I found these cute glass mushroom beads and decided to make a funky little necklace with them. This would make a great starter project for someone new to beading or for a child.
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Supplies:
beads (I found mine at Joann's)
beading wire
crimp tubes
magnetic clasp (or lobster clasp)
crimp bead tool
wire cutters
bead design board, optional
Steps:
Determine how long you want your necklace to be, then start laying out the beads on the design board. Tip: If you don't have a design board you can lay out the necklace on a piece of felt.
Cut the beading wire about 3 inches longer than the desired length. Put a "Bead Bug" clip on one end of the wire and begin stringing the beads. When you are done add a clip to the other end and test fit it. Add more beads to both sides, if necessary, to achieve the desired length.
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Remove one of the clips and put a crimp tube (or crimp bead) onto the wire. Then put one half of the magnetic clasp onto the wire. Now feed the wire back through the crimp tube, creating a loop. Push the crimp tube up towards the clasp, leaving a little bit of room for movement.
Place the crimp tube into the crimp bead tool, in the second opening (that has an "m" shape to it). See labeled photo below. Now squeeze the tube with the tool using firm, even pressure until it is crimped.
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Now place the crimped tube into the first opening in the tool, with the tube on its side. The tool should be touching on either side of the crease in the tube. See photo below. Squeeze the tube in the tool with firm, even pressure to complete the locking process. Tug on the wire to ensure that it is completely locked in place and won't slide apart.
Feed the loose end of the wire into the beads, making the beads snug against the crimp tube. Trim off the tip of the wire if it pokes out of the beads. Now add a crimp tube and clasp half to the other end. Make sure to snug them up to the beads. Then feed the excess wire into he beads. Enjoy your new necklace.
I found these cute glass mushroom beads and decided to make a funky little necklace with them. This would make a great starter project for someone new to beading or for a child.
