Simply Beads magazine is the place to look if you want to learn new jewelry making techniques. Whether you are an expert or a beginner, Simply Beads will give you just the right mix of projects and ideas to keep your creative spirit satisfied. Visit our Web site frequently so you don't miss any of the exciting things planned.

Crimps

1. String a crimp bead onto wire or thread. Insert wire through optional bead and end of clasp. Optional bead prevents excess friction on crimp bead and will help prevent fraying of beading wire. Thread wire back through optional bead and crimp bead. (Photo 1)
    
2. Hold the crimp bead in the "C" section of crimp pliers. Apply gentle pressure to squeeze and flatten the crimp bead. (Photos 2 and 3)
    
3. Place flattened crimp in the rounding section of crimp pliers. Apply gentle pressure to fold crimp bead in half. (Photos 4 and 5)

Return to the Table of Contents

Handy Tools

Pictured left to right.

Crimping Pliers
Squeezes crimp beads and tubes to secure beading wire. The forward "C" section of plier jaws is useful for folding the crimped bead to create a rounded shape and a more finished appearance.

Round-nose Pliers
The rounded jaws of these pliers are useful for creating loops on beaded head- and eye-pins.

Wire-looping Pliers
A graduating round jaw creates loops in three sizes. The concave jaw gently coaxes difficult wire into loops. These are must-have pliers!

Memory Wire Shears
Because memory wire is harder than beading wire or craft wire, it will damage regular wire nippers or scissors. These heavy-duty shears easily cut through memory wire and leave a clean end.

Chain-nose Pliers
The most versatile pliers, these are useful for everything from bending eye-pins to flattening crimps. They are also useful to pick up tiny beads and jump rings that are difficult to grip.

Return to the Table of Contents

Head-Pin Loop

1. Thread desired beads onto head or eye pin. Bend the wire at top of pin to form a 45-degree angle. Trim wire approximately 3/8 (10mm) inch from fold. (Photo 1) Note: For consistent trimming, insert a 10mm bead onto wire before trimming and trim flush with bead; remove bead.
2. Roll end of wire halfway around one prong of round-nose pliers. (Photo 2) Release wire.
3. Pick up wire and continue rolling until complete circle is formed flush against last bead on wire. (Photo 3)

Return to the Table of Contents

Jump Rings

1. Open jump rings using two pairs of pliers. Instead of pulling ends of ring away from each other, slide the ring open by pulling ends in opposite directions. (Photo 1)
2. Insert ring through clasp or beaded pin. (Photo 2)
3. Close ring by sliding ends back toward each other. (Photo 3)

Return to the Table of Contents

Sizing

Specific sizes for finished pieces are listed. Adjust wire length and add or subtract beads to suit personal preferences.

Return to the Table of Contents

Wrapped Head-Pin Loop

1. Thread desired beads onto head or eye pin. Bend the wire at top of pin to form a 45-degree angle. (See Head-Pin Loop Photo 1)
2. Roll end of wire halfway around one prong of round-nose pliers. (See Head-Pin Loop Photo 2) Release wire.
3. Pick up wire and continue rolling until complete circle is formed flush against last bead on wire. (See Head-Pin Loop Photo 3)
4. Hold loop with end of wire at bottom of pliers. (Photo 1) Use fingers or chain-nose pliers to twist the end around beaded wire. (Photo 2) Make as many wraps as desired.
5. Trim excess wire and squeeze end gently with pliers to close the wrap. (Photo 3)

Return to the Table of Contents