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Hand Knotting – Alternatives For Henrietta’s Gum Arabic

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When starting to make a knotted necklace using a nylon thread you need to harden the ends of the thread so it is easy to thread through beads. You then have the option to cut the harden ends in a point (like a needle). You can do this with Super Glue, Nail Polish or Henrietta’s Gum Arabic.

Advantages of Henrietta’s Gum Arabic are;
  • Odourless, non-toxic & water-soluble
  • It is easy to wash away from hand
  • It makes the use of tools and beads easy
  • Only takes 15 minutes to dry
Disadvantages of Henrietta’s Gum Arabic are;
  • The point is not hard enough to withstand constant threading through gemstone with irregular holes.
  • It has ability to wear off so you may need to reapply it

If you don’t mind using Super Glue it is the best solution but keep in mind it is toxic and only recommended for serious crafters.

Advantages of Super glue are:
  • Dries rock hard quickly
  • Can be cut into a find point
  • Very durable so it doesn’t need to be reapplied
Disadvantages of Super Glue are:
  • Need to be very careful not to get on your fingers or skin as it so strong it can glue it to items. Not for children.
  • Water resistant so does not wash off

I have found the best way to apply super glue is to get a piece of paper and lay the ends on the paper. Then take the tube of super glue and carefully apply it on the ends. Make sure the ends are covered in the glue and then suspend the ends in the air (edge of table etc) for a few minutes to let it dry. Remember you need to work quickly and neatly as super glue dries quickly.

You can also use Nail Polish. I bought the cheapest top coat at the local Chemist (approx. $5) and it worked well. It does take a few hours (over night is good) for nail polish to dry really hard but when it does I find it a lot more durable and harder than the Henrietta’s Gum.

In our Beads Online Starter Kit – Knotted Tassel Necklaces I have included the Henrietta’s Gum as it is the safest and cleanest option. It also does an excellent job. There are other alternatives discussed above which also work just as well.

Up-cycle Lace Chandelier Pendant Kit Using Mod Podge Dimensional Magic

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Up-cycle Lace Chandelier Pendant Kit Using Mod Podge Dimensional Magic
Turn old lace curtains into stunning vintage style pendants.

You Will Need
One 50x35mm chandelier baroque pendant
Section of old lace curtain
Fine precision scissors
Head pin or wire
Mod Podge Dimensional Magic*

*We recommend Mod Podge Dimensional Magic (or even Rangers Glossy Accents) This project wouldn’t really work with Diamond Glaze as from personal experience Diamond Glaze tends to bubble and you run into problems when you start to layer it over 2mm. Also Mod Podge Dimensional Magic doesn’t really take long to dry. You can use the original Mod Podge Gloss but the Mod Podge Dimensional Magic seals the lace at the end with a smooth finish.

1. . Cut the lace into a generous rectangle that fits around the pendant (see picture below). On the back of the glass chandelier pendant apply a layer of Mod Podge Dimensional Magic. Push out any bubbles from the Dimensional Magic and lay the lace on top. Push the lace down, make sure the Dimensional Magic covers the back of the pendant (if it runs into the outside of the lace this ok as it makes the lace in the next step easier to cut). If the Dimensional Magic runs into the front of the glass pendant clean up with a damp cloth. Take the head pin and push through the hole the top of the pendant and the lace. Allow to dry flat.

2. When the Dimensional Magic is dry, remove the head pin and take your scissors and cut the lace to fit the pendant. When happy apply a layer of the Dimensional Magic to seal the lace and help stick down the lace if it lifted. Take the head pin and push through the hole the top of the pendant and let the Dimensional Magic dry.

3. When dry add to your jewellery designs.

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