Welcome to Stringing 101 where you will learn how to string your first bracelet, how to secure your ends with crimp beads, use your design board and more! Each area of instructions has photos to go along with it, click any photo below to see a larger version of the photo with more detail. Have fun learning how to make your first piece!
- Gather all of your project supplies and put them on a table. You'll want items like your wire cutters, crimp pliers, beading wire, ruler, beads, crimp beads, and your clasp.
- Prepare one end of your wire by wrapping scotch tape around it. This will keep your beads from sliding off while you are stringing.
- Place your beads on your bead board and begin to create the pattern for your bracelet by laying out your beads.
- Use your ruler or your bead board to measure your bracelet for length. Once you have your desired length figured out, start stringing!! Always keep in mind to include the measurement of your jump ring and clasp, as they could add an extra ˝" to your project.
- Once you have your beads strung, put a crimp bead on one end.
- Now, string on a jump ring.
- With your jump ring on, string the beading wire back through the crimp bead and 1-2 of your project beads if you can (the hold might not be large enough).
- Take the wire and pull it tight so that there are no spaces in-between your jump ring, crimp bead, and beads of the project.
- Now, tightly crimp your crimp bead with your crimp tool. (Try and say that 5 times REALLY fast!!!)
- There are two steps to using your crimp tool. The inner most section (see section #1 in graphic below) is used to take the crimp bead and pinch it down the center.
- The outer most section (see section #2 in the graphic below) is used to take your now pinched crimp bead and tightly fold it in half.
- Take your wire cutters and cut off the excess wire….being very careful not to cut off the wire your beads are on.
- Now, repeat steps 6 through 12, however, now you'll use your clasp and finish the other end of your bracelet.
- As you can see, the project is finalized and ready to wear.
