Happy Learning&Designing:Using Wire to Cover a Bead

Posted by admin on Apr 24, 2012 in Beading Tips | 0 comments

Hi, it’s Happy Designing&Learning that everyone can enjoy happiness and learn something for a day, especially for the beginners of the splendid beading world.

Wire is so versatile in jewelry design and wire jewelry has been one of the mature and fashion trends in jewelry design world. So today,let’s learn the basic wire wrapping technique- using wire to cover a bead.

Step 1 Cut 15cm to 20 cm wire with side cutting plier.

Step 2 Using you chain nose pliers, grasp the wires right at the bend.

Step 3 Reposition wires and use round nose plier to make a simple loop.

Step 4 Grip the wire with your finger and wrap a set of loops.

Step 5 Cut the extra wires closed to the bead using side cutting plier.

Step 6 Grip straight the other side of the wire. The wires now have the function of head pin.

Step 7 String a red acrylic tear-drop bead to the wire.

Step 8 Using your round nose plier and grasp the wire right at the bend.

Step 9 To make a simple loop then.

Step 10 Hold the loop with the round nose plier and grip the wires with your fingers to wrap the loops.

Step 11 Continue wrapping the wires around the bead until you have covered as much of your beads as desired

Step 12 Cut the wires.

Step 13 Congratulations! You have successfully covered a bead.

Happy Beading by Quick-made Rings for this Spring

Posted by admin on Feb 16, 2012 in Beading Tips | 1 comment

To make yourself a unique jewelry is not a big deal if you find out quick made jewelry supplies-Ring Settings and Resin Flower Cabochon. These two product lines can inspire unbelievable creation impossibility that is all determined by you. No complicated beading techniques, no color matching rules, no kidding!

Moreover, glass cabochon with digital collage sheets, zinc alloy settings with resin cameos are all kinds of quick made jewelry supplies.

Have fun and think as much as ideas to glue them together! Big surprises are awaiting you to explore and experience!

Happy Learning&Designing: To Make a square Knot Bracelet

Posted by admin on Nov 30, 2011 in Beading Tips | 0 comments

Hi, it’s Happy Designing&Learning that everyone can enjoy happiness and learn something for a day, especially for the beginners of the splendid beading world.

Knot is one of the fundamental skills of jewelry marking. You would be surprised how different types of existing patterns, besides new patterns and complicated styles are created every day by the craft fans. Maybe you are fond of making your own knitting bracelet on the one hand, on the other hand you probably step back when you see the sophisticated patterns and textures. Well, though different and sophisticated the patterns and textures, they are all derived from the basic knot techniques.

So today, we will learn one of the basic knot techniques—Square Knot. Square knots used to make colorful single or multi-strands bracelet.It also allows you to string beads or pretty charms to add special feel for the entire piece.

Let’s get start !

Step 1 Begin by folding the cord in half and tying an overhand knot to create a loop large enough for your finishing overhand knots to go through.

Step 2 Pick another cord and put it under the overhand knot. Tips: You will need something to hold the cords while you work with it. You can attach your project to a key ring or clipboard.

Step 3 Make a knot with the two ends of the cords and create four cords. Then lift the left cord and lay it loosening under the two cords in the middle. Lift the right cord and lay it loosening over the two cords in the middle.

Step 4 Pull on both left and right cords to tighten the knot.

Step 5 Repeat steps 3 to make more square knots. Then you can string a bead through the two cords in the middle wherever you prefer.

Step 6 Tie the next square knot below the bead by making a knot by the right and the left cord.

Step 7 Repeat Step 3 and continue to create square knots until you have reached the desired length of the piece.

Step 8 Add glue to the finishing parts and prevent it from loosening and fraying. Let the glue dry. Then cut the two excess cords.

Step 9 Slide a bead through two cords in the middle and tie an overhand knot with them. Add glue to the finishing knot to prevent it from loosening and cut the excess cords.

Step 10 Congratulations! You have learned how to make a piece using square knot.

Happy Designing&Learning-How to Use Crimp Beads

Posted by admin on Nov 25, 2011 in Beading Tips | 2 comments

Crimp beads are basic element in jewelry-making project and are used to secure the start and finish of the strand working with jewelry wire, ribbon or leather cord. It can make your whole piece more beautifully and perfectly by hiding cord ends, jewelry wires. So follow me on this post about how to use crimp beads and try them in your designs.

Step 1:  String a lobster clasp or other ends of clasp on silver steel wire.

Step 2: String a crimp bead onto the steel wire through both the two ends to make a loop around the clasp.

Step 3: Keep the wires lying parallel to each other and squish the crimp bead with a flat nose plier.

Step 4: Gently squish the crimp bead into a flat surface.

Step 5: Use the wire cutter to cut off the small tail of the steel wire.

Step 6: Then you have finished one end of your jewelry piece and may string your beads onto the steel wire.

Now you can try this basic technique and use it in your designs.

Happy Designing&Learning: How to Fill A Component with Beads

Posted by admin on Nov 22, 2011 in Beading Tips | 0 comments

Today’s Happy Designing & Learning , let’s learn one of the basic wire technique that would add special effect to your jewelry design.

For this one, we will learn how to fill a component with beads with wire. We choose a tibiten silver component, crystal beads and 18 gauge silver coated brass wire. Well you can exchange crystal beads to others and choose the right size wire according to the the size and pattern of your components and beads.

Step 1:  Fix the wire to the component by wrapping the wire around one side three times.The circles number wiring on the component depend on your beads size and garage of the wire.

Step 2 : String beads in the wire.

Step 3: String enough beads to fill the width of the component. Pull the wire to the other side of component and wire around this side three times to make it fixed.

Step 4: Pull the wire behind and go through the center of the component. Pull the wire to the other side of the component.

Step 5 : Wire abound this side three times to fix it. Pull the wire to the other side of the component.

Step 6:

Repeat Step 3 and Step 4 until the component is filled.

Step 7 :

Finish the end of the wire with a couple of wraps. Cut off excess wire with wire cutters.

Congratulate, a component pendant filled with beads is made by you.

Happy Designing&Learning:To Make A Box Chain Mail Bracelet

Posted by admin on Nov 4, 2011 in Beading Tips | 5 comments

Jump rings are basic and essential jewelry findings that are familiar with every bead jewelry makers and fans. Unlike shining beads and stylish focal pendants, they always are accessories in the whole project playing a role of connecting and jointing.

Indeed, it’s not the whole truth if you know chain mail jewelry which made all by those jump rings. Ever seen the chain mail used as armor in movies or museums?

Chainmail was first worn in the middle ages by knights as protective armor in battle. Gradually, various ornate chainmail weaves and ring patterns have come into modern use for fashion jewelry to make stylish chokers, necklaces and bracelets.

So today, collect your jump rings and follow Zacoo’s Happy Learning & Designing to make a basic chain mail weaving pattern – Box Chain Chain Mail Bracelet.

Step 1: Get prepared for the materials and tool.

–Jump rings: there is a larger variety choice for you. Use rings of gold, gold filled, sterling silver, anodized aluminum, niobium, copper or colored neoprene rings etc..

–Two pairs of chain nose pliers.

–Nails or head pins or eye pins.

–Lobster clasp

Step 2: Open jump rings and set aside for use later.

Step 3: Close two rings and link two more pairs of rings illustrated as the below picture.

Step 4: Hold the first pair and split the third pair as shown in Picture 1 and 2.

Slightly adjust your position of hands, and split the second pair of jump rings as shown in Picture 3.Then you will see a space raising up by the third pair.

Now nail through the space shown in Picture 4.
Step 5: You will get your project like that.

Step6: Slide a jump rings through the space.

Step7: Use two chain nose pliers to close it.

Step 8: Repeat the step 6 and 7 to add the second jump ring.

Step 9: Link one more pairs of jump rings and repeat

Step 10: Repeat Step 4 to make more as long as box chains.

Step 11: To end up the chain, link one jump ring of one side of the chain.

Step 12: Link one jump ring to the other side of the chain and slide in the lobster claw clasp.

Step 13: Congratulations! You have made an exquisite box chain mail bracelet.

A little big for me Get started to make your own chain mail jewelries now ! Share and email your chain mail jewelry to wyj@zacoo.com. Your art project are highly appreciate.

Happy Learning&Designing:Glass Cabochon Pendant Tutorial

Posted by admin on Oct 28, 2011 in Beading Tips | 2 comments

You must fond of the pure transparent glass cabochon with various sizes in round, square, oval and heart shapes.  They are really versatile in our daily DIY project.  Glass cabochon can be used with digital collage sheets and antique settings and mountings to produce a large collection of unique pendants. While today let’s introduce a fashion way to make glass peddle pendants: to use glue-on bails. It’s interesting and easy doing.

Let’s get started to learn this.

You will need: glass cabochons in various shapes, digital collage sheet or patterned paper, several glue-on bails, chains with any length you like, a pair of scissors , a clear crafting glue like E6000 Clear Adhesive Glue, Diamond Glaze, Crystal Effects, or Glossy Accents.

Step 1: Select the glass cabochons to the desired pictures and cut it out with scissors.

Step 2: Add some Diamond Glaze / Crystal Effects / Glossy Accents glue to the back of your glass cabochon. I use the E6000 Clear Adhesive Glue since I don’t have the above glues. Use sparingly, if you add too much it will bleed out the edges after you press the paper on.

Step 3:  Press your digital collage sheet  face down on the back of the glass cabochon .

Step 4: Press firmly to release any air bubbles.

Step 5: Distribute glue evenly on glue-on bails .

Step 6:  Attach the glue-on bail to the glass cabochon you’d made just now.

Step 7: Once it’s firmly in place, you can trim any excess paper from the sides with a pair of scissors. To protect the paper, we suggest applying a thin layer of Diamond Glaze to the back of the pendant as well.

Step 8:  Make adorable pendants the same way with square or oval glass cabochons.

Step 9: Attach the lovely pendants with any chain you like.

I made a bunch of these and they are wonderful! I love that I can pick one to match many outfits and they also make fabulous gifts!

To see more inspirations and tutorials, see Zacoo‘s Bead Knowledge Base.

Simple Vintage Glass Cabochon Ring Tutorial

Posted by admin on Oct 21, 2011 in Beading Tips | 7 comments

Hi,

Woohoo…

It’s Friday! Get some jewelry beads and supplies prepared for the following weekend and make yourself a stylish and delightful jewelry pieces like rings, brooches etc.?

If you still don’t have come out an inspiration idea, why not follow me about this post to learn about making an vintage style ring with glass cabochon. You will see it’s as easy as a piece of cake.

Firstly, prepare for the materials and tools for this project. Get some vintage style ring settings and the correspondent glass cabochons. Selecting your favorite digital collage sheet and make it the same size with ring settings and glass cabochons.

All tools you need are glues and a pair of scissors. I use the E6000 Clear Adhesive Glue.

While for my experience, i highly recommend you to use Diamond Glaze, Super Glue or Sun and Moon Glaze etc for instead, as they are much easier to control and produces virtually no bubbles.

Add some glue to the center of the ring setting.

Stick tightly the digital collage sheet to the the ring setting.

Add some glue to the center of the collage sheet, then press the glass cabochon directly on the ring setting.

Press the glass cabochon still for several seconds for the purpose of squeezing the bubbles out.

 Congratulations! You have made a pretty night owls rings.

Wow….my other art works this afternoon…

Brithstone for October: Opal

Posted by admin on Oct 20, 2011 in Beading Tips | 0 comments

Opal is the modern October birthstone and the accepted gem for the 13th wedding anniversary. It derives its name from the Latin word “opalus,” meaning precious jewel that treats the eye to an explosion of shimmering colors. It is said that opal is the multi-gem that has the colors of world.

Splendorous Colors

Once an influential people has quoted opal’s brilliant colors like that:

“There is in them a softer fire than the ruby, there is the brilliant purple of the amethyst, and the sea green of the emerald – all shining together in incredible union.  Some by their splendor rival the colors of the painters, others the flame of burning sulphur or of fire quickened by oil. “

For its unique ability to refract and reflect specific wavelengths of light, the Opal was called “Cupid Paederos” by the Romans, meaning a child beautiful as love. One legendary explanation for this gemstone’s origin is that it fell from heaven in a flash of fiery lightning.

Component and Origin

Opal is made from non-crystallized silica, a mineral found near the Earth’s surface in areas where ancient geothermal hot springs once existed. As these hot springs dried up, layers of the silica, combined with water, were deposited into the cracks and cavities of the bedrock. This in turn formed opal. Most of the world’s Opal deposits are found in Southern Australia. Other sources of this gemstone are Brazil, Mexico, Czechoslovakia and Nevada.

Opals were valued also for their magical healing powers and the symbolic of faithfulness and confidence.  In ancient time, monarchs loved to set opals into crowns and Wear them in necklaces to ward off evil to protect the eyesight. It’s believed that opal jewels also can ward off nightmares.

Treatments

This gemstone actually contains up to 30% water, so it must be protected from heat or harsh chemicals, both of which will cause drying and may lead to cracking and loss of iridescence. Opal must also be guarded from blows, since it is relatively soft and breaks easily.

I also add some jewels made of various natural opal in Zacoo blog’s Photo Album: Opal Jewels and our facebook community.

Besides, to find more resources of  gemstones and beading world here in Zacoo’s Bead Knowledge Base.

Beading Tips: Basic Knowledge About Seed Beads

Posted by admin on Oct 18, 2011 in Beading Tips | 0 comments

Seed beads are one of the most commonly used beads for jewelry making and decorating garments. This post is all knowledge about seed beads including its definition, national origin and development, sizes and unit of measurement, colors and finishes etc. which will definitely bring a clear understanding on the world of seed beads especially for beginners who wants to start his or her art project using seed beads.

Definition and National Origin

Seed beads are tiny pieces of glass cane tubes that have been heated until they are smooth. Available in hundreds of colors and many finishes, they are the “paint” of your loom and off-loom beadwork.

Before World War II, there was a thriving bead industry centered in eastern Europe, especially in Bohemia, before 1918 a part of the Austro-Hungarian empire and a part of the Republic of Czechoslovakia  after, although Germany, Italy and France were also noted producers of glass beads.

Most contemporary high-quality seed beeds are made in Japan or the Czech Republic. Japanese seed beads are generally more uniform in size, shape, and finish as well as having larger holes than Czech seed beads of the same size, but the Japanese make fewer styles.

Size and Unit of Measurement

Seed beads range in size from 1.3mm to 3.3mm. Larger numbers mean smaller beads. The most common smaller sizes are 11/0 and 15/0, and the most common larger sizes are 6/0 and 8/0. The term “aught” refers to how many beads can fit into a standard unit.

Material

Glass is the most common material used to fabricate seed beads, but some were made of metal, usually aluminum or steel, porcelain or tile.  They are often cut in what is known as “three-cut” faceting; these are popularly known as steel cuts. Usually a 10kg rod of glass will yield about 8kg of seeds beads.

Colors and Finish

Seed beads come in an endless variety of colors and finishes, so it can be daunting to pick out the perfect beads for the jewelry you want to make. The unique look and feel of each seed bead comes not only from color, but also from the perfect combination of finishes that are applied to the seed bead. Here is a glossary of seed bead finishes that will help you pick out the exact beads you need for each project you make!

Color-lined: clear or colored transparent beads with an opaque color lining the inside. These beads can achieve a fantastic depth of colors.

Metal-lined: clear or colored transparent beads with real metal or metal color lining the inside. The beads lined with real metal are often less likely to wear than the colored lining.

Silver-lined: clear or colored transparent beads with a silver color lining the inside, a popular variation of metal-lined. This finish reflects light to achieve a very sparkly finish.

AB or Aurora Borealis: an iridescent finish applied to the surface that creates a rainbow effect. Iris, Rainbow and Rainbow-lined are effects that achieve a variety of iridescent finishes similar to the AB finish.

Luster: a shiny glaze applied to the surface that creates a pearly effect. This finish is at risk of wearing away or fading.

Gold Luster: a variation of the luster finish that creates a metallic gold pearly effect. This finish is at risk of wearing away or fading.

Ceylon: a finish applied to the surface to achieve a milky, pearly effect. This finish is at risk of wearing away or fading.

Opaque: colored glass beads that are not transparent. Most opaque seed beads are very stable and resilient to rubbing or fading.

Transparent: clear, colored glass that can be seen through. It is important to keep mind of the color of thread you use with transparent beads as it will show through.

Matte: frosted effect etched onto the surface of the bead. Matte finishes combine beautifully with metallic, AB, transparent and opaque finishes. Matte finishes are very stable and usually resilient to rubbing or fading.

Galvanized: Zinc plating coats the surface of the bead to create a shiny metallic look. This coating is at risk of wearing away or fading.

Permanent Galvanized: similar to the galvanized finish, however the coating is permanent and often shinier. This is a great alternative to galvanized seed beads when used on a piece that will have a lot of friction with skin or fabric.

Metal-plated: metal-plating over glass beads.

Metal: seed beads made of metal. These beads have sharper edges than most seed beads, so use of Fireline thread is recommended. Metal seed beads have larger holes and function well as an inexpensive alternative to spacer beads.

Satin: fiber-optic tubular seed bead with slight striations. Made from a different type of glass than other seed beads, satin seed beads have sharper edges, so use of Fireline thread is recommended.

Opal: semi-transluscent finish that is often achieved with a dye on the surface. This finish is at risk of wearing away or fading.

Dyed: seed beads are coated with a dye that is often impermanent. Dyed seed beads in bright pinks, purples and reds are less stable and more likely to wear and fade.

Methods of Packaging

Seed beads are sold either by “hank” or by gram weight.

A  hank is unit bundle of strands of seed beads or bugle beads. A typical hank has twelve 20″ (51 cm) strands of beads. Different sizes and types of beads may be sold in hanks which have different numbers and lengths of strands. Different hanks (age, type, size) have had from 8 to 14 strands, and lengths have varied from 8 to 20 inches per strand.

Japanese beads are sold by gram weight, seldom by the hank. Buying Japanese beads by the hank usually costs about twice as much, therefore, they are not usually sold or purchased from Japan in this manner.

Share all knowledge about beads and techniques, keep more attention on Zacoo’s Bead Knowledge Base.