The following tutorial will show you how to use crimping pliers and finish your jewellery elegantly and professionally by using a wire guardian and crimp cover.
beading basics
Perfect Wrapped Loops
Wrapped loops are more durable than plain loops and can also be used as a decorative element to your jewellery designs. Easy to make once you know how.
Beginners Project Tutorial – Opening & Closing Jump Rings – Butterfly Set
A great beginners projects as the only skill you will need is to open and close jump rings. More experience beader’s can add their own stamp of creativity by adding beads and charms.
MATERIALS FOR THE BRACELET
6 Fits 16mm connector settings
6 16mm cabochons
9 6mm brass jump rings
1 heart clasp
2 11mm cast metal twisted rings
1 butterfly charm
When opening and closing jump rings to get the perfect close it helps to use two flat-nose or chain-nose pliers. Place the the ends of each pliers on either side of the opening. You will work in a wiggle motion moving the right side up and left side down (DO NOT PULL APART). While moving them back and forth open the ring only as wide as you need. To close position your pliers in the same position and move them back and forth and over lap the sides of the ring so there is tension when the two sides meet and the seam should be closed tightly.
Beginners Earring Tutorial – Simple Drop Earrings
These gorgeous drop earring are a perfect project for a beginner. You can change the components up (different size settings and cabochons) for different looks.
You will need the following tools
Round-nose pliers
Flat-nose pliers
Wire cutters
You will need the following materials
Ear hooks
Settings
Head pins
Cabochons
Beads
For the head pin try and use brass head pins (iron is fine but it is not as soft as brass to work with). Also if you can try and source findings which are nickel & lead free. A lot of people are allergic to nickel and lead is dangerous is swallowed (more for young children)
CREATING THE WRAP LOOP
1. Take one of your head pin and thread the bead on it. Place the tip of your round nose pliers on top of the bead (picture 2). Now bend your head pin at a 90 degree angle (picture 3).
2. Now take your round-nose pliers and place it on the top of the angle (not a the tip this time, a little bit inwards to give your loop a nice size) and starting wrapping the wire around the nose of the pliers (picture 4) This would have created half the loop.
3. To create the other half of the loop change the position of the pliers (picture 5). Once you are happy with the shape of the loop (picture 6) then you thread the bottom loop of the setting (picture 7).
4. Now take the tip of your round-nose pliers and hold the loop together (picture 8). Take your flat-nose pliers and take the end of the wire and start wrapping it around the wire on the bottom of the loop. Starting at the top working to the bottom. Once you have reached the bottom trim the wire and finish neat.
FINISHING THE EARRING
5. Take the cabochon and glue it to the setting. I used E6000 but any jewellery or craft glue would work.
7. Take the ear hook and using the round nose-pier gently undo the loop on the bottom. Thread the top of your setting. Once attached gently close the loop.