How to String Magnetic Beads
Magnetic bead jewelry is popular among both men and women. Many wholesale companies and bead stores carry a supply of magnetic beads in varying strengths for crafting jewelry. Some bead supply shops also offer free or low-cost classes if you are a beginner and wish to learn the basics from an experienced crafter. Since the procedure for designing magnetic bead bracelets and necklaces is the same, you can easily create matching jewelry once you master the basic techniques.
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Things You'll Need
- 20 to 30 magnetic beads
- 2 crimp beads
- Clasp
- Soft flexible wire
- Crimping pliers
- Bead board
Instructions
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1
Create the pattern for your jewelry by placing the beads on the bead board. Decide if you will make a bracelet or necklace. Determine the length of the jewelry by measuring around your wrist or neckline. The bead board has measurements printed on the board so that you can design a pattern that is appropriate in length. Use your creativity when designing your pattern. Bead jewelry has no set rules for layout.
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2
Cut a length of wire for your jewelry piece. Add approximately 5 inches to the desired length of the item. For example, if you plan to make a 7-inch bracelet, cut a 12-inch piece of wire.
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3
Attach one half of a clasp to one end of the wire by stringing the end of the wire through the ring at the base of the clasp. Fold approximately 1 inch of the wire around the ring, and attach a crimp bead to the wire. The crimp bead should have both ends of the wire through the bead and be placed as close to the clasp as possible, while still allowing for free movement of the clasp. Use the crimping pliers to flatten the crimp bead. Tighten the crimp bead so that the wire does not slip through the bead. Trim the short excess of wire from the crimp bead.
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4
String the magnetic beads onto the wire following the pattern you made on the bead board. Once the beads are on the wire, hold the jewelry as if you were wearing the piece, around either your wrist or neck. Check the placement of the beads to make sure that you are happy with the look of the jewelry. If you wish to change the design, remove the beads and string them again in a different pattern.
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5
Attach the second part of the clasp to the open end of the wire. Follow the same procedure that you did for the first section of the clasp by threading the wire through the ring and adding a crimp bead. Before you flatten the crimp bead, pull the beads and clasp together tightly so that there are no openings long the wire. Flatten the crimp bead and trim the excess wire.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not allow children to handle magnetic beads due to the health risks from swallowing magnets.
People with any battery-operated health devices, such as pacemakers and insulin pumps, should not wear magnetic jewelry.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit golden bracelet and black pearl necklace on white image by Steve Mann from Fotolia.com
