|
|
How do I string the perfect necklace? What do I do if a bead breaks? Find out here.
Bead&Button Associate Editor Anna Elizabeth Draeger answers your questions about beading techniques - stitches, tools, design, and more - in this monthly column.
Click here to submit your question.
Meet Anna
Posted by Anna Draeger · March 1, 2010
Q I purchased several art-glass beads from a bead show, and I'm not sure what to do with them. I want to hang them vertically from a necklace. Do you have any suggestions for how to do this? – Nicole A Adding fringe and a bail to art-glass beads is a great way to suspend a focal bead from a necklace and enhance the bead's colors and design. When I design a necklace for Spotlight , I often pick a bead that has bold colors or a strong pattern...
Posted by Anna Draeger · February 1, 2010
Here is a question from me to you. I struggle with this question because it seems like "a place for everything and everything in it's place" would be a good idea (especially according to my dear Grandma Gloria), but when I clean and clear my work station before starting a project, my mind goes blank. Then, as I rummage through drawers and bins of all the treasures I've collected over the years, a spark of an idea is sure to appear...
Posted by Anna Draeger · December 1, 2009
Q Aloha, Anna! Why do my necklaces keep spinning around my neck, so that the clasps are in the front? It is annoying and unsightly. It doesn't seem to matter what kind of chain or clasp or jewelry design. Is my neck too fat? My hair too long? My jewelry choices bad? Help! Tangled in Volcano, Laura A Aloha, Laura! That is a common problem with many necklace designs. If the necklace is relatively the same weight all around, there is nothing to hold...
Posted by Anna Draeger · November 2, 2009
Q When stringing gemstone briolettes in a necklace, I have had trouble with the briolettes flipping to the inside of the necklace. I am constantly fussing with the briolettes to turn them to the outside when I wear the necklace. Is there a way to prevent this? A There are a couple of ways to remedy this situation, especially if you are willing to try other techniques besides stringing . If you are simply stringing a necklace, leave a little slack...
Posted by Anna Draeger · October 2, 2009
Q I am a beginner at making jewelry, and I have a question that I need some help with. I am trying to make a bracelet with four strands of beads, and I want to finish the ends off with a bead cap. How do I do this? It gets too bulky to put a loop at the end of each of the strings to pull them through the bead cap. There must be a better way. Help! – Ann, San Diego, California A Good question, Ann, and I have two answers for you. But before you get...
Posted by Anna Draeger · August 31, 2009
Q Dear Anna, How can you calculate the number of beads you will need in a tubular herringbone stitch (straight or twisted) or tubular peyote stitch rope? I am asking because sometimes you find great mixes of beads with the mention of "make sure to buy enough for your project" because of dye lot or because the mix may be retired. I tried to make a necklace in twisted herringbone stitch, and I had to convert it into a bracelet due to the lack...
Posted by Anna Draeger · August 1, 2009
Q How do I attach a toggle clasp to the end of a crocheted rope? - Joie Son A That is a good question Joie, and I have a simple answer for you. You'll need your finished rope, a tapestry needle, two bead caps or small cones, two decorative beads, and about 12 inches (30 cm) of 22-gauge wire. Stitch the wrapped loop to the end of the rope. Leave 8-in. (20 cm) tails at the ends of your finished rope. Thread the tapestry needle on one tail. Cut a...
Posted by Anna Draeger · July 1, 2009
Q Is there a chart somewhere detailing the number of 11/0 cylinder beads needed per size of rivoli when bezeling it? It was mentioned by our instructor at the Bead&Button Show, but I've not been able to find it. Thank you. Libby Ungar A Thanks for your question, Libby. Our online Resource Guide lists important information and extras from Bead&Button magazine and our special issues like Brilliant Crystal Jewelry 2 . Many of the projects...
Posted by Anna Draeger · June 1, 2009
Q How do you add thread to continue a project? I realize this would depend on the project, but I'm new to beading and am "testing the waters" with square stitch and peyote. Thanks, Gary Hawkins A Great question, Gary, and an important one too. If you don't add and end thread properly, you will compromise the integrity of your work, or end up with bulky and obvious areas of thread and knots. When you are stitching with square or peyote...
Posted by Anna Draeger · May 1, 2009
Q After years of bead weaving with waxed thread, I've begun making necklaces and bracelets, stringing the components together with beading wire. I am finding that when I finish crimping the project there is too much play in the wire; not so much a problem with necklaces, but with bracelets it is too much and the finished product is unacceptable and I have to start over, sometimes three times, until I get the tension correct. The crimps are tight...
Posted by Anna Draeger · April 1, 2009
Q I've been beading for 3 years, making simple jewelry. Now I am ready to start learning stitches so I can make more advanced projects. What is the easiest stitch to learn? The easiest pattern for a bracelet/necklace? What kind of thread should I use on the seed beads? I don't knit or crochet, so I'm lost there. I love making wire jewelry but want to try the patterns for seed beads, or is it not for me since I don't knit or crochet...
Posted by Anna Draeger · March 2, 2009
Q I have printed the peyote graph paper from the "How To" section so I can draw my own pattern. If I want the finished piece to measure 5 x 7 inches (13 x 18 cm), how large will my pattern have to be? Thanks! Rachel Morris A I am glad you are using the free graph paper , and that is a really great question! The answer depends on what size beads you will be using. I have decided to make up 1-in. (2.5 cm) samples in several bead sizes for...
Posted by Anna Draeger · February 1, 2009
Q I am making a necklace for my daughter's wedding, and I like the style of a Y-necklace. Although I like this style made with chain, I want to incorporate a lot of beads, so how do I accomplish this style using beading wire? -Patty LaBar A Thanks for your question, Patty. Luckily I have an easy answer for you. Y-necklace with a chain base. The Y-necklace has become a classic style that is as versatile as it is beautiful. A common and quick technique...
Posted by Anna Draeger · January 1, 2009
Q I've been enjoying making a variety of tubular bracelets that require using a bead cap to cover the last row on each end. I then stitch the clasp in place. I'm not happy with how it looks as sometimes the last few rows end up looking flattened where the cap sits. Do you have any tips that can help me obtain a finer finished look? I look forward to your response. Diane Speirs A Great question Diane. I think I have an idea that will help the...
Posted by Anna Draeger · December 18, 2008
Q I am confused about bugles. Sometimes the size is listed as a number (example, #1) and sometimes it is listed in millimeters (3 mm). Is there a standard way of measuring bugles? -Alyssa A I am glad you asked, because I have been working with bugles lately, and have had some frustrations of my own! Several sizes and styles of bugle beads. Before I talk about bugle bead sizes, I'd like to cover a little bit about bugles in general. Bugle beads...
More Posts Next page »
|
|