Necklace making

[Seahorse]

Id like to attempt to make a necklace but how do I connect the string bit that goes through the beads onto the metal findings?

[Craft Cellar]

There are several methods, you can use crimp beads which are tiny metal beads that you crush down on to the string/wire, culottes which again you squash closed with pliers but hides the knot etc. If using thong or cord you can use metal ends that you thread the end into and add glue or crush down.
There are quite a few options depending on what materials you are using.
Hope that helps a bit.

[Bea]

or.... [cheeky] :cool: you can do a very long necklace and not use a fastener!!:p :rolleyes:

However, yes, there are quite many ways of finishing a necklace. Crimping takes the lead for me.

[Seahorse]

Thanks
I had a look in a book yeserday and I worked out the crimp bead method so Il probably give that a go.
I just dont belive a little crushed bead will stop the whole thing from falling apart!!

Next thing I have to do is decide what beads I want which is a completly new headache.

[Seahorse]

Forgot to say, there are some specific beads Im after which I cant find on a net site, so I looked on ebay and found a necklace consisting of different sized versions of the beads Im after, so I bidded for them.Reckon itl work out cheaper than getting them individually.

[Seahorse]

Just tried some crimping.
Its so tough and fiddly!!
I squeezed the crimp bead an it didnt hold, so I mega (im an adult really)squeezed it again, then tried to fold it, which eventually held like a gooden, but its tough.Im not looking forward to trying it with beads on the wire.

I saw in the craft shop there are specific pliers you can get to squeeze it exactly around the 2 bits of wire then fold it.
Does anybody have this tool and is it worth getting?

[Bea]

Practice makes perfect! :cool:
The tool, a crimping plier, makes it a lot easier! There are two ridges, one to crush and one to round the bead once crushed.
see there (http://www.justbeads.co.uk/contentcollectionpage~Type~2~Category~43915.aspx) (bottom right)

I much prefer crimping these days - sorry, I said that before didn't I!! hehe :D

[Seahorse]

Ooh a new site to peruse.I shall save it for tomorrow.The pliers are alot cheaper on the site than in the shop I went to!!

[Fran]

It's crimping for me too with the crimping pliers.

One thing though! When/if you get the crimping pliers don't press too hard or you will distroy the crimp, it really doesn't take much pressure to use these and like Bea said 'practice makes perfect'.

Here's a link for directions on how to use crimpers http://www.softflexcompany.com/crimping.htm

[Seahorse]

I made a necklace yesterday, quite primitive but I thought it was fab for my first attempt.I used old beads etc that I had.
I used AB crystals, a big pearl,crystal rondelles and some dangley chain things hanging off the bottom.Quite 1930's.

I had a bit of trouble with th crimping beads, trying to squeeze them so they wont show adn I cut the 'returning' thread that goes back into the beads too short and it came out.

Im thinking of putting an order in for beads etc, Ive worked out it cost £30ish so far inc p+p and VAT, about £7 of it isnt for the necklaces.
£20ish for 2 necklaces, is it justifiable.I wont be using all the beads

[Fran]

Good for you! If you'd seen my first attempt you'd have fallen about laughing.

The crimps will always show unless you have beads with large holes that could go over the top of them. You can get crimp covers but honestly I don't find them cost effective. None of my customers have ever commented on the crimps showing.

As far as putting an order in for beads with £30ish or so, you'll want to be as cost effective as possible. Perhaps you want to design your project first and then order as much or as little as you need for each project that way you'll get to use most if not all of your order or order a project in kit form, that might be helpful until you've mastered the basics. (this does limit your own imagination for design which you obviously have)

[Seahorse]

Thanks for the advice.
Sadly I have thought about what I need and got the least I can get.
Sometimes Ive bought a pack of 10/20/100 depending on what I need them for as that seems to be cost effective, then I can use the beads in something else.
Makes sense to make a big order instead of lots of little orders.
Im making long necklaces which doesnt help, half is beads, the rest is chain.

I bought one of those trays so I can lay out the design, may work out that I can use less.

Just got the pro forma invoice fax through for my order £29.21!!! Less than £30!!

Somebody said Nothing Ventured= Nothing gained.
Its time for me to stop beiing a procrastinator.

[Seahorse]

Just placed that big order and thats it for a month.I wont buy anything else.






Unless I need it.....and that thing I bid for on ebay if I win it but its only £5 so it hardly counts.

[Fran]

Sure! I beleive you! he he he


Just placed that big order and thats it for a month.I wont buy anything else.






Unless I need it.....and that thing I bid for on ebay if I win it but its only £5 so it hardly counts.

[Seahorse]

My big orders arrived, I can get it when I hopefully go home for lunch!!

Didnt win that ebay bid but placed another bid on a very similar item.

[Trinity]

Just placed that big order and thats it for a month.I wont buy anything else.









Ahh.........famous last words!! I just wonder when I will I start to make a profit!:p

[Seahorse]

Hehe, at least your selling yours, Im just spending money like its water and attampting to make things!!!


The bits n bobs are lovely, tho smaller than I thought.Im gona have 2 very slim necklaces at the end of this.
My boss is off this afternoon so I can sit here and make perdy things.

[Seahorse]

I HATE CRIMP BEADS!!!

I dont have the crimping pliers and Im trying to make a dent in the bead so itsl buckle and fold over.Ive done one but I cant do the other!!!!

ALso I used too small beads where Im supposed to pass the wire back into the necklace, so Ive had to cut it off reeeeal short.
Do you think itl fall apart?

[Seahorse]

Halleluyah and praise be to all Gods.I DID IT.
It only needed a hammer and some brute force.
Only took me 25 minutes!!Hoorah!!