ECT TV Episode 58: Crimping Techniques
Hi and welcome to Episode 58 of Emerging Creatively Tutorials TV (ECT TV)!In today's episode I'll show you two different ways to crimp the end of a jewelry piece depending on what materials you have available.Here's today's video episode:
Step-by-Step Photo Instructions:These are step-by-step photo instructions of the exact same tutorial that's in the video.
Technique #1: No Wire Guards Tools:
- Crimp tool
- Wire cutters
Whichever technique you'll use you need these tools.For the first technique, here are the materials:
- Crimp beads
- Crimp bead covers (optional)
- A strung jewelry piece
- Clasp
I'm just show you how to complete your jewelry piece, but you can just string a simple necklace or bracelet.Step #1
At the end of your jewelry piece string a crimp bead, another bead and an additional crimp bead.Note: I use two crimp beads on each end of beaded jewelry pieces. You can just just one if you prefer. I suggest using two if your beads are particularly heavy however.Tip on beads: If your beads' holes are larger than the crimp beads and the crimp beads slide inside them I suggest that you instead use beads with smaller holes next to the crimp beads.Step #2
Next slide half the clasp on.Note: This technique works great with toggle clasp or any clasp that has a loop that is soldered closed. If you're using a lobster clasp with jump rings on the other side, I recommend using wire guards (the next technique) instead because the wire will tend to slip right through the jump rings.Step #3
Now take the beading wire back around and through the crimp bead, bead, crimp bead and a couple of additional beads in the jewelry piece.Pull the beading wire snugly.Tip: You want to pull everything snugly, but not tight. Allow some room so the jewelry piece can move.Step #4
Now we'll crimp the beads. I'll show these steps without the jewelry piece so you can see more clearly; however, you will be doing these steps on the crimp beads that are on your jewelry piece.
The crimp tool has two notches. Use the one that's closest to the handle to squash the crimp bead and close it. It has a little notch in the bottom that creates a crease in the middle of the crimp bead.
See how there's kind of a crease in the middle?
Now position the crimp bead in the notch closest to the tip of the tool. You'll want it to be up and down and you'll close the tool so that the crimp bead folds in half.(In the photo the bead isn't quite up and down.)
Repeat for both crimp beads. Check to make sure you closed them properly by pulling on the beading wire and making sure everything is secure.Step #5
Crimp bead covers are optional in that they don't provide any more structure to your jewelry piece. However, they do make it look more finished.
I use the notch nearest the tip to place and close my crimp bead covers. Just place it over the crimp bead and close it. It should look like a bead when it's closed.
Step #6
Trim off any excess wire as close as you can to the bead.Repeat for the other side and you're done!Technique #2: With Wire GuardsSame tools and materials as above except additionally you'll need a wire guard for each end of your jewelry piece.You can use any kind of clasp you like and you can add it after you complete crimping the end using jump rings.Step #1
This technique starts out the same as the first one. Add a crimp bead, a bead and a second crimp bead.Step #2
Next we'll add a wire guard. As you can see, it looks like a horseshoe or a U. It has two tubes on the end and the bend is open on the top.
Slide the wire up through one of the tubes.
Then around and back down through the other tube.
Then bring the wire back down through the crimp bead, bead, crimp bead and another bead or two in the jewelry piece.In my necklace the string would not fit back through the hole in the black bead, so I will have to carefully trim it close to the crimp bead at the end.Step #3Follow Step #4 from Technique #1 to close the crimp beads and Step #5 to add crimp bead covers.Step #4
Now you can add your clasp using jump rings.
If you're interested in learning how to make the Beaded Bunch Necklace I mentioned in the video, click here for the Beaded Bunch Necklace eWorkshop.
Inspired eCourse starts on February 15th! What is Inspired eCourse? It's an Art Journaling/Jewelry Making class. I'll give you a prompt and activity for your art journal. You'll make an art journal page (or pages). Then I'll show you how to pull inspiration out of your art journal page and interpret it into your jewelry designs.It's 4 weeks plus an introduction week. And it's so much fun and inspiration!And you get jewelry supplies for one project in class! (Kits will be sent out during the first two weeks of class. It's for the final week.)Learn more about it and sign up here. There's even a super handy payment plan available. (Payment plan will not be available after February 15th.)