose pliers are used for making wire loops, and cutters for making crisp wire cuts.
A design board is also a good idea for beginners. The flat board is cut with various sized grooves. Beads can be placed in the grooves and arranged and rearranged until the perfect design is achieved. The grooves are fitted in several lengths, marked in inches, to help cut just the right amount of stringing material for the desired length of the necklace or bracelet.
These jewelry making tools are usually available at bead shops but can also be found at hobby and crafts stores.
Summary
Making bead jewelry is a wonderfully creative, artistic craft. However, the creative process is certainly enhanced with the proper tools and materials. It is best for beginners to approach that first project with all the right tools and materials in hand.
Sources
- Gerlach, Julia. Get Started Beading. Waukesha: Kalmbach Trade Press, 2005.
- Morris, Karen. The Beading Answer Book. North Adams: Storey Publishing, 2008.
- Rodgers, Carole. Beading Basics. Iola: Krause Publications, 2006.
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