Today I discovered a fast way of picking up beads that have been dropped on the floor, lost in the sofa cushions, or on the table. Use one of the sticky hand rollers that are used for removing lint or pet hair from clothing. Roll it across the area with dropped beads and brush off on a tray. Nothing much easier than this tip. ~ Peggy Hinkle
Patterns or graphs in books and magazines I have found to be much too small for these eyes to bead by. So I have started scanning the graph at 150% to 200% to enlarge it. It makes it easier for me to follow the bead graph when beading and I can mark any notations on the paper after printing instead of marking up my book or magazine. ~ BrendaLea Abbott
We all know people come in all sizes, so there really can't be a standard size for jewelry. Often, I get a request for a bracelet or other beaded item to be longer or shorter, but until I get the measurements, I don't know how much either way. To save time, I get the piece started and close the end when I get the measurement. Of course, there is the possibility of beads coming off the unclosed end. To prevent that, the first thing I tried was a clothes pin on the end. Too bulky! Today, I found a handy solution. A sew on snap. Just run your tigertail (or whatever) through one side and out the other and then get the other side of the snap and snap it over it. It worked great and now I don't have to make the piece tonight when my eyes are tired and the light is bad. ~ Vicki
My workspace is very limited so I bought two plastic carts with transparent drawers to store all my jewelry making supplies. I assembled them in such a way that I connected the two of them and now have one tall, upright cart with 8 drawers. The 4 larger drawers on the bottom hold my heaviest supplies: wire, stones, and tools. The 4 smaller ones above hold my bead board, supply catalogs, receipts and account book. It sits right next to my work space so I can find everything I need easily and it only takes up about 20x10 inches of floor space. ~ Yvonne Fried
To keep your silver form tarnishing quickly, put the silver in plastic, bags with a "locking" seal. These can be the standard clear plastic jewelry bags or even sandwhich bags. Be sure to eliminate as much of the air as possible since it is the air contacting the metal that causes much of the tarnish. ~ Rhona
I keep a supply of molding clay on hand to help with my jewelry making. I find it has several uses. You can easily pick up beads, etc. which have gone astray or when your fingers aren't nimble enough, with a small piece. It also comes in handy for *holding* pieces in place while you work. Not recommended for procedures involving heat however. ~ Sandra Mancini
I keep a small butane lighter on my beading table to deal with clipped ends of Nymo thread as I bead. I use the lighter flame to melt back the 1/4" clipped end of thread. This hides the end, plus it creates a small 'ball' of melted thread that won't unravel back through the beads. It's virtually undetectable ~ Lisabeth Tafoya
Cork boards are handy for storing large amounts of materials in easy site/reach (I don't like digging for things in shoe boxes etc :). Just use stick pins to hold bags, spools or wire, projects etc to the corkboard. ~ Courtney Ruelland
Our "Tip of the Week" has been very successful. It's a great way for all of us to share our jewelry making experiences. Being included in a monthly drawing isn't too bad either.
In case you missed them, here are past tips that have already been posted on this site.
I have two large ziplock baggies, attached to my work space by 2 cup hooks each, one on each side of me, then placed holes in the baggie so they would hang out of the way, I use these for saving the SS and GF scraps separate from each other, in this way it makes cleanup easy and I never have to worry where that little bag of scraps went to. When the bag becomes full it's time to mail them off for new wire, they are already separated, so this also saves time. ~ Robbie Ward
I make my own showcases using a Lucite frame that I purchased in a household store. I lined the back of the frame in black velvet and the front of the frame becomes the top of the showcase. I can then display my bracelets on the black velvet. You can also use jewelry hooks to keep the bracelets still. ~ Antonietta Miceli Bonilla
When my student are working with small seed beads many of them have a difficult time picking them up. I take popsickle sticks and place a small amount of soft candle wax on the end. They then roll the stick in the beads picking up quiet a few to which they place the needle or wire into threading any variety of colors. ~ Linda Hooker
When opening a split jump ring, use a T pin to get it open, so you can get your item on and around the ring. ~ Kathleen Allison
When making a piece that has a continuing pattern, I like to use little paper cups. (The ones you use to put ketchup in at fast food restaurants.) They are about 1 inch tall, white and stackable. I line them up the way I want the pattern to be and this way I keep them in the correct order. They are also good for scooping up beads that are left over. I can easily pour the beads back into the small ziploc bags or my organizer box without dropping any of them. ~ Antonietta Miceli
I was having a hard time getting the beads I wanted on hemp. When I was repeatedly trying to force the beads on the hemp, it would start to unravel. So now I put super glue on the ends of my hemp, which makes it stiff, and I have no trouble getting the beads on. ~ Linda
When working on single color seed bead projects like off-loom weaving or even threading oodles of gemstone beads on memory wire, I place a good supply of beads in an old Tupperware (or similar) lid that has raised edges and have at it! The edges keep beads from flying all over if I drop one or if I shift my position a little bit. It works wonders for me! ~ Cia Clinton
The hole in Delica beads is large enough so that Delicas can be strung on waxed linen cord without using a needle. The most beautiful macrame jewelry I have seen has been done using this technique. ~ Pat Sohn
I have been going to Flea Markets and Garage Sales and picking up glass spice bottles in their racks and putting my beads in them. You can see at a glance what beads you have and they look pretty sitting on my cabinet. There are a many shapes and styles to choose from. ~ Retha Warner
Learn when to shut up when a customer is trying to decide whether or not to purchase/add to their purchase. Offer the info they ask for, then be quiet. Let them wrestle with themselves-not you. I saw this in perfect action today: A customer only had a $50, and wanted to buy 5 sets of earrings-each $5, but was drooling over one of my endless lariats.....I just kept quiet, handed her the change for the earrings-which she handed right back in enchange for the lariat! By keeping my opinions, comments, etc. to myself, she doubled her purchase! ~ Anna Walker
Grip liners like those made by Rubbermaid and other companies for use as shelf liner work even better than towels for keeping beads from rolling off your work-surface. The beads stay put and so does the grip liner. ~ Jeanette Rousseau-Taylor
When doing beadwork, I keep a roll of masking tape handy. A scrunched up ball makes for quick pick up if I spill beads, and pick hard-to-find seedbeads up out of carpet quickly! ~ Jodi Gardner
Before tossing out your no longer wanted clothing, cut off the buttons and save them, especially if they are beautiful in color or design. They make great closures (along with a loop of beads or wire) for bracelets and necklaces. Those that are particularly interesting can be used just as you would use a cabochon. ~ Pat Sohns
I like to end my softflex projects with a soldered silver ring, but when I work in base metal, there just aren't any. So I buy a chain in base metal that will provide a ring big enough to hook the lobster clasp into and simply clip one for the end. It looks better than a split ring and is easier to fasten than a chain tab. ~ Cyndy Fahnestock
This is an excellent tip for everyone who drills stones (cab, flat stones,etc.) Take a ball of modeling clay and make a well in the center. Place the stone in the well. Fill with enough water to cover the stone. You are all set to drill. The clay will help to hold the stone in place as well as keep the stone lubricated while you drill. ~ Sandra Mancini
I use magnetic strips above my work bench to place my tools and hammers. When I need one, I just pull it off the wall. Everything is off my bench and I can work with ease! ~ Colette Lofgren
I use rubbermaid drawer lining to put my beads on while working so they don't roll all over. It's real bumpy and skid proof too. ~ Jacquie.
Looking for a place to keep all of those plyers, crimpers, wire cutters etc... in handy reach? Create a hanging rack for them using a 1/2 inch copper tube from the hardware or hobby shop. Run several thicknesses of wire through the tube, leaving enough wire extending from each side to bend over a shelf, staple to the wall or hang from your work table. Place tool handles over the copper tube. ~ Alice Alper-Rein
If you are new at soldering, get the small butane torch. It is hand held and is so easy for inexperienced solderers to use. ~ Bek
Purchase a few of those new disposable food containers with lids in a size compatible to your projects. When working on several projects at once, use one container for each project. Add beads, findings, etc... as you acquire them. Stack them up and get back to each one when you can. I even use this idea when I haven't made a final decision about which stone or beads to use. I try out several possibilities, narrow it down somewhat, put the possibilities into the container and then "sleep on it" until a final decision is made. ~ Alice Alper-Rein
I have found that the easiest way to carry around a project I am working on is in a lunchbox. They are small, portable, and hold everything. I have an old rubbermaid one. Mine is plastic, but a metal one will work if you line it with felt to cut down on the rattling. I find a lunchbox to be best for moving because it has a handle like a tool box, but is small and fits easily into a carry-on like a craft organizer. Pliers will fit easily inside of a lunchbox and yogurt cups with lids will hold beads and findings. In this manner I can take my work on vacation or outside, wherever I want to work. ~ Jenn Barbarow
I had a jeweler tell this tip for cleaning all silver and gold work: Use 4 parts amonia to 1 part hot water not boiling and a squirt of dishwasher liquid. This solution is great to use in Sonic machines or in a simple glass dish. No need to buy expensive cleaners, when you can use what you have around the house. ~ Linda Brown
If you have babies, or grandbabies, don't throw away those jars! Use them for your beads, or pearls, or findings. They are just the right size into which to put a half hank of beads, or a few strands of pearls, or any other small items. I have had to eat baby food for a while due to stomach problems, and found that these jars were just perfect storage containers for my beads, and pearls. ~ Bek
I visited a restaurant supply store..saw clear plastic cups with snap on covers...They were really inexpensive!! I think they use them to put salsa, mustard, ketchup in at restaurants... They are just right for all the differernt beads I have. ~ Pat
For scooping out little imperfections in beads, or carving soft materials, like clay, I love dental tools. I asked my dentist for any old tools he had that were going to be tossed out, and he was happy to give me several! They come in various shapes, are generally sharp at the ends, with handles that are easy to manipulate. ~ Jeannie Bench
When I'm making Hammered Head Pins, I use a square headed hammer and place several pieces of wire evenly on masking tape with a slight space between each piece.(just enough space to allow the metal to flatten). All the hammered areas are the same and I can do several pieces with one blow. ~ Patricia L. Johnson
My sister just gave me about 20.00 worth of beads she bought for 1.50 at a garage sale. Great place to find beads. ~ PatriciaAs a novice beader, I had a hard time beading my seed beads ( size 11) onto my needle. I tried many different things to no avail. Then I got a gerber baby food jar--the small ones. I filled it 3/4 full/. I got it in my left had and tilted it while I dug into it with my needle - walla!!! The seeds just roll onto the needle and when I'm done beading I just put the cap on the jar. ~ Bill Coleman
I started making beaded suncatchers for customers who loved my beadwork, but don't wear jewelry. However, because they are hanging in sunlight, some beads tend to fade. To compensate for this, I spray the suncatcher with Clear Krylon UV inhibitor. This seems to give them protection from the damaging effects of sunlight, and prevents the beads from fading. ~ Dawn Pastva
If I have to string a bunch of necklaces or bracelets, I just string them up on one continueous string, including the findings. Then when I'm done, I finish them up the findings part last. You save string that way, and I have found that you also save time. This seems to work especially good when you have to string a bunch of the same thing. ~ Terry Carter
For a cool inexpensive display, take a large picture frame (preferably wooden) and remove the glass and cardboard so just the frame exists. Take little nails and hammer them along 2 sides of the frame at equal intervals. Using a heavy gage (18) wire or twine, secure the wire or twine across the horizontal length of the frame. Paint the outside frame or just leave as is. You are now ready to hang your jewelry! ~ Rhona My tip is a very simple one. I make a lot of necklaces and bracelets using tiger tail. I use a spring type clothes pin at one end of my length of tiger tail to be sure the beads don't fall off. This is far superior to the method I was taught originally which was to use scotch tape or masking tape. I don't like the residue the tapes leave. The spring type clothes pin are inexpensive to buy and store around the edge of my tool carosel. ~ J.D. Narayan
Here's an easy way to figure out how many beads your piece is going to take. Work up a square inch of your project, count the number of beads you use, and multiply accordingly. For example, if one square inch uses 50 beads and your piece will be 5 inches long, multiply 50 by 5 to get 250 beads! No more guessing or running out of hard-to-find colors. ~ Mary Rajotte
When you are making any type of project, be it stretch bracelets, necklaces, etc., and you have a pattern involved that needs to be balanced, instead of starting out by adding the clasp first, simple "lock" your work into place by using a wooden clothes pin. This way you can always work from either end, eliminating time-consuming errors, where you would have needed to start over from the beginning. ~ Natalie
The IRS Web site is invaluable: http://www.irs.gov/bus_info/sm_bus/index.html . More importantly, a single, free copy of the Small Business Resource Guide - CD 2000 can be ordered on line from the IRS: http://www.irs.gov/bus_info/sm_bus/smbus-cd.html. It can be ordered by phone also: (800) 829-3676 (ask for Publication 3207). ~ Sharon Trusilo
Use a child's medicine spoon to scoop up seedbeads! The spoon is shaped to hold up to 2 teaspoons full of liquid medicine. That's a lot of beads. Just gently shake it to fill the bowl part of the spoon after you fill it. The medicine spoon has a small handle you can prop it up with. Most pharmacies put their logo on them and give them away with a purchase. Or you can buy one. ~ Marta Inez Serna
To make a great working surface for jewelry, buy a piece of 9" X 12" gessoed masonite from the art supplies department, and cover the ungessoed side with sticky-backed felt. The masonite is as sturdy as a piece of wood, and the felt keeps beads and findings from sliding around. If you also cover the white gessoed side with transparency sheets, you can write on it with dry erase or transparency markers and it makes a good planning page. ~ Kati Swan
I sometimes thread 5 or 6 needles onto my beading thread bobbin. This way,
if I am really on a roll, I can just push the needles further down the thread,
keeping the first one. I then cut off my desired length, ready to condition with
wax or Thread Heaven, and continue beading.
This way, I have a ready supply of threaded needles for those days I do have
problems trying to 'eye' a needle. Also, less delay to get back to the important
part of the fun----Beading. ~ Dawn Marvin
I use a canvas laptop computer bag for my jewelry making supplies. When I have to travel with my supplies, I put my multi-compartment bead container (about the same size of a laptop) in the main compartment and use all the other compartment for spools of wire, thread, needles, etc. There are even loops to accomodate my tools. I use the large pouches on the front and back of the bag for my supply catalogs, pictures of my work and print outs of projects. When I need to start on a piece I just unzip the main compartment and the bag folds out flat and my beads, wire, thread, tools, etc. are right there and I never have to unload everything. When I'm finished I just replace the tools and wire/thread, close the top of the bead container and fold the bag back up and zip it up. Everything is contained and nothing gets lost. Best of all the bag makes my jewelry making completely portable! Just like a laptop computer! ~ Leah Knight
When I'm making a lot of the same size eye hooks, or jump rings, etc., from scratch, I use a fine-line black sharpie marker to put a small mark on my pliers, for an easy reference. A quick eye line-up with the mark is all it takes for fast & easy loops. And, to eliminate the mark when I'm done with it, a little acetone (or polish remover) removes it. Works great! ~ Paula Feierstein
When stringing necklaces I like to macramé thick silk knots between clusters of beads. To keep tension on the string for even knotting cut an 8"x20" rectangle of 1" thick styrofoam. Use duct tape to finish the raw edges. Now secure your piece with T pins and it will not flop all around and you can maintain even tension while knotting. ~ Carol Belongea
To keep my thread nippers sharp, I take a piece of aluminum foil and start cutting through it with my nippers. It's easy and inexpensive way of quickly sharpening my nippers so that they are always ready for use. ~ BrendaLea Abbott
For all tips posted in the year 2000, click here.
Disclaimer Notice: The tips presented here are provided by various readers and are not meant to instruct in any way. They are simply given to pass on information that someone has found helpful to him/herself. As the Guide for this site, I am simply passing on this information. Posting a tip does not mean I condone, encourage, or agree in any way with the ideas suggested in posted tips. Please use your common sense and your own judgment when considering apply tips to your own jewelry making needs. - Tammy Powley
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