Category

Jewellery Making Techniques

29/07/2022
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How to: Tying Stretchy Bracelets

One question we get asked time and time again is – “how do I tie stretch elastic?”. It is a tricky skill to master but once you learn… an entire world of bracelet possibilities will be at your finger tips. Top Tip: Once the knot is secured – add a little blob of clear glue (or even clear nail varnish) to create additional hold. Allow to dry fully, then trim off any excess ends.

19/10/2020
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5 ways to Thread Semi Precious Stones

Semi-Precious stones tend to be heavier than other beads, they also typically come with very small holes. This presents jewellery makers with a conundrum – ‘how do I choose a cord that will be both strong and thin?’ Choosing the correct thickness of cord is essential, but first you will need to identify the size of hole in your chosen beads. This will usually be written in the product description, but if you are unsure – a quick email to your bead supplier can always shine a light on anything... Read More

03/08/2020
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How To … Turn loop

The making of a turn loop can prove to be more difficult in reality than it is in theory. Using a pair of round nose pliers, follow the straightforward steps below to master the turn loop technique, which usually takes a little practice.  To control the length of your stem, position the wire on the thick area of the pliers; now bend the wire away from you to make a right angle. Step 1 Then trim the head pin, leaving approx 1 cm distance from the bend. Grip the pin... Read More

30/07/2020
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The Beginners Guide to Jewellery Findings…

Before the Basics… ‘Jewellery findings’ are the bare bones of any piece of jewellery. The term ‘findings’ is a collective way to describe any individual component that falls under this category. Jewellery findings are used to link, hold, or secure jewellery items together to create a complete piece of jewellery. Choosing which beads you like is often the easy part. Selecting the right findings, however, can be a difficult task for any beginner. So, here is a full guide to all your jewellery findings and what they can be used for to... Read More

16/07/2020
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Jewellery Making Tools for Beginners

If you are reading this for the first time chances are you have decided to embark on a new hobby. You have scanned the internet, created boards on Pinterest and drooled over handmade jewellery designs on Instagram. So many possibilities, so little time.    If this sounds familiar to you, then firstly – welcome to the exciting new world of jewellery making. We want to make your entrance as smooth as possible. Good news! It isn’t necessary to spend money on lots of fancy tools. Invest in good quality basics... Read More

11/02/2016

All you need to know about Jewellery Making Tools

If you have a creative mind, jewellery making can not only be a superb hobby, but it can also be a great stream of revenue; either on the side or as a full time job. Whilst many jewellery makers stick to creating pieces for their own persoal use, once you have become more experienced, you can pass them on as gifts, or to sell.   With all its benefits, jewellery making can be fun. However, as you start to try and experiment with more difficult pieces, it can become a... Read More

22/01/2016

Top Tips for Jewellery Making Beginners

Starting out in jewellery making can be daunting, especially when everyone around you seems to be making expert Kumihimo braids and you’re still learning the basics. However, everyone has to start somewhere, before they become experts in their field. So, to give you a helping hand in getting through the first few hurdles, we have searched high and low to find some of the best tips for jewellery making beginners to get you on a roll, straight from the experts. Start with the type of jewellery that you enjoy the... Read More

Kumihimo | Kumihimo Supplies | The Bead Shop 22/07/2015
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The Secret to Kumihimo Success

We are huge fans of Kumihimo braiding at The Bead Shop, but we know that it can look a little daunting to someone who is just starting out in jewellery making. Kumihimo braiding is a traditional Japanese technique that is continuing to grow in popularity, as more of us are creating or our custom pieces of jewellery.   You can make gorgeous Kumihimo jewellery with just a few simple supplies, that won’t cost you the earth. With this you can create beautiful necklaces, bracelets, anklets and more. If you’ve already... Read More

How to make a charm bracelet | jewellery making | The Bead Shop 08/07/2015
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Jewellery Making for Beginners: How to Make a Charm Bracelet

When it comes to buying a gift for a loved one, charm bracelets are always high on the agenda. But they are so much more meaningful when they are hand crafted and contain charms that have a personal meaning, or memory attached to them. There are no restrictions when it comes to choosing your charms, so you can be as inventive as you like. These bracelets are so easy to make, you will find yourself creating new ones for every occasion!                  ... Read More

Jewellery Making Tips | Jewellery Making Tips | The Bead Shop 10/06/2015
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Get Festival Ready with a Handmade Flower Crown

Although we haven’t been lucky enough to see much sunny weather so far this year, festival season is still right around the corner. But if you haven’t managed to get your hands on any Glastonbury tickets, it doesn’t mean you can’t still rock that signature festival look. Daisy crowns fly off the shelves at this time of the year, but if you want to add a unique touch to yours, we can show you how to make something extra special. Making a flower crown couldn’t be any easier. You will... Read More

10/04/2013
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Opening a Jump Ring

Some jewellery-making techniques seem far more simple in theory than they are in practice, or vice versa. The opening and closing of a jump ring requires little explanation but if key steps are not followed carefully it can ruin the jump ring. Using a pair of flat nose pliers hold your jump ring steady so that the join is at the top. Now take another pair of flat nose pliers and twist the opposite side towards yourself. Please note: do not open these outwards as you will lose the shape and strength... Read More

21/03/2011
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How to crimp an end loop

Learning how to effectively crimp an end loop is no easy task, especially if the jewellery maker attempts to hurry the task. Using a pair of flat nose pliers, follow each step below in turn without skipping any instruction – doing so would likely result in failure.      

22/10/2010
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How To Use Tube Crimps in Jewellery Making

Jewellery-making often requires the use of specialist tools and materials – a fact that is perfectly illustrated by the crimping technique used on tube crimps, which enable jewellery makers to secure clasps and other such objects to string, elastic or wire. A pair of crimping pliers is required for this tricky job.     Place the tube crimp inside the first part of the pliers.[/column]      Squeeze the pliers to flatten the tube crimp, this will make groove in the middle.[/column]   Now place the tube crimp on its... Read More

20/10/2010

How To Knot Stretch Magic for Bracelets

 Tying a Surgeon’s Knot, for example, is a necessary skill to be acquired in bracelet making. Once designers have mastered the Surgeon’s Knot, a variety of intricate, interesting and professional looking items of jewellery can be produced with relative ease. Follow the instructions below with a steady hand, roll of Stretch Magic and pair of scissors to learn the Surgeon’s Knot technique.    For bracelets that have beads going all the way round. Place your beads on.  Cross over the two ends.  Then with your right-hand, wrap round two times.... Read More

14/07/2010
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How To Make… Wrapped bead loop

A wrapped bead loop can provide the final exquisite touch to a necklace, pendant or bracelet, but it is not an easy effect to achieve. With a 20cm length of wire, pair of flat nose pliers and plenty of practice, however, even the most inexperienced of jewellery makers can master the wrapped bead loop technique.  

07/04/2010
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How To Make… Double loop

Many techniques used in jewellery making can be accomplished with relative ease or even by accident. Unfortunately, the double loop is not one of them. To effectively learn the double loop technique, carefully follow the steps below. You will need a pair of round nose pliers and plenty of time for practice. [half]  Thread the bead onto the headpin. Using your round nose pliers, create a 90° bend, and then trim the headpin, leaving approx 2cm distance from the bend. [/half] [half_last] [/half_last]  [half]  Grip the pin at its end... Read More

04/03/2010
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How to attach a coil fastener

Box clasps can substantially enhance the aesthetic appeal of an item of jewellery, particularly a necklace or bracelet. Fortunately, as described below, the technique used to attach box clasps is not especially difficult to master. A pair of flat nose pliers will be required for this job.