Tip-sy Tuesday: Stringing Beads

I can't tell you how many times I've left strands of beads not knotted off yet on my desk that I've then picked up like a dummy and all the beads slide off (and usually go all over the floor)! Ugh I hate when that happens. So here's what I try to do when I leave a bead project before it's done - put a binder clip on the end of the string/wire/cord so the beads can't slip off. Such an easy solution that has taken me years to figure out!

It's especially helpful when working with multi-strand pieces, sometimes I don't want to finish a strand until I see how it'll look with the other strands - and no matter how many times I tell myself to not pick the project up I do anyway! Head slap. Now I put a clip on the open strands until I'm ready to finish them.


4.2.18: make a spring wreath
4.2.17: BBQ chicken stuffed sweet potatoes
4.2.16: cleaning glassware


Happy moment ~ laughing on the kiddie rides with a 5 year old

3-Strand Beaded Bracelet

Here's a different morse code bracelet - you didn't think I stopped making these, did ya? Cuz I still love them - love making them, love wearing them, love giving them, and love the secret messages!

I've never made a bracelet using these multi strand connector bar spacer things - the only hard part was getting the three strands the exact same length so they lay evenly between the two ends.

To make this 3-strand bracelet I cut a length of beading string long enough for the bracelet plus a few inches for tying off. Tie the thread to one of the loops on a connector, add a bit of glue and then put a crimp bead over the knot and carefully smash the bead. I cut the thread a couple of times smashing the crimp bead too hard, it pinched the thread right off - so even tho it's an oxymoron you need to gently smash the crimp bead. Add the beads in the order you want and connect to the other connector at the other end of the bracelet. Run the loose tails back thru a few beads to hide it. Repeat with the other 2 strands; attach a clasp to one connector and a jump ring to the other to close.

3.25.18: glazed baked ham and pineapple stuffing

3.25.17: frozen smoothies

Happy moment ~ sun rays (aka: Jesus rays)