Beading Question

[Former_Member]

My aunt once sent me a beautiful beaded necklace, which had about 5 strands of beads all attached to the same clasp using one crimp bead. I would love to make some necklaces using the same technique, but am having trouble getting the strands to attach securely using only one crimp bead (I use glass beads, and they're kind of heavy).

Does anyone know if there's a different kind of fastening method that I should be using instead? I use tigerwire so I can't just tie it together.

Thanks!
Molly

[citydetails]

Try tornado crimps. They hold really tight and make sure your opening is wide enough for all those strands.

[Raynecloud]

If your beads are heavy, I would advise two crimps on each end.

On a side note, I've never heard of tornado crimps. Those sound interesting!

[Former_Member]

http://www.viamurano.com/Descriptions/ttcfaq.html tornado crimp

[Former_Member]

Thanks so much. I'll go pick some up!

[vintagecalif]

if you are using a quality pair of Crimping Pliers, then one crimp bead is suficient. If you do not have crimp pliers and plan to do more beading, I suggest you invest in a pair and learn to properly use them.

An improperly crimped piece will allow the strands to pull thru even if you use two crimps. besides, 2 crimps on each side of a necklace looks crappy. IMHO.

[vintagecalif]

If you are using 5 strands, you may also consider using a cone to terminate the ends. The finished look is nicer than a crimp.

[Former_Member]

Any tips on what to look for in a good pair of crimping pliers?

I like the cone idea, I agree they look a lot better.

[Raynecloud]

The cone bead sounds much more prettier and finished. I don't always like how a crimp looks either. :\

I admit, I'm more of a wire wrapper than a stringer. I love metal. (I'm debating whether to take Metal and Jewelry Design 2 or Web Design 2 through my college). Though I'm always amazed at how the crimper holds threads together.

I know they have different crimpers for different sized crimps. I have this crimper:

http://www.artbeads.com/tool-100.html

Which is the regular size crimper. I use it with 2 x 2 crimps tubes. There is also the micro and the mighty crimper. The mighty crimper you can use with larger crimps.

[Former_Member]

I get annoyed at how sharp the edges turn out with some crimp beads... I always have to put bigger beads next to them just so they don't poke!

That class sounds fun!

Wow, I just have whatever crimp pliers the beading store owner said to get... so much to learn!

[Former_Member]

Attaching 5 strands into 1 end terminal can be done with the proper sized & type of end fastener and pliers, but personally with heavy glass beads I would not choose the single crimp route. First off the end beads would have too much tension and chaff against each other causing chipping if strung to the crimp unless you are using seed beads or micro spacers for the last half inch or so. With more than 2 wire pieces feeding though any single crimp opening to form a loop the finished crimp will be mis-shapen even when using the best crimp pliers for the crimp size. Also tigertail tends to be thicker than other coated wires that support the same weight and only the bigger crimp beads would work which may not fit any of the crimping pliers commonly available through retailers.

Personally if I was making a design with 5 strands onto a single loop clasp there are 3 ways I would go about it depending on the final look I was going for.
1. String each strand with it's own crimp bead around a single medium to large jumpring closing the crimps with with the proper crimp pliers for the crimp size used. Cover all 5 crimps with a single large crimp cover and close. Attach the jumpring into the clasp terminals.
2. String each strand leaving some beading wire exposed, about 1/3 to 1/2 the length of a terminal cover, with it's own crimp bead around a single eyepin closing the crimps with with the proper size crimp pliers for the crimp size used. Pull all 5 strands on the eyepin through an end cup or cone. Attach the clasp terminals by making a simple or wrapped loop out of the rest of the eyepin.
3. Use a multistand crimp end like http://www.firemountaingems.com/details.asp?PN=H201292FY . Close using bent nose pliers in the center of each "dumb bell" segment. Attach to clasp using a jumpring.

Store owners (or store clerks) are not always knowledgeable on all of the specifics of all of the products they carry. When you're ready to learn a new method or technique it's best to take a class with a certified instructor, check your local bead and craft stores as well as community colleges and local recreation departments for beading or jewelry classes that fit your budget. If money is tight, go to the library or spend a free day searching the WWW for instructions that include detailed illustrations on what your trying to do with photos of the tools and supplies needed to achieve the look.

[Former_Member]

Thanks so much for the detailed response! I'll have to experiment and see what works best.

I'll definitely try to take some classes.

[vintagecalif]

The crimpers that you pictured are very good.

I usually crimp the crimp and then move my crimping tool a little off center to the left, repeat step 2 of the process, and then a little to the right of center and squeeze again. This way you will have a very smooth crimp job. The crimp may be a little longer than the width of the tool. This way you will not get a " Hourglass" shape from the crimp.

[Former_Member]

Five strands of heavy beads would do well using a cone and wire loop inside the cone. Crimps are too wimpy for such a job. Good luck!