How to Make Loops With Glass Beads
Glass beads are a staple of many jewelry designs. Available in a variety of shapes, cuts, colors and sizes, glass beads add sparkle and interest to both jewelry and home decor items. Loops of glass beads are often incorporated as part of a jewelry clasp, especially in bead weaving. Other applications for glass bead loops include decorating a glass vase or a candle holder. Make loops of glass beads to fit around the circumference of the container, and then slide them onto the vase or candle holder like a sleeve. Stacks of glass loops create a striped effect on the container.
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
- Size 10 beading needle
- Waxed beading thread
- Alligator clip
- 4 mm glass beads
- Jeweler's glue
- Elastic beading cord
- 6 mm glass beads
Instructions
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Beading Thread Loop
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1
Measure the desired circumference of the glass bead loop with the measuring tape. Cut a length of waxed beading thread 6 inches longer than the desired circumference.
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2
Thread a size 10 beading needle with the waxed beading thread. Pull the thread 3 inches through the eye of the needle. Clip an alligator clip 3 inches from the opposite end of the thread.
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3
Insert the needle through the 4 mm glass beads. Slide the beads to the alligator clip. Fill the thread with glass beads.
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4
Remove the needle and the alligator clip, but hold the ends of the thread securely. Tie the ends together in a double overhand knot.
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5
Cover the knot with jeweler's glue. Trim away the excess thread. Let the glue dry. Slide the glass beads around to cover the knot.
Elastic Beading Cord Loop
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6
Measure the desired circumference of the glass bead loop with the measuring tape. Cut a length of elastic beading cord 10 inches longer than the desired circumference.
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7
Pull the ends of the elastic beading cord in opposite directions to prestretch it. Clip an alligator clip 5 inches from one end. Measure the cord equal to the desired length of the circumference. Prestretching will have made the cord longer. Mark the cord to indicate the end of the circumference.
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8
Thread the 6 mm glass beads over the open end of the elastic cord to the clip. Fill the cord with beads to the mark.
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9
Remove the alligator clip and hold both ends of the elastic cord securely. Tie the ends together in an overhand knot to make a glass bead loop. Stretch the cord before and after the knot. Make another overhand knot. Stretch the cord again. Repeat this process to make six overhand knots, one on top of the other.
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10
Cover the knot with jeweler's glue. Let it dry. Slide the glass beads on top of the knot.
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1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit glass container image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
