Back to basics: How to correctly open and close jump rings by twisting rather than bending them.
1. Grip the jump ring on each side of the opening using pliers - either two pairs of flat-nosed, or one flat-nosed and one round-nosed pair.
2. To open the jump ring, bring one pair of pliers towards you, opening the jump ring like a door rather than pulling it apart.
3. Slide your component onto the ring, then reverse the action of your pliers to bring the ends neatly back together.
For an illustrated version of this tutorial, go here: http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/page.html?id=16
So simple! Happy beading!!
Sandy x
Tuesday, 20 September 2011
Monday, 12 September 2011
Sandy's jewellery making tip of the week!
How to create a simple 3-strand beaded bracelet using waxed cotton:
This week, we've chosen a really easy method of producing a stunning bracelet in no time at all. You can use any combination of beads you like (drill hole in beads must be big enough to accomodate 0.6mm thread) from seed beads to, probably, a maximum size of around 20mm to make it look right - but there are no rules and it really is up to you!
In addition to your beads, you will need the following materials and tools: 1m of 0.6mm waxed cotton cord (colour of your choice); 2x silver-plated 8x4mm fold-over cord ends; silver-plated toggle clasp; 2x silver-plated jump rings. You will need some flat-nosed pliers and sharp scissors.
1. Using sharp scissors, cut the cotton cord into three equal lengths. Take one length and make a knot 2cm from the end, then thread on a random selection of beads, using simple freehand knots at intervals of your choice. Continue until beaded section is 16cm long, then make a final knot and trim the cord at 18cm.
2. Repeat with the other two lengths of cord, making the beading pattern different on each one.
3. Squash all three ends of cord into a fold-over cord end, then plait the three strands loosely together, securing into place with second cord end.
4. Attach a toggle clasp to the cord ends using 6mm jump rings.
That's it! Happy beading!!
Sandy x
www.sand-stones.co.uk
This week, we've chosen a really easy method of producing a stunning bracelet in no time at all. You can use any combination of beads you like (drill hole in beads must be big enough to accomodate 0.6mm thread) from seed beads to, probably, a maximum size of around 20mm to make it look right - but there are no rules and it really is up to you!
In addition to your beads, you will need the following materials and tools: 1m of 0.6mm waxed cotton cord (colour of your choice); 2x silver-plated 8x4mm fold-over cord ends; silver-plated toggle clasp; 2x silver-plated jump rings. You will need some flat-nosed pliers and sharp scissors.
1. Using sharp scissors, cut the cotton cord into three equal lengths. Take one length and make a knot 2cm from the end, then thread on a random selection of beads, using simple freehand knots at intervals of your choice. Continue until beaded section is 16cm long, then make a final knot and trim the cord at 18cm.
2. Repeat with the other two lengths of cord, making the beading pattern different on each one.
3. Squash all three ends of cord into a fold-over cord end, then plait the three strands loosely together, securing into place with second cord end.
4. Attach a toggle clasp to the cord ends using 6mm jump rings.
That's it! Happy beading!!
Sandy x
www.sand-stones.co.uk
Friday, 9 September 2011
Freshwater pearls - some must-read facts!
Hiya
I thought I'd mention a few words about Freshwater Pearls and what's
currently happening in the market place.
Over the last 2 or 3 years, demand for freshwater pearls in the UK has
remained bouyant, not only in the bridal jewellery arena but across all
jewellery ranges, however, supply is generally struggling to keep up with
demand due to significant price fluctuations in line with global economic
conditions.
As material costs continue to rise and rise, it makes bulk-buying of the top
quality (we will not compromise on quality!) products Sandstones supplies
increasingly difficult, and those of you who are long-term customers of ours
will recognise that we now only carry a fraction of the pearls stock that we
once did.
However, all is not lost!! Through our vast, global network of suppliers, we
have continued to work extremely hard to find you the best pearls at the
best prices and have discovered some excellent suppliers who still provide
great quality beads at a reasonable price!
So that we can ensure the best deal for you and as long as you can wait a
week or two for delivery, we are able to supply batches of 10 x pearl
strands per order at a much lower price than if you purchased the single
strands we continue to offer.
We know all too well the potential pitfalls and hazards of purchasing beads
directly from overseas, so why not eliminate the risk of receiving poor
quality or not-what-you-ordered beads and let us bear that risk on your
behalf? We will ONLY send out beads that we'd be happy to receive ourselves!
Below is a link to some of the products available to purchase in this way
but it is by no means exhaustive. If you have a particular bead need or
can't see exactly what you're looking for, please do just pick up the phone
and call us on: 0845 224 0843 (local rate from a BT landline) or 01773
520224, (Monday to Friday 9 til 4) or drop us an email:
sandy@sand-stones.co.uk anytime, and we will do our best to get you what you
need or advise you accordingly.
http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/wholesale-beads-and-findings-c-128.html
We hope that as one of the UKs best and most established beads and jewellery
making suppliers, we can further develop our great and trusted working
relationship with you.
http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/wholesale-beads-and-findings-c-128.html
I look forward to being of service.
Sandy x
I thought I'd mention a few words about Freshwater Pearls and what's
currently happening in the market place.
Over the last 2 or 3 years, demand for freshwater pearls in the UK has
remained bouyant, not only in the bridal jewellery arena but across all
jewellery ranges, however, supply is generally struggling to keep up with
demand due to significant price fluctuations in line with global economic
conditions.
As material costs continue to rise and rise, it makes bulk-buying of the top
quality (we will not compromise on quality!) products Sandstones supplies
increasingly difficult, and those of you who are long-term customers of ours
will recognise that we now only carry a fraction of the pearls stock that we
once did.
However, all is not lost!! Through our vast, global network of suppliers, we
have continued to work extremely hard to find you the best pearls at the
best prices and have discovered some excellent suppliers who still provide
great quality beads at a reasonable price!
So that we can ensure the best deal for you and as long as you can wait a
week or two for delivery, we are able to supply batches of 10 x pearl
strands per order at a much lower price than if you purchased the single
strands we continue to offer.
We know all too well the potential pitfalls and hazards of purchasing beads
directly from overseas, so why not eliminate the risk of receiving poor
quality or not-what-you-ordered beads and let us bear that risk on your
behalf? We will ONLY send out beads that we'd be happy to receive ourselves!
Below is a link to some of the products available to purchase in this way
but it is by no means exhaustive. If you have a particular bead need or
can't see exactly what you're looking for, please do just pick up the phone
and call us on: 0845 224 0843 (local rate from a BT landline) or 01773
520224, (Monday to Friday 9 til 4) or drop us an email:
sandy@sand-stones.co.uk anytime, and we will do our best to get you what you
need or advise you accordingly.
http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/wholesale-beads-and-findings-c-128.html
We hope that as one of the UKs best and most established beads and jewellery
making suppliers, we can further develop our great and trusted working
relationship with you.
http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/wholesale-beads-and-findings-c-128.html
I look forward to being of service.
Sandy x
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