[Nfb-krafters-korner] crafting essentials to have on hand, relating to beading

[Maria and Joe Chapman]

 oh forgot about the beading needles.  yep I seem to lose mine all the time too.


Maria and Joe Chapman
bubbygirl1972 at gmail.com



On 7 Dec 2013, at 4:52 pm, Cathy <flowersandherbs at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi Lily,
> Yes, I do have three suggestions.
> one is to purchase at least one or more beading needles. These needles will
> allow you to thread beads onto cord or string. The beading wire is ridgid so
> easy to thread beads onto it, but thread and cord are more flexible and the
> beading needle makes it easier to thread the beads on. These needles come in
> a couple of different types and I would recommend the type called either a
> flexible beading needle or a large eye beading needle. These needles are
> very thin and sharp and made of wire and actually consist of two wires
> attached together on the ends with a hole in the center. when the needle is
> bend on both ends the eye of the needle opens in the center of the needle
> and that is where you place your thread or cord. I like to make elastic
> bracelets and the needle comes in handy for these especially. I suggested
> you get at least one because I am always losing mine. I seem to be
> purchasing another one each time I purchase yarn. 
> 
> You mentioned purchasing wire, what about some cord or elastic? It is nice
> to try some different types of stringing materials to see what appeals to
> you. I personally like working with elastic for beads that are larger than
> the seed beads. . I also have just purchased some beading thread to use with
> seed beads. Then I have some beading wire. So when I want to make a project
> I grab whichever type of stringing material I want to use. 
> 
> 
> I don't believe you mentioned closures either? Some kind of clasps for your
> jewelry. There are so many different kinds. Some can be opened one-handed
> and these you would want if you are planning to make bracelets. Some are
> easier to open than others and there are many different types and styles.
> What I have done is to buy a few different kinds to experiment with myself,
> but honestly I still have not mastered fastening any of them on yet.
> However, with my most recent order I purchased some magnetic clasps that
> look simple to attach and open and close. Let's just hope they stay closed
> because the beads are glass. <smile>
> Another kind of clasp I have is called a barrel clasp. It has two
> half-rounded pieces that screw together forming a barrel shape and would be
> nice for a necklace because it needs two hands to open and close. Another
> popular kind is called a lobster clasp. I often see this one mentioned in
> jewelry patterns.  
> 
> Oh and do have fun bead shopping! It is easy to want to buy the store out.
> There are so many interesting beads. Have in mind what general size, shape
> texture, and colors you want and try to stick to a few so you get beads that
> will work together. Also it will help to not overwhelm you or the person
> shopping with you. I really overwhelmed a friend who shopped with me the
> first time I bought beads because I didn't know much about what I was doing.
> <smile> I was afraid she would never bead shop with me again, but she did.
> 
> 
> 
> Cathy F
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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