Tutorials & Tips

By: Beads Online

We love to create unique personalised handcrafted jewellery. With Beads Online beading tutorials learn contemporary techiques that will make your jewellery creations look like they stepped out of a designer boutique.

 

Beading Essential - Basic Wrapped Loop

 

How to make a basic wrapped loop

The following tutorial will show you how to create a wrapped loop with a head pin and bead. Mastering this technique does take practice but the effort is worth it as it opens up endless design possibilities.

 

Suggested Materials

• Head Pins
• Beads

 

Tools

• Round nose plier
• Flat nose pliers

 

Techniques

• Step 1: Using your round nose pliers place the end of the tips on the wire next to the bead.
• Step 2: Bend the wire on a 90-degree angle to the top of pliers.
• Step 3: Move your pliers to sit in an upright position on top of the wire, approx. 5mm from the tip. Note: The size of the loop will vary where you place the pliers on the wire.
• Step 4: Using the pliers as a guide start bending your loop with your free hand. The wire should face the opposite direction.
• Step 5: Reposition your pliers to so you can complete the loop.
• Tip If you need to create loops the same size, draw a line across your pliers at the point you wish to wrap at.
• Step 6: Using your chain-nose pliers grasp the top of the loop. This will prevent the loop from moving and it will hold it shape.
• Step 7: Start wrapping the wire on the wire under the loop. Start as close as you can to the loop (to avoid spaces).
• Step 8: Tightly wrap it around twice or until you are hugging the bead.
• Step 9: Cut the excess wire.
• Step 10: Using your round nose pliers place the end of the tips on the wire next to the bead.
• Step 11: Create a clean finish by using your chain-nose pliers’ press the excess wire down.

 

Learn basic filigree wrapping

 

Basic Filigree Wrapping

With out the use of any glue create secure settings for your cabochons. Filigree wrapping was very popular in the 1800’s, - give this technique a modern twist by wrapping glass, brass, pottery. Possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

 

Suggested Materials

Use only good quality filigree for your designs. We recomend Trinity Brass Co and Vintaj Natural Brass. Trinity Brass Co. Antique Silver is plated with sterling silver and uses an oxidation process for its other finishes. A good finish will insure that your filigree will not flake or snap.

 

Tools

• Round nose plier
• Flat nose pliers

 

Techniques

1. Set the stone in the filigree. Using your round nose plier turn the edges to the same size as the cabochon. make sure the stone and setting is symmetirical.
2. Fit your cabochon inside and gently close around edges with regular chain nose or bent chain nose pliers until secure.

 

Create your own picture charms & pendants - Easy as 1, 2 & 3

1. Cut images to fit frame
2. Apply diamond glaze
3. Allow to dry

 

Tips for Alter Art Frames
Creating your own personal picture perfect charms is as easy as 1,2 3 - before you start creating read below for further tips and hints.

 

Choosing images for your frames:
If applying a glaze,use images printed with no water-soluble inks . Images printed with regular ink-jet ink will bleed. Place cropped images in frame with small amount of adhesive and allow to dry.

 

Glaze and adhesive recommendations:
For ease and speed of use, we loved Judi-Kins Diamond Glaze™ and Aleene’s Paper Glaze. For designers with more time on their hands, or while working with materials printed with water soluble inks, we recommend EnvironTex Lite® High Gloss Finish varnish.

Where can I buy Diamond Glaze™?
Beads online stocks Diamond Glaze™ and you can find it here.

 

Where can I buy the blank frames?
Beads online stocks a large range of alter art frames and you can find it here.

 

How do I glue materials to the picture frames?
For paper and other thin inserts, a small amount of Diamond Glaze™ adhesive works perfectly. Just remember to let it dry. For larger materials like buttons, super glue is a better choice.

 

How much glaze should I apply?
Less is more. Apply the glaze in successive thin layers if you would prefer a more dimensional finish.

 

I’ve just applied a thick layer of glaze and the result looks very cloudy. What’s going on?
You’ve probably put too much glaze on the picture frame. Don’t worry though. It might take a while to dry, but it will eventually clear up.

 

How long does the glaze take to dry?
If you apply the glaze thinly as suggested, pieces can be handled in less than 2 hours. If you apply too much at once, the glaze can take as long as 2 days!

 

How do I avoid bubbles in my glaze?
Squeeze a little glaze on a scrap of paper to release any bubbles from the nose of the applicator bottle, then apply with steady pressure. If you still find bubbles, pop them with a dry paint brush or a tooth pick.

 

Have fun:
We played with lots of different material in the frames. Photos, playing cards, postage stamps, buttons, stones, crystals and, of course, beads. The creative options are endless.

 

How to make a Scrabble tile pendant

Give pre-loved Scrabble tiles a new lease of life by transforming them to pendants and charms. You can use scrapbook paper, magazines, photos or recycled cards to decorate your tiles. The creative possibilities are endless, Beads Online sells everything you need to make your own Scrabble tiles and alter-art jewellery. Read our quick tutorial below to get started.

 

Materials

• Scrabble tiles
• Diamond glaze
• Bails - smaller size to make connector and medium size for larger chain
• E6000 - we recommend E6000 but you can use super glue but work quickly

 

Technique

1. Cut the images to be slightly bigger than the scrabble tile. Glue on either using glue or diamond glaze. Leave to dry.
2. Using a pen-knife cut off the excess paper. This will give a clean edge
3. To give a glassy glaze and to waterproof apply a coat of diamond glaze. Read our tutorial on creating picture charms to read some tips on using Diamond Glaze. Allow to try for 24-48 hours.
4. Glue on your bails. If you are using super glue work fast. For a more professional glue use E6000 (use somewhere that is well ventilated). If you want to create a connector use two bails on opposite sides.
5. Attach to chains or add to jewellery.

 

How to make a glass tile pendant

Make a contemporary pendant, which you can give a personalized twist. Adding the paper to the glass does require patience as it take a while to dry. But rest assured you will be on the road to creating one-of-a-kind jewellery. Beads Online stock everything you need to start creating your own glass tile pendants.

Materials

• Glass tiles
• Diamond glaze
• Bails
• E6000, jewellery glue or super glue (but work quickly)
• Fine sandpaper (400 grit)
• Small paint brush (optional)

 

Techniques

1. Cut the images to fit the tiles. Hold the glass tile firmly on the image and cut around.
2. Fix the image to the tile using a layer of Diamond Glaze. You can either use the diamond glaze straight out of the tube (remember to watch for bubbles) or use a small paint brush. Allow to dry. Clean up any glaze spill over the edges with a damp cloth.
3. When dry check that all the edges are well stuck down. If you wish use some fine sand paper to sand the edges to create a smooth edge. Using glue stick some pretty paper on the back. When dry, seal with a coat Diamond glaze. Allow to try
4. Add bail with your glue allow to dry. Add to jewellery.