Comments on: How to Make a Strong Beaded Bracelet

By: Rena Klingenberg

Rena Klingenberg — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 22:45:23 +0000

In reply to CLARISSA PATNODE. Hi Clarissa, thanks for asking! Here are 2 posts by Elizabeth Wald that may help you: Handcrafted Medical Alert Bracelets Medic Alert for the Chic and Unique I hope this helps, Clarissa! :)

By: CLARISSA PATNODE

CLARISSA PATNODE — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 19:27:50 +0000

I am looking for a way to make a permanent wear bracelet for medical ID that is attractive. Any suggestions?

By: Makeda Noni

Makeda Noni — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 01:19:25 +0000

Thank you for this! I recently had a customer tell me her bracelet broke. I tried to make it (too) close to her wrist size, but now I know better. Now I get to save face! Thanks a bunch!

By: Fabia

Fabia — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 20:56:09 +0000

Hi! My question is about the crimp ‘smashing’. When using the crimp tool, do you mean the two steps only? As in, back part then front part of the tool and that’s it? That’s how I do it. I really hope I’m doing that right! Just wondering what the smashing means. Thanks.

By: Nallery

Nallery — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 14:50:42 +0000

Good Morning Everyone, I was wondering if someone could please answer a question for me. I understand that 49 strand wiring is the preferred method for using when making bracelets. My question is this…I understand that 49 strand .019 is for lighter beads but what is used for large beads? What is more durable and would allow the beads to not disintegrate?

By: Pam

Pam — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 00:48:25 +0000

Need recommendation for strong cord/wire for bead necklaces…Monofilament is breaking, currently trying the beadalon 49, but wanted to just knot it to tie it off….will that work with the 49 strand and a dot of superglue….I have a larger bead to cover the knot….Help!

By: Linda Finnie

Linda Finnie — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 15:07:32 +0000

Deborah Blake, a wire guardian is a small horseshoe shaped metal piece with a channel which is semi enclosed (at the ends) that you thread your wire through. The guard then loops through your clasp and protects the wire from rubbing on the clasp. For an example of same see
beadingtimes.com/tip0708.htm

By: Angela

Angela — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 05:02:02 +0000

Great tips! I’m just starting out and wondered why I was having problems already! I never wanted anyone to get something that would break on them right away,now I’ll feel safer. Thanks: Angels creations

By: Nallery

Nallery — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 01:29:51 +0000

Thank you Rena! Got exactly what I needed. This is awesome. Thanks again for everything. I’m sure I’ll have more questions. I apologize in advance 🙂

By: Rena Klingenberg

Rena Klingenberg — Sat, 27 Jun 2015 15:02:05 +0000

In reply to Nallery. Hi Nallery! There's a discussion about that in the comments below this post: Stretch Bracelets - How Do You Hide the Knot Although the original topic was hiding the knot, the discussion there also includes other good tips for making stretchy bracelets sturdier.

By: Nallery

Nallery — Sat, 27 Jun 2015 14:22:39 +0000

I always wondered something…what’s the best way to end a bracelet made using stretch wire?

By: Nidhi

Nidhi — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 06:45:32 +0000

Many thanks for this informative article

By: Deborah Blake

Deborah Blake — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 16:57:07 +0000

This is so helpful to me . I have a habit of pulling my bracelet too tight and they can be too stiff. Now this tip reminds me of the wear and tear it creates. I love these tips. I save them to a folder and refer back to them often. But what is a wire guardian?

By: Kathleen Langone

Kathleen Langone — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 01:27:18 +0000

I agree with previous posts … I always either use 1 crimp + a wire guardian or two crimps. Haven’t had any “bracelet accidents” since using these techniques. I do however have a lot of small whole beads and use “fine” wire.

By: Catherine @ Shadow Dog Designs

Catherine @ Shadow Dog Designs — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 03:59:36 +0000

Thank you for sharing. Here’s to 49 strand jeweler’s wire and wire guardians!!! I use 49 strand wire and guardians on all my bracelets and necklaces. I can’t tell you how many bracelets and necklace I’ve re-done for customers that have been strung on cheap wire, fishing line or thread-looking stuff. Have a bracelet right now I have to re-do where the wire looks hair thin – no wonder it broke! Use the best quality supplies and your jewelry will last.

By: Linda B

Linda B — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 23:23:32 +0000

Great tips. I agree totally with the 49 strand wire – I use it for everything.

And, Rena, thanks for the cleaning tips. I’ll add that to my collection.

Generally I have more problems with stretchy bracelets, and prefer to make bracelets with wire – or wire wrapped.

By: Carol

Carol — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 14:58:59 +0000

Great tips, Brenda. Now, if we could just get people to stop thinking they can wear their jewelry ALL the time. Here in Florida, they like to put on a bracelet and wear it to the beach, in pools, in the shower, while sleeping…you name it.

By: Rita Krason

Rita Krason — Sun, 29 Sep 2013 01:22:38 +0000

Just stopped in and I wish I would have the tips here about 5 years ago when I first started making jewelry. The biggest lesson I learned about 2 years ago was the beading wire. I really love the Beadalon 49 strand and I don’t use anything else. It’s saved me a lot of rebeading for sure.

Thanks for the tips and I would like to comment about something I do for my jewelry pieces. I’ve always done this with my personal jewelry over the years on costume jewelry items, I use a washcloth dipped in warm water and a bit of baby shampoo or baby wash on the items that may have a buildup of body oils or makeup then I dry them with a soft cotton cloth before putting the item away. I use the same method the items I see on EBay and on my webstore before taking photos so the pieces look their best in my listing photos.

Thanks to all for the tips here. An old dog can learn new tricks I’m finding out.

By: Denise Wootton

Denise Wootton — Sat, 17 Aug 2013 12:30:41 +0000

A trick I picked up on getting the length right. After you measure and determine the correct length to fit your wrist, if using big beads, add extra soft flex equal to 3 extra beads. This will accommodate the extra thickness.

By: Pat Gray

Pat Gray — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 13:12:54 +0000

Excellent advice, I guess it’s time to by that heavier wire… and better cutters!

By: Joanne Stow Boyimgton

Joanne Stow Boyimgton — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 11:22:50 +0000

Another thought to mention, if you are using a lobster claw style or hook clasp, is that you MUST use a closed or soldered jump ring on the opposite end of the clasp. I know it may sound absurd, that anyone might use an open jump ring to complete a strand, but I am a jewelry instructor, and I cannot tell you how many of my students have told me they learned to end a bracelet or necklace with an open jump ring! THEN they wonder why the bracelet or necklace strand “breaks”. No kidding!

By: Cory

Cory — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 15:02:08 +0000

Thanks for a great article. Definitely words to live by. One other thing I have done is add an additional crimp on each end and use a crimp cover to make it look more beautiful.