HOW TO MAKE A NECKLACE BEAD (part 3)

1. Slide one bead onto the string. Then, slide the crimping bead in, and then add another bead about 1 inch (2.5 cm) or so down. Keep in mind that you're not yet transferring your design onto the thread. These are necessary, preliminary steps that will secure your necklace.

2. Place one end of the clasp (the jump ring) on after the crimping bead. Then, make a loop with the stringing material.

3. Thread the end of the stringing material through the clasp section. Then add the bead-crimp-bead combo, and use the crimping tool/chain nose pliers to crimp the bead into place.

• If using bead thread, you may wish to put a dot of super glue of hypo cement on either end to ensure that the beads and crimp stay on.)
• These steps will protect the stringing material from rubbing on the ends of the crimp bead, which may cause the necklace to break.
  
  4. Slide your design onto the string. Once you're satisfied with your design, carefully remove one bead at a time, and string it onto the thread. Be sure to leave about 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) of stringing material at the end.
  

  • Thread beads onto the stringing material until there are none left on your bead board. 
    5. Use a clasp section/ jump ring and the bead-crimp-bead combo. Try to push the remaining stringing material into the bead holes below the crimping bead.
    
    • Be careful not to pull the stringing material too tight. Leave a small amount of slack in the necklace (2-4 mm or 1/4 inch). This leaves room for the beads to move and rotate, so they don't rub on each other or the stringing material too much. If the stringing material is too tight the necklace will be rigid and this can make the design look angular instead of slightly rounded like a necklace should be.     
       
      6. Crimp the second end and cut the stringing material with slush cutters. It is not recommended that you cut the wire too close to the crimp bead. 1 inch (2.5 cm) of wire, carefully hidden in the bead holes, is good insurance against breakage.
      
      

      Finished.