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Top 4 Beading Tools

Posted by Enchanting Beads on December 20, 2012 at 9:02 am

There are many beading tools on the market, and most of them can help you create beautiful pieces. However, there are a few certain tools that are extremely useful. When you pull out these materials, you will find that beading is more enjoyable and easier than ever.

Bead Mat

Sticky Bead MatA bead mat is great for beading on the go. You can sit in the living room or in your favorite chair and keep your beads on your lap. The bead mat is small and light-weight, which means that you can carry it anywhere. Your beads won’t roll around as you work, so you’ll be able to stay comfortable and relaxed while you do your favorite hobby.

Magical Crimp Tool

Magical Crimping Tool
This tool came around a few years ago, and it is very handy to have. While crimp covers are sometimes fun to include in the design, you don’t always want to have them. That’s where the Magical Crimp Tool comes into the picture. It will convert your crimping bead into a round bead that looks like it naturally belongs in your design. You still have the option to use crimp covers if you want to, but it is no longer required.

Ring Mandrel

Ring Mandrel
Rings are so much fun to make, and a ring mandrel will allow you to make them quickly and easily. When you use one of these, it will be possible for you to make hundreds of rings each month to sell at shows or to give as gifts. The ring mandrel will allow you to shape rings perfectly, and you’ll even be able to increase them half a size if necessary.

Bead Oracle Reference Card

Bead Oracle Reference Card
While it is not technically a tool, the Bead Oracle is definitely something that you need to keep on hand. Even if you work with wire and beads all day, every day, you will still find the card to be useful. It has all of the information about wire gauges on one side, such as their diameters in millimeters and inches. The other side of the card has standard bead sizes that will help you to figure out the size of your beads and how many you will need for your project. There are also handy rulers on the edges. You’ll quickly find that the Bead Oracle Reference Card is something that you want at your side because it will help you to work efficiently.

Every jewelry maker has a favorite tool that she can’t live without, and these are just a few. What are your must-have tools for beading?

 

 

 

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Beading on a Budget

Posted by Enchanting Beads on November 1, 2012 at 8:47 am

If your budget is thin, you may be frustrated by how little you can spend on things that you enjoy. However, you shouldn’t let your limited funds keep you from enjoying your hobbies, especially jewelry making. A small amount of money can allow you to create beautiful jewelry, and it can be just as stunning as what you would spend a fortune on in the store.

Choose Your Tools Wisely
ToolsIf you have a limited amount of money to spend on your jewelry making hobby, take care that you buy only the essential materials. Invest in a basic tools so that you will have the toolsyou need to crimp, bend, wrap, close and cut your wire and findings. You can then add to your tool kit as you are able.

Stringing Materials

Sterling silver and gold wire is pretty, but it is also more expensive than other stringing materials. You can create jewelry that is just as pretty using copper and brass. Since you aren’t using precious metals, you are more likely to be able to afford to do more projects.

Hemp
You can also create beautiful jewelry using other types of stringing material, such as leather or hemp. Leather and hemp can be an inexpensive cord that will allow you to design trendy jewelry.

 

 

Beads and Findings

Czech Glass Beads
You can find several beads and findings that will fit your budget. Look for options such as Czech beads, which can be used for a variety of projects. There are also some gemstones that you can get without spending a great deal of money. Always keep on the lookout for sales and clearance items because you will be able to save money while stocking up on supplies.

Designing Jewelry

By mastering a few techniques, you can add character and beauty to your pieces without relying on store-bought items. Learn how to properly wrap wire in order to make your own loops, connectors and links. This will allow you to fill in space in your designs without using costly beads. You can also learn how to use a hammer to texture your links, which will add depth and dimension to your creations. Oxidization is another technique that will allow you to give your jewelry even more personality, and it will also draw attention away from any imperfections in the pieces you make.

Get Creative

If your budget is really tight, then look carefully at the items you have. Since you will be forced to use what you have on hand, you will often come up with unique and beautiful designs that you otherwise would have missed. Keep an open mind about the supplies and materials that you have on hand because they may lead you to a stunning creation.

A limited budget does not mean that you have to avoid jewelry making. By carefully considering your options and making frugal decisions, you can still have beautiful materials that will allow you to create stunning jewelry.

 

 

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