Ask A Bead Babe
Have you scoured the web looking for answers? Learn from the best in the business. Our
expert, resident beaders are here to answer all your beading questions: from questions
about the functionality of a product, to our opinion on new products on the market, and
complicated design advice, we are here for you!
Can't find the answer to your question? Fill out the form on this page, and we'll research it
and let you know. All questions and answers will be published on
www.beadshopboutique.com with the name and city of the submitter. If you wish your
information to remain private, please say so in your message.
expert, resident beaders are here to answer all your beading questions: from questions
about the functionality of a product, to our opinion on new products on the market, and
complicated design advice, we are here for you!
Can't find the answer to your question? Fill out the form on this page, and we'll research it
and let you know. All questions and answers will be published on
www.beadshopboutique.com with the name and city of the submitter. If you wish your
information to remain private, please say so in your message.
Featured Question:
Attaching Clasps to Fine Chain
Q. What is the best way to attach a clasp to a
thin chain?
Q. What is the best way to attach a clasp to a
thin chain?
A. There are a few options for finishing fine
chains. You can wire wrap with thin gauge wire,
26 or 28, where possible for a strong finish. For
beading chains, or where you don't want to wire
wrap, try a small crimp end. Be sure to use the
appropriate size crimp for your chain. Your
chain should easily slip into the crimp. It should
also not be too loose. Therefore, when you press
down with your pliers the crimp holds the chain
comfortably without little room to slip. Attach a
clasp to the loops provided using jump-rings or a
wire wrap.
Ask A Bead Babe:
Past Questions:
Why are there so many kinds of Solder?
Q I know I can buy solder wire in Easy Medium, and Hard, and I've been told I should
stick to using Medium. What are the other "strengths" for?
-Anne, San Mateo, CA
A The different grades of solder are used for a few different things. As implied by the
names, Hard solder is harder to melt and melts at a higher temperature, while Easy melts at a low temperature. If
you are working on a filigree piece, or a project in danger of melting, you can use Easy solder to prevent burning
your project. If your project has multiple stages of soldering, using the different "strengths" is important to
make sure you don't melt your work so far. For example, let's imagine you're making a pendant with layers of
silver built up to create an intricate shape. For the first layer you should use hard solder, the second medium,
and so forth. As you're working with the Medium and Easy layers, you'll know the Hard solder you used in the
first layer will not remelt and cause a mess.
Q I know I can buy solder wire in Easy Medium, and Hard, and I've been told I should
stick to using Medium. What are the other "strengths" for?
-Anne, San Mateo, CA
A The different grades of solder are used for a few different things. As implied by the
names, Hard solder is harder to melt and melts at a higher temperature, while Easy melts at a low temperature. If
you are working on a filigree piece, or a project in danger of melting, you can use Easy solder to prevent burning
your project. If your project has multiple stages of soldering, using the different "strengths" is important to
make sure you don't melt your work so far. For example, let's imagine you're making a pendant with layers of
silver built up to create an intricate shape. For the first layer you should use hard solder, the second medium,
and so forth. As you're working with the Medium and Easy layers, you'll know the Hard solder you used in the
first layer will not remelt and cause a mess.
What are Eye Pins for?
Q I've been looking through your component collection in store, and can't figure out when
I would use an eye pin! Can you enlighten me?
-Sophie, Boulder, CO
A Eye pins are a strange little component. Here are some ways we've used them:
Making a necklace with just rosary loops, and no wire-wraps? Eye pins have done half the
work for you!
Since the wire is much harder than standard dead-soft wire most of us have for our wire-wrapping, they are a lot
stronger if your design will be carrying any weight, or risks getting pulled on by little hands.
They're also great if you want to add a charm to the bottom of an earring or dangle. You won't get the extra bulk
of a wire wrap, but you'll be confident knowing that your charm stands no risk of escaping.
Q I've been looking through your component collection in store, and can't figure out when
I would use an eye pin! Can you enlighten me?
-Sophie, Boulder, CO
A Eye pins are a strange little component. Here are some ways we've used them:
Making a necklace with just rosary loops, and no wire-wraps? Eye pins have done half the
work for you!
Since the wire is much harder than standard dead-soft wire most of us have for our wire-wrapping, they are a lot
stronger if your design will be carrying any weight, or risks getting pulled on by little hands.
They're also great if you want to add a charm to the bottom of an earring or dangle. You won't get the extra bulk
of a wire wrap, but you'll be confident knowing that your charm stands no risk of escaping.
A Solution to Missing Earrings
Q I lost one of my favorite chandelier earrings! There's no way I can make a match. What's a girl to do?
-Rachel, Albany, NY
A That sinking feeling in your stomach when you realize something precious is gone for good is just horrible.
But all is not lost, and you can keep on wearing your earring with a couple of simple steps.
1. Remove the ear hook, or post in a way that leaves you with a loop at the top of your earring. If you can't find a
loop, get creative and do a neat wire-wrap or coil to create one.
2. Add a jump ring, or wrap your earring onto chain. You can also create a necklace with some gemstones in
similar tones to your earring. Add a clasp, and voilà! Your favorite pair of earrings has been reborn into your
new favorite necklace.
Q I lost one of my favorite chandelier earrings! There's no way I can make a match. What's a girl to do?
-Rachel, Albany, NY
A That sinking feeling in your stomach when you realize something precious is gone for good is just horrible.
But all is not lost, and you can keep on wearing your earring with a couple of simple steps.
1. Remove the ear hook, or post in a way that leaves you with a loop at the top of your earring. If you can't find a
loop, get creative and do a neat wire-wrap or coil to create one.
2. Add a jump ring, or wrap your earring onto chain. You can also create a necklace with some gemstones in
similar tones to your earring. Add a clasp, and voilà! Your favorite pair of earrings has been reborn into your
new favorite necklace.
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