Adding folding cord ends also known as folding crimps to ribbons and leathers can be challenging, especially if you are using 2 cords at once. We have discovered a few techniques that might help you to achieve a neat and secure finish without the need for another pair of hands! Firstly, make sure you even [...]
6 steps to an expert wrapped loop Step 1 Thread the bead onto a soft metal head pin. Grip the head pin 2mm above the bead with the tip of your round nose pliers and make a right angle by turning the pliers. Step 2 Slide your round nose pliers into the angle about 4mm [...]
Check out this link… Mary Portas offers advice to crafters on how to promote and sell their goods. http://tinyurl.com/2g7ynoh
Create Shiney Company’s Bollywood Chic strung necklace design with CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements and gold plated chain. This strung necklace is big on techniques, demonstrating how to use a wire guardian, crimps, crimp covers and the split ring tool. Adding the chain makes a strung necklace more interesting. The rich colours and gold metals work [...]
Step 2 Position the wire on the mandrel (placing it approx. one to two sizes bigger that you require) so the beads are in the centre of the wire and sat on the top of the mandrel. Using your thumb, hold the beads flat to the mandrel and wrap either side of the wire around [...]
This is such a useful and versatile technique. Flat coils are a great way of finishing off wire ends neatly. We recently used this technique on a couple of the projects we submitted to Beads and Beyond and Making Jewellery Magazine (see images). There are many uses for the flat coil; making headpins is just [...]
With satin ribbon featuring in many of this seasons jewellery designs, it can be a challenge keeping those edges from fraying. You can try snipping at an angle with your scissors but the ends still unravell after it’s been worn. We’ve found the best way to stop fraying is to carefully run a lighter flame over the edge [...]
A wig jig is a board (wooden or acrylic) with pegs that sit in the holes. You can arrange the pegs in patterns so that you can wind wire around and create shapes that can be repeated again and again. It can be used to create intricate patterns or jewellery findings. Great for uniform shapes [...]
Making your own tiara and accessories If you are a complete beginner there are several ways to get started. You may have clear ideas in mind, but need help with materials and tools; visit your local bead store and see if there is a tiara maker in store who can offer advice. Research the web! [...]
It’s a while since I talked about sitting the garden BeJeweling a black Bikini, at last I have an image for you. In addition, I have some images to help you use your BeJeweler successfully. Before you get started you need to consider a few things:- Is the material porous (a good test is to [...]
