Help please - I want to start working with beads

[newcrafter24]

Hi all,

I am after some help please. I make wedding stationery and am usually found lurking on the wedding threads of this forum but have migrated over to the beads because I would like to start creating some wedding designs that use beadwork as I have seen designs from many other suppliers and it's something I would like to have a go at. I have never worked with beads before and wonder if someone could give me a starting point for the essentials that I would have to buy. I am guessing something along the lines of wire, beads, pliers - what else do you need to get going? what are the different kinds of beads you can buy. The ones I have looked at so far seem to either have a hole right through the middle of the beads or a loop at the top.

A couple of specific questions: How do you know what weight/strength/width of wire to get? Secondly, the kind of look I am going for is beads on a wire wrapped around a square of card that then sits on the front of the invitation. Will these beads be "sliding" on the wire or are they glued or twisted in some way to keep them in place? I have some links to websites but not sure if I am allowed to post them here - please pm me if you want to know what I mean.

Lots of questions, but any advice on getting started would be great.

Thanks!!

[Beadservice]

Sorry you've had no replies,

I think it would have been better if you had posted a link to show what you're trying to achieve, because the array of beads, wires and stringing materials on the market is quite wide.

If you're going to embelish cards with beads, I don't think you need to worry about the break weight of wire/threads. A general rule is the smaller and lighter the bead the finer the wire or thread you can use. Often the choice which to use is down to what your are making, and how you are finishing the ends off.

I only see the need for pliers if you are using 'findings' such as head pins, and you want to make loops, and you would only need 'cutters' if cutting through solid wire or 'findings'.

So sorry my reply is a bit general, but if you want to show me what you're trying to do, I'll see if I can help further.

Debbie

[ladyluckjewellery]

Hi,

I think I can sort of picture what you will be trying to do with the beads. Beadservice is right in that you won't need to worry too much about the wire strength, as it won't be holding weight.

With regards to holding the beads in place, depending on the design, a tiny dab of superglue will hold them, or you can use crimp beads to secure them, which don't always look the best but you can also get crimp bead covers.

If you aren't going to be threading beads on to headpins then you probably could do without pliers, although a good pair of chain nose pliers will always come in handy for cutting, bending and shaping. I know loads of people say it, but don't scrimp on tools, it's very hard to get good results with poor tools, and a good pair of pliers will make working with wire so much easier.

Hope that helps,

Claire

[fancythat]

Hi, Happy Easter. I hope that you have had a good weekend.

I saw your post & can relate to it as I am always looking to try new things & trying to find out how to!

re, beads & wire. I am a self-taught jewellery artist & I found that for basic info. that you need right now,Firemountain gems provide all you need.(including materials)
You can order a free catalogue from them.This has a cut-out back page with all the basic info on wire,findings,bead types etc. You can keep this handy.
The website has a never ending question-answer section.
You can found out HOW to wrap WHICH bead.
Put 'Firemountain gems' in to your search engine & you should find it! (i cant add a link yet!
I hope this has helped!
Enjoy yourself......oh...you can see my crafts on my web address below.