TOOLS AND ADHESIVES

Most projects can be put together with only the basic tools. Lay down a craft beading board to protect the table from damage & provide a flat, even surface to work on. Organize your beads and findings in boxes & trays.

Flat-nose & chain-nose pliers make opening, closing & linking findings much easier. Use round-nose pliers to turn loops, to twist & coil wire into shapes. Squeeze calotte crimps together & flatten joints with flat-nose pliers (needle-nose pliers) / bent chain-nose pliers. Use two pairs of pliers to open & close jump rings / chains. Buy them with integral wire cutters or invest in a separate pair of wire cutters for trimming head & eye pins & jeweler’s wire.

As a general rule, an all-purpose, clear drying glue is all you will need to ensure that your wonderful design won’t break when you wear it. Take the time to read & follow the directions on the glue container. Use common sense: make sure that bead & finding surfaces are clean and grease-free: and with some glue, you may need to work in a well-ventilated room.