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Past tip of the month - Beading christmas ornaments project |
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June 2004 Tip of the Month
Jumprings with Wire Links
One easy stringing technique is to use the combination of jumprings with wire links; the final product is very clean and open but still dressy. You can learn how to make wire links via my January 2003 Tip of the Month under “Looped Bracelet/Chain.” Jumprings come in multiple sizes, types, and shapes so pick out the type you prefer to work with. Remember that split rings are more durable but have a double loop look that makes them look more like a key-ring, regular jumprings have a single – less durable – loop. I’ve got two new bracelets for you to try, both incorporate beaded wire links strung together by jumprings.
Blue Crystal Link Bracelet
I created this bracelet the other night when I was trying to use up some blue crystals. The finished size is about 7” long. 22mm Silver wire 19 - 4mm light sapphire Swarovski crystals 1 – Silver Connector 13 – 6mm Round Jumpring 7 – Silver Headpins
Create 12 beaded wire links by stringing a bead on a short piece of wire that has a loop on either end. Using one of the links, twist one end open, add a jumpring then hook one side of the connector onto it. On the other end of the link, add another jumpring – continue to alternate links and jumprings until you run out of links. Attach one last jumpring and the other end of the connector to finish the main bracelet. String one bead to each of the headpins, make a loop on the end and snip the excess. Starting with the middle jumpring in the bracelet, open one of the beaded headpin loops and string onto the jumpring to create a dangle. Continue to string all of the remaining beaded headpins to complete – be sure to string them all on the same side of the jumrings so that they lay flat. You can change this bracelet dramatically by: Adding more beads to the links Adding more beads to the headpins Adding more beaded headpins per jumpring dangle Skip every other jumpring dangle Add more links/beaded headpins to create a necklace
I Love You Bracelet
My mother found these really cute valentine candy shaped heart beads for me while on vacation so I’m sorry I am unable to direct you to a store that carries them. If anyone knows were they can be found please email me. Beads that would make great alternates to my I Love You heart beads could be plain gold heart beads, Murano glass heart beads or pink glass hearts. The finished size of this bracelet is about 7”. Supply List 7 – Gold Split rings 3 – Gold Headpins 6 – 6mm Round Red Czech Crystals 3 – 4mm Round Red Czech Crystals 1 – Gold Connector 12 – 4mm Round Gold Beads 12 – 6mm Gold Rondelles 22mm Gold Wire 1 – Connector (a Heart Shaped Toggle would look really nice)
Create 6 beaded wire links by stringing the following beads in order on a short piece of gold wire that you finish with a loop on either end: 1 – 4mm Round Gold Bead 1 – 6mm Gold Rondelle 1 – 6mm Red Czech Crystal 1 – 6mm Gold Rondelle 1 – 4mm Round Gold Bead
Using one of the links, twist one end open, add a jumpring then hook one side of the connector onto it. On the other end of the link, add another jumpring – continue to alternate links and jumprings until you run out of links. Attach one last jumpring and the other end of the connector to finish the main bracelet.
String one 4mm round red Czech crystal and one heart shaped bead to each of the headpins, make a loop on the end and snip the excess. Starting with the middle jumpring in the bracelet, open one of the beaded headpin loops and string onto the jumpring to create a dangle. String the two additional beaded headpins to the jumprings (leaving one jumpring plain in between) to complete – be sure to string them all on the same side of the jumrings so that they dangle properly. |
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