Question #180: 
How can I make the beautiful pieces that are featured in Beadalon advertising? Where can I find directions?
Answer: 
You can download free instructions for any piece featured in our advertising from the Beadalon website.
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Question #181: 
I am new to beading and I can not figure out what I need to do to create the look I am after. I like the look of many strands of beads , twisted. I do not know what kind of findings I need to get that look. I don't know if a multi ring slide clasp would work best or an end cap that is then attached to a lobster clasp. I hope you can help me.
Answer: 
There are several different ways to make twisted strands. One of the easiest is to use amagnetic clasp. Bead your strands, attach the magnetic clasp ends, then twist the strands before you clasp the necklace. Another method is to attach beading cones to the ends before you attach the clasp. For a convertible necklace, make several long strands of beads (42") and tie the ends together in a knot. Twist them together and use a clip earring or fancy brooch to connect the folded ends. 
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Question #182: 
What is the difference between tigertail and memory wire? What tools do I need?
Answer: 
Both stringing materials are used to make necklaces and bracelets. Memory wire is a hardened stainless steel wire that keeps its shape so you don't have to use a clasp; it fits more like a cuff. Flexible beading wire, sometimes generically known as tigertail, is more threadlike and has more of a drape. Tigertail is an industry term that typically refers to stranded wire that's made of three strands or fewer. Beadalon beading wire is much more flexible and comes in three different varieties, 7-strand19-strand, and 49-strand. Beadalon beading wire is coated with supple nylon that prevents abrasion of the wire and makes it feel very soft and threadlike - you get the strength of stainless steel and the softness of thread. Basic tools for using memory wire are memory wire shears. If you want to make loops on the end, then you'll also need round nose pliers. Basic tools for using beading wire are wire nippers and a crimping tool. You use the crimping tool to attach a crimp bead and clasp.
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Question #183:
I would like to make a multiple name bracelet but have only one strand finish at the clasp - two strands that finish into only one wire. But I am not quite sure how to do this. Can you provide some guidance?
Answer: 
Try running the strands together through the last few beads. Start by stringing one name onto the center of each piece of beading wire. On each side of the names, pass the wire ends through the same set of beads (as if the two wires were really just one wire). Finish by using one crimp tube to attach half of the clasp to each end. 
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Question #184: 
I am very interested in starting my own business making jewelry. How can I get started? Is there a class I can take to help a beginner like me?
Answer:
You're in a great place for beading! Start by contacting your local bead shops and guilds and sign up for some classes. There are also lots of books that will help introduce you to the basic techniques. As far as business models, there are several ways you can go. Some people sell their jewelry through home parties or through consignment/wholesale. Others create original projects and submit them to magazines or books. I would recommend doing a web search for "Barbara Brabec" - she has a whole site about creating a business out of your hobby.
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Question #185: 
I am brand new to beading. How do I get started?
Answer: 
Thanks for emailing Dr. Beadalon. There are so many ways to get started! I would recommend that you purchase a few beginner books. Look for a book that has a section on tools, materials, supplies and some projects to get you started. Beadalon.com has lots of free instructions that you can download, too, but it might be helpful to have some more detailed information before you begin. You can also visit www.beadsbaublesandjewels.com for basic beading information and project instructions. If there is a bead store or craft shop in your town, I would also recommend taking an introductory class. 
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Question #186: 
Is there a way to reopen an EZ crimp after its been crimped? I already crimped the clasp, then to my horror I found that I had missed some beads in my design!! I would like to remove the clasp and reuse it. ANY IDEAS?
Answer: 
The EZ crimp end is meant for onetime use so there's no easy way to remove it once it's been crimped. You could try squeezing it in the opposite direction but I have not had much luck with this technique. Your best bet is probably to cut it off and restring the design. The new scrimp finding has the advantage of being durable and removable.
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Question #187: 
I use your 7 strand wire for making very simply chokers, e.g. one small fused glass pendant lets say, however, I notice that the wire always kinks at some point, and it can not be corrected, in fact It becomes worse when I try to straighten it out. Where am I going wrong. I have also tried a different brand thicker wire and this also to seems to kink and cannot be corrected. Is there something I should be doing to the wire before I use it? Or so I just use it straight from the reel – it is ruining some very lovely simple necklaces I have made and it puts people off buying more!
Answer: 
I think you're on the right track with going to a larger diameter of wire. I would also recommend using a more flexible variety 49-strand is the most flexible wire and it is extremely kink resistant. You should be able to remove 49-strand wire directly from the spool without experiencing these difficulties.
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Question #188: 
I cannot possibly get my #10 beading needle thru the .30mm Dandyline™ (extra heavy), what do I use?
Answer: 
When I have difficulty getting a thicker thread through the eye of a hard beading needle, I sometimes cheat and use a beading awl to open the eye wider. Once it's threaded, I squeeze the eye shut with chain nose pliers. Alternatively, you could use a big-eye needle. It's a stiff needle that opens in the center to allow larger threads. A flexible needle has a larger eye that would be much easier to thread, too.
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Question #189: 
I am making watches with beaded bracelets and am worried that the bracelets might break, i am using beadalon 7 should i chang to beadalon 49?
Answer: 
We generally recommend using 49-strand for bracelets because it's the most flexible. Since bracelets get a lot of wear and tear, the extra flexibility is a real benefit. You choose the diameter based on the size of the holes in your beads. The wire should fill as much of the hole as possible.
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Question #190: 
What is the best tool for cutting Beadalon 19 strand and 49 strand wire really close to the crimp or to the bead when I’ve crimped and run the wire back through several beads?
Answer: 
"My favorite wire cutter is the Designer Flush Cutter. I like it because the tips are very small and can make close cuts. The Nipper Tool is a more economical choice and it also makes close cuts. Basically, you want a wire cutter with pointy blades that can reach into small spaces. ""Flush cutter"" and ""diagonal cutter"" are common terms to refer to the type of wire cutter you need. Micro snips and scissors will dull over time and may even get notched blades from the wire. I wouldn't recommend using them except in a pinch. "
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Question #191: 
I have read that you can knot Beadalon. I am having problems using silk with heavy glass beads in a lariat. Can I do the sort of knotting with Beadalon that is usually done between pearls? Or in this case with 12mm glass beads and gemstones?
Answer: 
We typically recommend using crimps with Beadalon wire but the thinner diameters are knottable. I wouldn't recommend using the thinner diameters with heavy glass beads, though, so that doesn't solve your problem. Have you used Beadalon Bead Bumpers before? They're small rubber beads that look like knots when placed between beads. Using them in your lariat would allow you to string the beads on heavier, more durable beading wire and you'd still have the look of a knotted design.
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Question #192:
Can the 'Mighty Crimper' be used for # 2 crimp tubes?
Answer: 
The Micro crimper tool is meant to be used with #0 crimp beads and #1 crimp tubes. If you're using these crimps, but are still having trouble, visit www.beadalon.com and check out the animated crimping tutorial. It may be that your crimp needs to be positioned differently in the tool.

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Question #193:
I find that when I string heavier lampwork beads, the crimps will sometimes fail. I have had customers come back with their bracelets in pieces. Will the scrimps solve this problem? I am looking for some "fail-safe" method for my jewellery.
Answer: 
Scrimp findings create a more secure connection than crimps because the set-screw finding holds the wire firmly in place inside the Scrimp. Scrimp findings are the most secure connection when combined with Wire Guardians. A Wire Guardian finding is a u-shaped piece of hollow wire that protects the wire from abrasion at the clasp.
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Question #194:
"I desire to do a portrait on a loom. I am looking for a weave material that will not show through the portrait yet will be strong enought to last over time. I am going to be using delicas so it needs to be of a suitable size. Do you have a product that would be suitable for loom and delica work?
Answer: 
"There are several types of threads that would be appropriate for the type of loom work you're suggesting. Dandyline™ is a super strong, zero stretch thread that would work well. Alternatively, you could use Nymo™, which is a non-twisted thread. The diameter you choose will depend on the number of times the thread is going to pass through the beads. Your best bet would probably be to find instructions for a project similar to the one you envision, then you could tweak the materials based on your own needs."

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