I only started making jewellery this year at the age of 53. I assumed because I couldn't draw that I couldn't create something beautiful. I've found that I am actually pretty good at making beaded jewellery and am always looking for methods to give a really professional finish.
It's never too late, Lynn! I actually started jewellery making quite late in life too. It's really exciting that you have found your creative outlet. I personally, think everyone needs one, it certainly makes me happy.
I started at 52! Since we are mentioning age, I've found that it really is helping me both with my eyesight and also with fingertip dexterity! Added benefits.
Congratulations. I'm 79 (almost 80) and I've just started and enjoying it very much. I started with rosaries and they are stunningly beautiful. So proud.
Thank you, Charisse. I actually don't like using crimp covers. I really struggle with them which is why I love using my Magical Crimping Tool. It takes away the need for them.
I'm new to your channel and I am so happy to have found you! You have a wonderful balance of tips, pace, and easy instructions. Thank you! Can't wait to get started creating.
Thank you Lina. I use them all the time. They are quite a staple so even if your local shops don't sell them you can always buy them online. Here's a link to ours - affordablejewellerysupplies.co.nz/products/plated-brass-wire-guardian-4-5mm-x-4mm-x-1mm
Thank you so much. I'm glad you are finding it helpful. Here are a couple of other videos that you might find helpful too. th-cam.com/video/JbkWBBTpm-Q/w-d-xo.htmlsi=q8E2dvlAvE5sEAzY th-cam.com/video/8AXtIYyJ6jg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=D-MqFRz3JFxoTdmA
Thank you Carol. You are an excellent teacher...very clear and concise. I have taught myself to bead through books from the library. I live in Zambia, Africa. Just love your accent as well.
Lol, thank you Brenda. You know that us Kiwis are often mistaken for South African, especially when I lived in Canada. I really appreciate your kind words.
😊 Thank you for this demonstration. You make it look easy. What is your recommendation when using fishing line when making a necklace? Should you use more than one stand? Thank you.
Hi, I've never used fishing line for a necklace. I generally use tiger tail. Why do you choose fishing line? I would think it would depend on the weight (thickness) of the fishing line and how strong it is. I would be worried that it would snap or wear at the clasp/wire guardian. Sorry, I know that's not much help.
Thank you so much Ananya. I do work hard to keep my hands looking good for the tutorials, although it's hard when I also want to paint and garden and all those other things I love to do.
Thank you so much Courtney. I'm so glad that my videos help. If you have any questions, you can always email me at carol@affordablejewellerysupplies.co.nz. I'm happy to answer questions or help if you need it.
You could use a magical crimp tube instead of using the crimp cover, yes. I most often do use my magical crimping tool but sometimes you need to push yourself to do things outside your comfort zone. Thank you for watching.
Hi Stephanie, I used exactly the same process as I did for attaching the clasp except instead of putting a clasp inside the wire guardian, I put a 6mm jump ring in. I hope that makes sense. Carol
Hello from Belize. I am enjoying your videos. What type of wire do you use? I have been using half hard wire and its been difficult to bend into tubes. I normally work with sterling silver wire.
Hello Anna from New Zealand! For a necklace or bracelet, where I want the project to be fleixible, I would use Tiger Tail. For all my wire components I use German Style Half Hard Wire. I hope that helps.
It depends on the wire size you are using. Generally I use a 1.5mm or 2mm for everything so that's a good place to start. You just need to make sure that the stringing material will go through the crimp bead twice.
I'm not sure, but it looks to me that there are two silver balls together in the necklace on the lower left side of the front... I certainly hope I'm incorrect. Thank you for sharing your talents with us!
@@The_Stylish_Maker thank you so much for the links! For now, I will make a little bead loop at the ends and use jumprings as an alternative since it's a christmas present (few days away hehe) 😊 I hope you have a wonderful holiday!
I just happened on your videos. I LOVE your channel. You give great instructions. I ordered wire guardian and have used it three or four times. I also ordered French wire. Do you have a video using that?
Hi Debbie, thank you for your kind words. I was actually thinking the other day that I need to do a video on using French wire. Thanks for the reminder. Stay tuned!
Awesome, i didnt know that the lobster clasp goes directly on, thanks! Also...Is using Sterling Wire better? (Than tigertail, etc) Also...😂, (sorry) but do you ever put a dab of E6000 (or comparable glue) on a crim right before you put a crimp covers on?❤
Thank you. It really depends on the piece whether you use sterling silver wire. Of course, using sterling silver will add value to your project but it is also the weakest of the wires (only holds 3kg). There are different strengths and thicknesses of wire (thicker doesn't mean stronger). In my last livestream with the Jewellery Box Group I did a full tutorial on wire but it's only available to the members (if you want to join you can watch it). I don't use E6000 on crimps because I never have any trouble with them not holding. You shouldn't need to if you crimp them correctly.
Hello!! I have been using these techniques with the wire guardian but for some reason my necklaces keep stretching. I’m unsure if this is just the wire I’m using? How can I prevent this? I thought I was using a high quality stainless steel wire. Thank you!!! Natalie
Hi Natalie, it can be the wire. What are you using? I’ve heard other people say that tiger tail stretches but I haven’t had that experience but then I don’t wear a lot of “strung” necklaces. Most of mine are made from wire components. Maybe you could try using a Soft Flex or Beadalon Wire.
I have a bunch of crimp beads and I used some today. The bead broke on me when I cramped it. What am I doing wrong? I crimp too tight? I tried to be more gentle and it still broke on me. HELP! Thanks.
Hi Liz, do you mean that the crimp bead (or tube) broke? Were you crimping using crimping pliers that make an indentation in the centre, or were you just squeezing it flat? It may be that you are squeezing to tight. I'm not sure. It could also be that the crimps aren't very good quality. Maybe try not squeezing so hard and seeing if they still hold if they stay in tact. Sorry, that's not a great answer but all I can give you without more information.
I'm not sure why you would want to use a wire guardian with a bead tip. It would be hidden inside the bead tip. Also when you crimp for a bead tip you only put the wire through the crimp once. Have you watched my video about how to hide a crimp? It might help. th-cam.com/video/6MNkAZM7xmU/w-d-xo.htmlsi=sjFaXSSbyDICIGA7
Carol, I love your videos thank you for sharing all your skills and knowledge. Please help me! I'm attempting to buy better quality and efficient findings, because over the years I've spent a lot of money on buying the wrong ones!!! I usually work with 49 strains wire, 2mm crimp and covers. How do I judge what size wire guards and the best material.
Well, Victoria, you have impressed me. The thought of using 2mm crimp covers blows my mind! I struggle with the larger ones so those tiny ones must be crazy hard to get on. Your question is a really hard one to answer without more information. Why don't you email me at carol@affordablejewellerysupplies.co.nz and we can start a conversation about where to buy and what to look for.
Great video--I really needed this, as I'm just now learning about wire guards...and I kept thinking what beautiful hands you have!! They are so great for these videos---much better than my wrinkly old stubby fingers would be, hahaha!! 😅
Hello, thank you very much for your infomativ video. I have a question with the wire guardians. They are scratching at th e skin, because the edges are too sharp. I purchased them at a big jewellery supplier. Do you file them or put them into the tumbler for smoothing them out? As they are very delicate, I don't know, if it is possible. Greetings from Germany
Hello Maren, sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you. I've not had this problem with wire guardians. Can you squeeze the edges in a bit with your pliers so that they are facing in? Alternatively, you could try using french wire instead of a wire guardian. I did a video on that a couple of weeks ago. th-cam.com/video/pqaK1hyZ7ig/w-d-xo.html
I haven't seen one. You might like to look at using the Bead Bandit. www.amazon.com/BeadSmith-Bead-Bandit-Crimps-Silver/dp/B007MQNCZA Here's a video that you might find useful. th-cam.com/video/6MNkAZM7xmU/w-d-xo.htmlsi=7iJ2HE2FpVBQsMTU
Hello!! I have been using these techniques with the wire guardian but for some reason my necklaces keep stretching. I’m unsure if this is just the wire I’m using? How can I prevent this? I thought I was using a high quality stainless steel wire. Thank you!!! Natalie
I only started making jewellery this year at the age of 53.
I assumed because I couldn't draw that I couldn't create something beautiful.
I've found that I am actually pretty good at making beaded jewellery and am always looking for methods to give a really professional finish.
It's never too late, Lynn! I actually started jewellery making quite late in life too. It's really exciting that you have found your creative outlet. I personally, think everyone needs one, it certainly makes me happy.
I was 65 when I started!
I started at 52! Since we are mentioning age, I've found that it really is helping me both with my eyesight and also with fingertip dexterity! Added benefits.
Congratulations. I'm 79 (almost 80) and I've just started and enjoying it very much. I started with rosaries and they are stunningly beautiful. So proud.
The most detailed video on Guard Wire, Thank You from Puerto Rico.
Thank you so much Angelina. I do try to include every detail that I can in my tutorials. I'm so pleased that you found it helpful.
Beautiful job I learned something today thanks so much
Thank you so much Jessey.
The tutorial was very informative. The. Crimp cover looks just like a bead. Thank you Carol for your expertise!
Thank you, Charisse. I actually don't like using crimp covers. I really struggle with them which is why I love using my Magical Crimping Tool. It takes away the need for them.
Another great tutorial Carol. Solves another issue and looks professional. Thank you for your expertise.
You are welcome. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing, I just received my wire guardian much appreciated Mary
You're welcome Mary. Glad you enjoyed it.
Carol, You ROCK! Love spending time with you. Best,
Geri
Thank you so much, Geri. I'm glad you spend time with me too!
I love the bracelet it is gorgeous- thanks for all the tutorials I really enjoy seeing what you make.
Thank you Louise :) I really appreciate that.
Simply awesome!!! Thank you!!! Well done and easy to understand!!!
Thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed it.
I'm new to your channel and I am so happy to have found you! You have a wonderful balance of tips, pace, and easy instructions. Thank you! Can't wait to get started creating.
Welcome Sue. It's lovely to "meet" you. I'm glad you've found me!
Carol, I'm just a beginner -- your videos have happily given me some very valuable info.
Thanks so much. Geri :)
You're welcome, Geri. Thank you for watching.
It’s brilliant idea with a wire guardian. Looks very need and professional indeed . I should check if the bead shops have been selling here
Thank you Lina. I use them all the time. They are quite a staple so even if your local shops don't sell them you can always buy them online. Here's a link to ours - affordablejewellerysupplies.co.nz/products/plated-brass-wire-guardian-4-5mm-x-4mm-x-1mm
Thanks alot.Enjoyed learning about the wire guardian.
Thank you for watching Joyce. Glad you enjoyed this one.
Thank you SO much for your tutorial!❤❤❤
You are very welcome. Thank you.
What a great tutorial! I’m so new to jewelry and I’m learning so much!
Thank you so much. I'm glad you are finding it helpful. Here are a couple of other videos that you might find helpful too.
th-cam.com/video/JbkWBBTpm-Q/w-d-xo.htmlsi=q8E2dvlAvE5sEAzY
th-cam.com/video/8AXtIYyJ6jg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=D-MqFRz3JFxoTdmA
Thank you! I struggled with pulling the wire taut. I subscribed and look forward to watching more!
Welcome to our little jewellery making community. Thank you. I'm glad this was helpful.
Wonderful tutorial 😊
Thank you so much.
Thank you I have just started making jewellery and all your tips have been great help
That's great, Jan. I'm glad you are finding my tutorials helpful.
You ARE making some pretty good videos! 😍😍😍 I've liked a few of yours now. ❤
Glad you like them! Thank you so much.
I crimp the tubes on the wire guard. Makes them stronger.
Thank you Dawn. That's interesting.
Thanks for modelling it!
You're welcome.
Thank you Carol. You are an excellent teacher...very clear and concise. I have taught myself to bead through books from the library. I live in Zambia, Africa. Just love your accent as well.
Lol, thank you Brenda. You know that us Kiwis are often mistaken for South African, especially when I lived in Canada. I really appreciate your kind words.
Thank you! I always enjoy your videos. You make it easy to learn! 🎉
Thank you so much, Connie.
😊 Thank you for this demonstration. You make it look easy. What is your recommendation when using fishing line when making a necklace? Should you use more than one stand? Thank you.
Hi, I've never used fishing line for a necklace. I generally use tiger tail. Why do you choose fishing line? I would think it would depend on the weight (thickness) of the fishing line and how strong it is. I would be worried that it would snap or wear at the clasp/wire guardian. Sorry, I know that's not much help.
You have beautiful hands, and very healthy nails! ❤️
Thank you so much Ananya. I do work hard to keep my hands looking good for the tutorials, although it's hard when I also want to paint and garden and all those other things I love to do.
Thank you! Appreciate your calm instruction.
You are very welcome, Terri.
I just bought all the stuff I needed to make jewelry but I was feeling nervous about it. Your video made me feel like I could really do it! Thank you!
Thank you so much Courtney. I'm so glad that my videos help. If you have any questions, you can always email me at carol@affordablejewellerysupplies.co.nz. I'm happy to answer questions or help if you need it.
Seems like the crimp covers could take up a little extra space u might have!
Yes, crimp covers do take up a little bit of space.
Thanks for the video. I should use those. 😁
You are welcome. The wire guardians do give a more professional finish and protect the stringing material.
Could you have used a magic crimp instead of the crimp bead?
You could use a magical crimp tube instead of using the crimp cover, yes. I most often do use my magical crimping tool but sometimes you need to push yourself to do things outside your comfort zone. Thank you for watching.
Thank you! But how did you loop the other end? Do you have another cideo showing that?
Hi Stephanie, I used exactly the same process as I did for attaching the clasp except instead of putting a clasp inside the wire guardian, I put a 6mm jump ring in. I hope that makes sense. Carol
I love this video! Thank you!!
Thank you so much, Barbara. I'm so pleased that you found it useful.
Thank you!
You are welcome.
Thank you. Just what I was trying to learn.
You're very welcome, Bruce. Thanks for watching and for your comment.
Awesome job!
Thank you so much, Ruth.
Thanks!
Thank you so much Courtney. You don't know how much that means to me.
Thank you ❤
You are very welcome.😀
Hello from Belize. I am enjoying your videos. What type of wire do you use? I have been using half hard wire and its been difficult to bend into tubes. I normally work with sterling silver wire.
Hello Anna from New Zealand! For a necklace or bracelet, where I want the project to be fleixible, I would use Tiger Tail. For all my wire components I use German Style Half Hard Wire. I hope that helps.
How do you know what size of crimp covers or crimp beads to buy? Thank you. I am a total newbie!
It depends on the wire size you are using. Generally I use a 1.5mm or 2mm for everything so that's a good place to start. You just need to make sure that the stringing material will go through the crimp bead twice.
I'm not sure, but it looks to me that there are two silver balls together in the necklace on the lower left side of the front... I certainly hope I'm incorrect. Thank you for sharing your talents with us!
What great eyesight you have, Rachel. Sometimes that happens but I fixed it when I strung them.
I don't have crimp beads or bead covers for my bracelet only wire guards ☹
Sorry to hear that, here's some links if you need them.
Crimps: amzn.to/3TCrdey,
Crimp covers: amzn.to/3vdYfaY
@@The_Stylish_Maker thank you so much for the links! For now, I will make a little bead loop at the ends and use jumprings as an alternative since it's a christmas present (few days away hehe) 😊
I hope you have a wonderful holiday!
Thank you. You too! @@crowsinthecity
Great video !what size are the jump rings ?
It was a 6mm jump ring. Thanks for asking.
lovely necklace!
Thank you! 😊
I just happened on your videos. I LOVE your channel. You give great instructions. I ordered wire guardian and have used it three or four times. I also ordered French wire. Do you have a video using that?
Hi Debbie, thank you for your kind words. I was actually thinking the other day that I need to do a video on using French wire. Thanks for the reminder. Stay tuned!
@@The_Stylish_Maker I will keep an eye out. How often do you post videos?
Awesome, i didnt know that the lobster clasp goes directly on, thanks!
Also...Is using Sterling Wire better? (Than tigertail, etc)
Also...😂, (sorry) but do you ever put a dab of E6000 (or comparable glue) on a crim right before you put a crimp covers on?❤
Thank you. It really depends on the piece whether you use sterling silver wire. Of course, using sterling silver will add value to your project but it is also the weakest of the wires (only holds 3kg). There are different strengths and thicknesses of wire (thicker doesn't mean stronger). In my last livestream with the Jewellery Box Group I did a full tutorial on wire but it's only available to the members (if you want to join you can watch it). I don't use E6000 on crimps because I never have any trouble with them not holding. You shouldn't need to if you crimp them correctly.
Hello!! I have been using these techniques with the wire guardian but for some reason my necklaces keep stretching. I’m unsure if this is just the wire I’m using? How can I prevent this? I thought I was using a high quality stainless steel wire.
Thank you!!! Natalie
Hi Natalie, it can be the wire. What are you using? I’ve heard other people say that tiger tail stretches but I haven’t had that experience but then I don’t wear a lot of “strung” necklaces. Most of mine are made from wire components. Maybe you could try using a Soft Flex or Beadalon Wire.
I have a bunch of crimp beads and I used some today. The bead broke on me when I cramped it. What am I doing wrong? I crimp too tight? I tried to be more gentle and it still broke on me. HELP! Thanks.
Hi Liz, do you mean that the crimp bead (or tube) broke? Were you crimping using crimping pliers that make an indentation in the centre, or were you just squeezing it flat? It may be that you are squeezing to tight. I'm not sure. It could also be that the crimps aren't very good quality. Maybe try not squeezing so hard and seeing if they still hold if they stay in tact. Sorry, that's not a great answer but all I can give you without more information.
I used a crimping tool. I also tried not to squeeze tightly, but than it would not hold the wire securely. @@The_Stylish_Maker
Mmmm, this is a tricky one. Maybe you could try different crimps. They could be faulty or substandard. Sorry, I don't have many suggestions for you.
Thank you Carol! Just wondering can bead tips be used with wire guardians?
I'm not sure why you would want to use a wire guardian with a bead tip. It would be hidden inside the bead tip. Also when you crimp for a bead tip you only put the wire through the crimp once. Have you watched my video about how to hide a crimp? It might help. th-cam.com/video/6MNkAZM7xmU/w-d-xo.htmlsi=sjFaXSSbyDICIGA7
@@The_Stylish_Maker That is correct thank you. Yes I have watched the crimping methods video. 🙂
Excellent@@Mayukha.vahini
Carol, I love your videos thank you for sharing all your skills and knowledge. Please help me! I'm attempting to buy better quality and efficient findings, because over the years I've spent a lot of money on buying the wrong ones!!! I usually work with 49 strains wire, 2mm crimp and covers. How do I judge what size wire guards and the best material.
Well, Victoria, you have impressed me. The thought of using 2mm crimp covers blows my mind! I struggle with the larger ones so those tiny ones must be crazy hard to get on. Your question is a really hard one to answer without more information. Why don't you email me at carol@affordablejewellerysupplies.co.nz and we can start a conversation about where to buy and what to look for.
Right on time ⏰ thank you 🙏🏽
I'm so pleased that this was helpful to you. Thank you.
Great video--I really needed this, as I'm just now learning about wire guards...and I kept thinking what beautiful hands you have!! They are so great for these videos---much better than my wrinkly old stubby fingers would be, hahaha!! 😅
Oh Karen, don't be so hard on yourself. I do try to keep my hands looking nice so that they look OK on camera. Glad you enjoyed the video.
I loved it. Thank you so much. 😊
Thank you so much. I particularly love this necklace.
Hello,
thank you very much for your infomativ video.
I have a question with the wire guardians. They are scratching at th e skin, because the edges are too sharp. I purchased them at a big jewellery supplier. Do you file them or put them into the tumbler for smoothing them out? As they are very delicate, I don't know, if it is possible.
Greetings from Germany
Hello Maren, sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you. I've not had this problem with wire guardians. Can you squeeze the edges in a bit with your pliers so that they are facing in? Alternatively, you could try using french wire instead of a wire guardian. I did a video on that a couple of weeks ago. th-cam.com/video/pqaK1hyZ7ig/w-d-xo.html
Thank you very much for for your help...
Hi, are you using a crimp pliar or a regular pliar?
Hi, I'm using the Xuron Crimping Pliers. Thanks.
Ty made a lot with this video !! ❤️new subscriber here from Ohio! Hagd
Thank you so much. I'm glad you found this one useful. Thanks for the subscribe too.
@ glad to be here! ❤️😊
Is there a wire guardian that doesn't show the wire?
I haven't seen one. You might like to look at using the Bead Bandit. www.amazon.com/BeadSmith-Bead-Bandit-Crimps-Silver/dp/B007MQNCZA
Here's a video that you might find useful. th-cam.com/video/6MNkAZM7xmU/w-d-xo.htmlsi=7iJ2HE2FpVBQsMTU
Found it 😅
Oh cool. I just linked you to it in the previous comment, and also another video that you might find useful.
The crimp covers are your cryptonite 😂😅
Ha ha, they truly are! Thank you, Lisette.
Check ✔️ Superliked
Thank you so much.
Hello!! I have been using these techniques with the wire guardian but for some reason my necklaces keep stretching. I’m unsure if this is just the wire I’m using? How can I prevent this? I thought I was using a high quality stainless steel wire.
Thank you!!! Natalie
Hi Natalie. See previous comment.