return to homepage

How to Make a Simple Bead Link

bead link

The humble bead link is a versatile component that is the cornerstone of many great pieces of jewelry.

This is the simplest type of link - a bead and two simple loops.

Making the Simple Bead Link

Tools and Materials

Materials:

  • 18 or 20 gauge wire
  • beads

Tools:

  • flush cutters
  • chain-nosed or flat-nosed pliers (2 pair or 1 of each)
  • round-nosed pliers

Instructions

Step 1:

beadlink step 1

Slip a bead onto an eyepin. (Click the active link to learn how to make your own).

Step 2:

beadlink step 2

Using your fingers, fold the wire at a 90 degree angle to the bead.

Step 3:

beadlink step 3

Cut the wire with your flush cutters at about the 3/4 inch mark (this may differ depending on your desired loop size). You can measure beforehand and mark the measurement with a permanent marker if you like. After a bit of practice, you might find that you get a feel for the proper length and can eyeball it.

Step 4:

beadlink step 4

Grab the tip of your wire with your round-nosed pliers and press the wire around the round jaw of the pliers, repositioning the pliers as necessary so that you get a nice round loop.

Step 5:

the finished beadlink

Using two pairs of chain-nosed or flat-nosed pliers, reposition the loops so that they are both facing the same way.

The finished bead link!

Tips:

  • Play around with the length of the wire for the second loop (from Step 3). The length will vary according to the size of the loop.
  • To make uniform sized-loops, use a permanent marker to mark your round-nosed pliers (see the Step 4 picture above for an example).

Opening the Link

opening a beadlink
the opened beadlink
To open the link, hold the bead stationary with one hand, then using your pliers to grasp the loop close to the opening (see above), pull towards you while at the same time pushing the bead away from you. The opened link

To close the link again, do the opposite motion.

Tip: Always use the pull with one hand, push with the other to open links, loops, and jump rings. If you pull the loop "out", you'll never be able to twist it back into shape.

loading comments...

 

Return from Making a Bead Link to Making Wire Jewelry

Return from Making a Bead Link to the How to Make Jewelry Home Page

Attention Jewelry Sellers...
Check out my other web project:

Jewelry Business Graphic

Did You Know That Webshops Like Etsy Might Be Wasting Your Time? Read More....

 

Subscribe to my feed

Add to Google Reader or Homepage
feed
My MSN RSS button
What's a feed?

Follow Me

Free Tutorial

wire work secrets
 
Weekly Coupons and Specials - Artbeads.com 125ad

Writers Wanted!

Do you love jewelry making too? Maybe you like writing tutorials, sharing your experiences with selling, or want to share a personal jewelry related story?

Submit your articles and tutorials for publication on this site  It's a great way to share your passion, share your knowledge, (and is a great way to get backlinks to your blog, website, or Etsy shop too)

 

 

 


Did you know that I made this website part time while being home with my babies? Read more about my story and how this website earns me enough to continue staying at home My Home Business Story

Home| What's New | Blog | Newsletter | SiteSearch
Earring Making | Bracelet Making | Wire Working | Jewelry Materials Wiki | Stringing Beads | Knot Tying
Mommy Bracelet Instructions | Hemp | Friendship Bracelets | Polymer Clay
Supply Resources| Business Resources | Beading Patterns | Online Jewelry Business Success | Ask and Answer
Gallery | Link to Me | Wish List | Tips | Submit Your Tip | Submit Your Article
Advertising | Affiliate Program |About Me |Contact | Privacy Policy

Return to top

 

copyright© cghandmade jewellery and publishing 2007-2010 all rights reserved