How to Start Making Beaded Jewelry

With a simple stringing technique, you will be well on your way to making beaded jewelry.

There are endless design options when making beaded jewelry. Beads are available in a variety of colors, shapes and materials, from gemstones and glass to plastic and clay that are readily available at craft supply stores, giving you the opportunity to choose bead and cording combinations that fit your style. With a few basic supplies and stringing techniques, making jewelry is easy and fun, whether you are selling it or creating unique gift ideas for family and friends.

Things You'll Need

• Beads
• Jewelry wire
• Crimp beads
• Crimp tool
• Toggle clasp
• Wire cutter

Instructions

String the Beads

1. Draw the wire through the hole of one of the toggle clasps, where only 2 inches hangs on one side. The total length depends on your style choice. For a necklace, measure the wire to be long enough for it to hang at the length you want it. For a bracelet, measure it to be long enough to fit around your wrist. Whatever your measurement, add 2 inches to allow for fastening.

2. String the crimp bead through the wire until it reaches the toggle clasp. A crimp beads ensures your wire will not come loose. Make sure the crimp bead is drawn through both the long wire and the 2-inch section of wire that you left hanging. Use the crimping tool and cover the crimp bead with it. Squeeze the crimping tool to close the crimp bead.

3. String the beads through the wire, until you cover the entire length. Leave the last 2 inches of wire open.

4. String a crimp bead at the end of your beadwork. Do not close it yet.

5. Draw the wire through the hole on the other half of the toggle clasp and string it through until it reaches the end of your beadwork. Grab the end the wire and string it back through the crimp and your beads until it is fully hidden within your work. Use the crimping tool to close the crimp bead.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice your design before you cut the wire. String alternate designs on the wire until you find one you like best. Then cut the amount of wire you need.

• For a more stylish result, combine different beads, such as glass and metal beads.

References

• Aunties Beads: Basic Bead Stringing