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• Bead Baubles and Jewels - Beading Lesson (901) • |
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How do you finish the ends of memory wire?
by Katie Hacker
Sponsored by: Beadalon®
Memory wire is tempered wire that "remembers" its shape and retains its coiled form. The best memory wire is made from stainless steel and is corrosion and tarnish resistant. It comes in several metallic finishes and is sold in pre-formed sizes: ring, bracelet (4), and necklace (3). You can make designs with single or multiple loops.
To cut loops of memory wire, use shears that are made especially for hardened wire. Do not use ordinary wire cutters because the memory wire will cut into the blades and ruin them.
There are several ways to finish the ends of memory wire:
Looping:
1. Use round nose pliers to bend the wire away from the natural curve.
2. Add beaded head pin dangles to dress up the loops.
End caps:
1. Lightly sand the end of the memory wire.
2. Place a drop of Beadfix glue on the end of the memory wire.
3. Pass the wire through the hole in the end cap.
4. Glue the last few beads together for extra security.
Scrimp® finding:
1. Loosen the screw on the Scrimp® finding.
2. Pass the wire through the hole in the end of the finding.
3. Tighten the screw to fasten the wire in place.
For more ideas and inspiration visit: www.katiehacker.com
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