bead-keeper beadkeeper glass beads and jewelry supplies

I started out by making a few pieces of jewelry. I love the look of glass beads and Swarovski crystal.

I had found some really great deals, so I bought more and more! Before I knew it, I had a closet literally full of beads! My darling husband suggested that I sell some of them.... and now I have two on-line stores!

Making jewelry has always been a relaxing hobby for me. I love to take a bunch of beads and turn them into something stunning! Really makes you feel good, too!

When starting or ending a necklace or bracelet, the most common way to stabilze your work is with crimp beads. There is a special tool for this called crimping pliers, or "crimpers".

The first step in making a proper crimp is to run your wire through the crimp bead, then through the finding that will attach your clasp, then back down through the crimp bead, forming a loop that holds your clasp. Always be sure to keep your wire seperated inside the crimp bead.

Crimping pliers have two segments that you will need to use. The first segment will flatten the crimp bead in the center, trapping the two pieces of wire in seperate "chambers". Once the wires are secured, you use the second segment of your plier to round off the bead and create a finished look. For better understanding, see the illustration.