Okay so you've started beading. You want to stock up on all the goodies you will need but don't know where to start and what everything is. Need a heads up? This article will take you through everything you need to know about the basics used for beading. One of the most common confusing terms in beading is 'findings'. These are all the metal components used in beading. The metal can vary from nickel, to sterling silver to gold. As with the metal, size and length also varies depending on the items use. Headpins are tiny nail like pins. They have a flat top at one end and a blunt pin on the other end. Other shapes like hearts and swirls could be found in place of the flat end. The flat end prevents the beads from sliding off the pin. When you have finished passing on all the required beads, you curl the blunt end into an 'eye' using round nosed pliers. This little eye or loop is what you can join more pins to, or any other findings such as charms, or chain. These are normally used at the end of earrings to 'finish' or can be used to attach beads to charm bracelets. Eyepins are very much like head pins. The difference is eye pins don't have a flat end. Instead they have an 'eye' at one end. You pass the beads through the pin just like with a head pin, and then curl the blunt end once again. These are used more as joiners, making longer earrings or necklaces. Jump rings are round loose little loops that are used to link other findings together. The diameter of the jump rings vary vastly as do their purpose. They can be used as a decorative piece on an elaborate item of jewellery or to link clasps, charms or spacers. Some jump rings are completely circular and cannot be opened others have a slice through one side that can be opened to adjust the size of the jump ring depending on its purpose. Split rings are similar to jump rings but have 2 loops going around the circle, a bit like a little key ring. They are used for the same things as jump rings however are preferred due to their strength. Parrot Clasps are clasps shaped in the form of a parrot's beak, hence the name. They are perfect for all sorts of jewellery making from bracelets, to necklaces, to bag charms. Lobster clasps serve the same purpose as the Parrot clasps, though there appearance varies slightly. They look more like the lobster's pincer and so they are named. Barrel clasps are clasps with two sides to them. Each side is attached to either end of the necklace or bracelet using a jump ring, split ring, eyepin or tiger tail, and then screw into each other, clasping the two ends together. There name also comes from their appearance, which is a little like a small barrel. Toggle Clasps are clasps with 2 components to them. One side has a long bar (can be ornate) and the other side is a looped shape, which can be a circle, heart or other. To connect the clasp you pass the bar through the looped shaped, clasping the 2 parts together. Tiger Tail is a nylon coated wire that is used for many different beading needs including earrings, necklaces, bracelets, bag charms, and much much more. It is a soft bending wire that does not hold a shape, rather acts as a threading line to hold beads. It is a stronger alternative to pearl thread, string or fishing line. Crimps are required on the ends of the wire to keep the beads from falling off as you cannot tie a knot in the tiger Tail. Crimps are used to prevent the beads from falling off the threading material. They are tiny little hollow balls or tubes. You pass them through the tiger tail or other threading material and squash them together with pliers to prevent them from coming off, and holding the beads in place. Charlotte crimps are also used to prevent beads from falling off. They provide a cleaner finish. They are shaped like oyster shells with a little hook on it. There is a little hole though the join of the 2 sides of the 'shell' parts. It is through this hole that you pass the thread item. You then crimp the end using a normal crimp, which you then sit into the 'shell'. You then close the 2 sides together and attach to clasp or other findings by curling the hook. Ear hooks are wires used to make earrings. They used for pierced ears. They are alternatively known as Shepherd hooks. This name derives from their appearance which is like that of a shepherd's staff. One end of the wire has an 'eye' onto which you attach the earring you are making. Bead Caps are used around beads to prevent them being scratched or damaged. They are also used for ornate purposes. They can be elaborately decorative or plain and simple. If you start with the basic jargon and get to know that you will be well on your way to sounding like a professional. Keep a look out for my next article which will add to this list.
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Okay so you've started beading. You want to stock up on all the goodies you will need but don't know where to start and what everything is. Need a heads up? This article will take you through everything you need to know about the basics used for beading.
Author Terri Batsakis runs you through what various silver findings are called and their function, making it easier to understand instructions in beading magazines. This information that will also make is easier when purchasing beads, even if you are just a beginner. Get your own completely unique content version of this article.
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