The right tools

Welcome all to my second post for a Blog of gems. whether you intend to take jewellery making seriously or it's just a passing faze. Having The right tools are very important.






Here is a quick run down of a few tools you will be glad you invested in.

Don't get me wrong there are many other tools out there but these are your basics.


Flat nosed pliers
These pliers have a flat jaw with a rough surface to grip findings and wire. These pliers can also have tapered tips or blunt ends.
This pliers is shown above with the red handles.

Round nose pliers
These pliers have tubular jaws and are used for coiling beading wire. They are also used to make jump rings. This pliers is seen above with the green handles

Wire cutters
This pliers is flat on one side and has very sharp jaws.

Crimping pliers
these are not a must as a flat nose pliers can also do the same job. Crimping pliers give a more professional finish. Instead of flattening the crimp bead it gives a slight dent to one side. This plier is shown above with the blue handles.

Bead board
Again not a must but useful for keeping beads in one place while you work. The grooves hold the beads in position, so you can arrange your bead design easily.

The board is also marked with measurements to help you with necklace lengths and comes in a variety of colours. Grey being the most popular.

Once you have some of the above I think it's only fitting to have some basic stringing threads. This area can be very daunting as there is such an array of stringing threads available. I am still working this area out my self but if in doubt ask a sales assistant which type of thread and thickness would best suit your beading project.

So here's a real quick run down of some of the beading threads you will properly come across, at some time or other.

Mono filaments
These types of threads look clear in colour and some are slightly elastic. They are used to create illusion or floating necklaces and earrings. Some do not require added fastenings but just a simple knot to secure.

Braided threads
This thread is made up of multiple strands braided together to make one strong strand/thread. This type of thread also does not stretch and is meant to be hidden by the beads. Best used with crystals and beads with sharp edges. Something to also note is that, beading threads can also come in different thicknesses to suit the many different bead types.

Wire
This stringing tool can be used for any type of bead necklace or bracelets. Depending on the type and thickness of your wire will also depend on the hang of your finished project.
Something to note is with wire the greater the grade number the more flexible the wire.
Wire projects tend to be secured with crimps.

Leather thong
This tends to be tubular in shape and can be glossy. It is mostly used on pendents and beads with large holes.

Soft suede
This type of stringing material tends to be flat to look at has a rough texture and comes in a variety of colours.

Waxed cotton
This material is pre waxed and ideal for creating knots in bracelets and necklaces.

There are so many more cords and stringing materials available to many to talk about at present.
I advice that a good book on beading, will at least spend it's first pages, if not first chapter. To running through the basic tools, stringing materials and findings required to create your projects.






The above is a photo of a leather thong and below is soft suede. I hope you have found some of the above to be useful and a starting point to a new hobby or an already established one.
I will touch on jewellery findings, which cover chains, clasps, earrings, headpins, jump rings and many more in a later post.
2 really good books, I currently use for reference are" Bead jewelry 101"by Karen Mitchell and Ann Mitchell.
The other being "Ultimate necklace maker" by Dorothy Wood. Both can be purchased via amazon.
Till next time happy creating.
Natty.








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