Approximate number of beads of various lengths: round beads are available in many sizes and are measured according to the beads diameter in millimeters (mm). Beads are usually pre-strung and typical length of the strand will be approximately 16″.
The average 16″ strand will contain the following number of beads:
•4mm= approx. 100 beads
•5mm= approx. 80 beads
•6mm= approx. 67 beads
•7mm= approx. 57 beads
•8mm= approx. 50 beads
Because you may wish to include a mixture of sizes in the necklace or bracelet, it is important to know how to determine just how many beads of a given size will be required. It is fairly simple to figure out the number of beads needed for a length of finished strand and the easiest method it as follows:
1.one inch = 25.4 mm
2.multply 25.4 by the number of beads (excluding clasp) in the finished strand. for example: the strands will be 16″. 16″ x 25.4 mm = 406.4 mm
3.divide the total number of millimeters in the final length (in this case, 406.4mm) by the diameter of the beads to be used (let’s use 4mm), and the result wll be the number of beads. For example, 406.4mm (16″) divided by 4mm = 101.6 beads.
Remember when computing the length of the finished strand, to provide any findings such as clasps that will be included in the design, these will increase the length from 1/2″ to an inch or 1 1/2″ depending on your choices.
Threads, Findings and Equipment
While beads are the main ingredient of the necklace or bracelet, other materials, such as thread or wire and clasps are very important, additionally, there are a variety of tools that you will find extremely helpful, and a good working environment is essential.
The selection of threading materials varies as the beads themselves. String cord or wire is manufactured with a very tight twist that provides the material with strength and durability and is sometimes coated for additonal protection. Stringing thread or wire can be obtained on cards or spools. The most important qualities to look for when selecting thread or wire are the that the thread will pass through the smallest borehole of the beads, and that it is strong enough to support the weight of the finished bead.
The following describes which stringing material is best for various beads:
•pearls–silk thread
•beads with smooth drill holes–silk, polyester or nylon
•beads with abrasive holes–polyester or nylons
•beads with metallic, large or large bore drill holes –tigertail or foxtail
•ropes or woven necklaces–nylon
Findings: the term ‘ findings’ is used throughout the jewelry industry to collectively describe a variety of prefabricated items such as, jumprings, bead tips, headpins, clasps. These items are useful and necessary for the ease and comfort of the wearer in putting on and removing, they provide the means of connecting strands and they add a touch of quality to your design.
•Headpins: the headpin is a length of wire with a flat at one end. It is used to string a bead, or several beads, then connect them to the strand by making a loop at one end.
•Clasps: Clasps do just that–clasp strands together. As with the bead they are connecting. Clasps come in a variety of shapes and styles. Some connect both ends of a single strand, some connect several strands, individually, while others accomodate a wide range of several strands together. Clasps can be simple or very ornate. Some are made so that they are not seen as a clasp, but part of the overall design.
Tools & Equipment
•Pliers: a pair of pliers is a must for closing bead tips, opening and closing jumprings and it can be used to help tighten knots. Chain nose pliers are the most practical kind to use, because the outside of the nose is rounded, while the inside is flat or gripping, the tip of the plier should be long and narrow.
•Ruler: a 24″ ruler, marked in millimeter’s as well, will be necessary to keep track of the length of the strand on which you are working.
•Scissors: scissors are another must in your jewelry making tool kit, especially if working with thread. The best kind are not too large and they must be very sharp.
•Glue: you will need fast-drying type of cement that the jeweler’s use.
•Beading Boards are optional but are great to keep your area organized. These resemble trays and enable you to layout your designs without having beads rolling all over the floor. Some have compartments to hold the beads you are currently working with, and some have a pre-measured layout to help determine the length of the desired necklace or bracelet.
The importance of a good working environment cannot be stressed enough–the successful completion of a project, with comfort will depend on how well you have selected your beading niche. The ideal space will be well-lit and contain a sizeable work surface to provide enough room for all beading materials and equipment. Beads bounce, roll and slither, therefore, your work surface should be a non-stick variety. Felt, velvet or a scrap of carpet, or a towel. Any of these are suitable and will prevent any untimely bead escapes, resulting in frustrating searches on your hands and knees.
The overall size of the work area is important too! It is amazing how much room is needed for containing beads,threading materials and supplies.
•Useful guide for selecting the right wire for your beading projects:
.10″–Excellent for beading weaving, Peyote stitch, and small seed beads
.012″/.013″– Great for Austrian crystals, seed beads and freshwater pearls
015″/018″– Most versatile size available–use with heavy beads, metal, ceramic and fiber optic beads
.020″/.021″– Use with metal, large or heavy beads with medium to large drilled holes. Such as garnet, crystal & glass
0.21″/.026″–Terrific for metal, large or heavy bead with large drilled holes such as African Trade beads.
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40% OFF – Starving Artist Jewelry Sale – 100 Items
View All Items
ISave 40% on all these items. Enjoy
last chance savings on some spectacular items as we’re eager to receive
another shipment of fantastic designs from this artisan. There are over
100 designs with a total quantity of 700 + pieces. At check out,
simply enter coupon code STVBBMN for the additional
savings off the already low Trader Lou price. This will make each item
between $14 and $16 with an approximate retail value of $50 and
more. All items are in stock and will ship the same day.
Available while supplies last. Not available with any other offer. Please
let us know if you have any questions as we know these remaining items
won’t last long.
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Lampwork beads have become a popular item to use in jewelry and other decorative or functional items. There are thousands of beads to choose from. What should you look for when buying lampwork beads to ensure they will look nice for many decades. First, make sure lampwork beads are annealed. This is a process where the beads are cooled down slowly in a kiln to allow time for the glass molecules to stabilize. Most annealed glass beads can withstand a little bit of trauma without breaking. Second, they should be cleaned. Bead release inside of bead holes can cause extra wear on soft flex or other stringing materials, which makes the item more likely to break over time. When looking at an artist’s auctions and admiring their beads, you can tell someone who is making and selling their own beads by the quality, unique appearance, and number of available items. Why is this important? Well although some Chinese import beads look nice, the people producing them are overseas in a factory where they are most likely not being protected from the dangers of the craft. Most workers do not get appropriate eye protection, the ventilation is inadaquate, and they are paid so little per bead they must work many long hours to produce enough to create the 1000 sets a week. This is not a good quality of life and can compromise the health and well being of those making the beads. You can be proud of buying artisan lampwork wherever it is made, but try to buy from a self representing artist if you want the best quality and someone who will stand behind their work for many years to come
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I decided to take the time to write a short guide on how to use the Polymer Clay molds.
This will help New users learn how to use the Clay Push molds and hopefully some tips for the experianced users.
1.What are Push Molds?
Castings made with Polymer clay of many diffrent detailed impressions,that can be used to make your own creative designs that allow even the very begginner to make pieces that look like it took you hours to make.
2.How do I prevent the clay from sticking to the mold?
Always lightly dust the mold with Baby Powder before making impression. If it does get stuck,try putting the mold with the clay in it into the freezer for 2-3 minutes to help its release.
Over time Lots of use, the mold may develop a sticky residue,You can clean them by using rubbing alcohol.
3.How do I start making the designs and removing clay from the molds?
Always use softened clay..Can softened by hand or use a Pasta Machine to soften and condition clay.
Clay should feel like smooth Firm Putty
If you are using a deep mold ,form your clay into a sharp point or teardrop and press the point of the clay into the deepest part of the mold first then fill the mold from the center out.
I reccomend filling all molds from the center to the outter edge.
Fill enough to edges to have someting to hold onto to pull clay out of mold.Use a Sharp craft knife to trim off any excess.
After molding use a soft brush to remove excess powder.
4.Time to bake
Bake pieces according to Clay Manufacturers instructions.
You can use Colored Clay or White Clay for your projects..There are many diffrent types of paints and powders you can use on the finished baked pieces.
I will add more info as I get it about various aspects of using the clay.There are also many books available at your local craft stores.
I hope this Basic Guide has been of some help to you..
Please feel free to ask any further questions you may have..
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Most Popular Earrings
See What’s Popular
IDuring the past couple of
weeks we’ve received a number of packages from our craftsmen. In
fact, there’s over 500 new designs in stock that customers have been
browsing through ever since we made them available. We’ve done our
research to see what’s most popular among all our shoppers
and placed them in a convenient
place for your viewing. Remember,
all of our earrings a Trader Lou are available at our lowest
prices.
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Editor’s Favorite Earring Designs
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All
I
What I like most about
partnering with our artisans are all of the unique designs you’ll find from Trader
Lou. We’re not anything like your local mall store, which seems to
only show machine stamped pieces of jewelry. In fact, I don’t
even know if you can find special gemstones such as our purple turquoise
earrings, shown in the picture. I hope you enjoy browsing through some of
my favorites and I look forward to
hearing from you about some of yours. – Amy, Editor of TL
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The Lowest Prices on Handcrafted Earrings
Shop All Earrings Now
IOur category special for
this week is a great selection of plain and gemstone earrings. This is
a great time to shop at Trader Lou because of all the items we are
receiving for spring and the price of silver has dropped! At check
out, simply enter promotion code EARTZ15 for an additional
15% savings off the already
low Trader Lou Price. No minimum order amount is
needed. However, orders of $100 or more save 20% with code EARTZ20.
Offer available for a limited time or while supplies last. Not available
with any other offer. Please let us know if you have any
questions.
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There are 4 home remedies for spotting fake gold or just plated items that maybe marked 14k. 1st-Place a magnet next to questionable piece. If item is pulled towards magnet-it’s just plated or fools gold. 2nd-Take a jewelry cleaning cloth and rub it on piece in question. This usually will take the plating right off with a couple hard rubs. 3rd-If it’s a chain with lobster clasp in question, real gold will most likely be marked on the part of the clasp that moves open for other end of clasp to attach to-not the part your finger moves-the part that actually opens. 4th-Plated brass can look like solid gold until you put it in sterling silver cleaner solution. At first it looks very shiny but the next day it oxidizes and will be dull again. This doesn’t happen to real gold. There are also more advanced ways to test gold like a gold test kit with a special testing stone and there are some electronic testers as well.
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Customers questions have been pouring in regarding Heat treated Tanzanite versus non heat treated Tanzanite:
Summary: Top color Tanzanite are all heated, either by man, or By the earth in nature,(Geothermal Heat) there have been a lot of sellers claiming they are selling NON heated Tanzanite, what they should be saying , is that they are selling TANZANITE THAT HAS NOT BEEN HEATED BY MAN… But as of writing this, there isn’t a test to tell weather a tanzanite has been heated by man or by the earth, even GIA states on there gem reports that evidence of heating is typically lacking.
Tanzanites come in a variety of colors including , pink, green ,yellow, and a root beer color, its these root beer color stones that are heated to achieve the top color violet/blues and Blue Violets and there are also stones in the rough that come out of the ground already with these beautiful colors, but they to were heated in nature by mother earth.
Hope this helps, if you folks need me to list more info regarding Tanzanites please don’t hesitate to ask.
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$10 – Natural Ruby Sterling Silver Rings
Shop
These Rings
IWe’re excited to
announce a liquidation sale in partnership with a craftsman who uses natural
ruby gemstones. All of these rings are set with sterling silver, with the
hallmark 925 stamp on the inside of each band. There are 15 designs with each
design available in whole sizes 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. Regular retail prices for
this handcrafted work starts at $50 and more. Yours today at Trader Lou starting
at less than $10. Enter promotion code RUBY5 for 50% OFF the
Trader Lou price. Available for a limited time or while supplies last. Not
available with any other offer. Let us know if you have any questions. We
chat daily from 8am-4pm ET or send us an email
for a quick and helpful reply.
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