Beading wire is one of the most essential materials for any beading project, especially when it comes to beaded jewelry and similar items. There are many different sizes, styles and colors of beading wire that you can choose from, as well as a variety of different companies that offer it.
Knowing What Your Best Options Are
One of the best companies to buy beading wire from is Beading USA, a company which offers you all of the supplies that you need to make your own beaded jewelry. They have wire, catches, spacers, beads and much more, and as well offer a great customer service center so if at any time you have any questions or comments to make you can do so and you will receive an immediate response.
Then there is also the Jewelry Supply, which is a company that offers beading wire as well as a variety of other related items, including: Swarovski crystals, beads, jewelry findings, beading supplies, stringing materials, pendants, charms, jewelry tools, jewelry displays, jewelry boxes, craft suppliers, magnifiers, wire and chain and more.
Their prices are extremely competitive, and they are constantly updating their stock, so you should make sure to check back with them frequently to see what else they have brought in. If there is something that you are looking for that you cannot find with their company, you can inform them of this and they will try their hardest to find and order in the particular item that you are looking for.
Another great company that offers beading wire and other beading supplies is Contenti. Although they are not as well known as the two previously mentioned beading companies, they offer a large and varied selection nonetheless.
Contenti is a company that stocks all of the essential supplies for bead weaving and wire wrapping projects, and some of their best-selling items are: beaded jewelry books, storage trays, beeswax, and of course their selection of beading wire.
Figuring Out What You Need
Before you go out to any beading store and purchase any item, you should make sure that you know what you need. This means finding the project that you are going to complete, reading the list of materials and equipment that you are going to require, and making a list.
Now you are aware of everything that you need to complete the project and you will be able to be much more productive in terms of finding a store and getting what you need.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Beading Tips Help Keep Projects Together
One of the biggest issues faced by beaders is how to store all the supplies they use on a regular basis. Having everything handy when they need makes their hobby considerably more fun and a few beading tips can help devise a space for the different items used. Keeping the beads organized and easily accessible can be the result of combining many different beading tips developed by those who have doing this for many years.
Other beading tips include how to work with several strands of smaller beads being used to make a larger piece. In some cases there could be numerous strands of different sized beads strung together and will have to sit to the side until all strands are completed. Using a cushioned hair curler to wrap the strands can keep them from unraveling or getting tangled. These are the rollers with the foam cover and plastic clip that folds down over the hair, in this case beads, to hold them securely in place.
Lap trays are often used when working with beads and a little work can make them perfect for this hobby. By using tray dividers, often used in the silverware drawer, inside the lap tray for holding tools or the small containers of beads keeps them all in one place. If beads do accidentally tips, the beads will be captured in the tray before they can hit your lap.
Little Glue Can Go A Long Way
One of the other tough jobs faced by beaders is securing the last bead on the project. Whether necklace, bracelet or a bead covering on a purse, when the beads are on a string making sure the final one does not come loose usually is done by use of beading tips, designed for this purpose. Some are like clam-shell beads and once the string is through the hole are clamped shut. Before closing the bead and crimping it with pliers, place a small drop of glue on the inside to be assured the bead will remain closed.
Those who tie each bead on a necklace to provide additional security seldom use clam shell beading tips on the last strand, preferring the cup-tips to hide the final knot. Essentially, the cup-tip is a half bead through which the string is passed and knotted. A second cup-shaped bead is placed over the first one to make it appear as a bead that is part of the strand. While many snap together, it may be wise to use a spot of glue to keep it from popping apart.
Other beading tips include how to work with several strands of smaller beads being used to make a larger piece. In some cases there could be numerous strands of different sized beads strung together and will have to sit to the side until all strands are completed. Using a cushioned hair curler to wrap the strands can keep them from unraveling or getting tangled. These are the rollers with the foam cover and plastic clip that folds down over the hair, in this case beads, to hold them securely in place.
Lap trays are often used when working with beads and a little work can make them perfect for this hobby. By using tray dividers, often used in the silverware drawer, inside the lap tray for holding tools or the small containers of beads keeps them all in one place. If beads do accidentally tips, the beads will be captured in the tray before they can hit your lap.
Little Glue Can Go A Long Way
One of the other tough jobs faced by beaders is securing the last bead on the project. Whether necklace, bracelet or a bead covering on a purse, when the beads are on a string making sure the final one does not come loose usually is done by use of beading tips, designed for this purpose. Some are like clam-shell beads and once the string is through the hole are clamped shut. Before closing the bead and crimping it with pliers, place a small drop of glue on the inside to be assured the bead will remain closed.
Those who tie each bead on a necklace to provide additional security seldom use clam shell beading tips on the last strand, preferring the cup-tips to hide the final knot. Essentially, the cup-tip is a half bead through which the string is passed and knotted. A second cup-shaped bead is placed over the first one to make it appear as a bead that is part of the strand. While many snap together, it may be wise to use a spot of glue to keep it from popping apart.
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