Memory Wire Hints

• Memory wire is tempered wire that "remembers" its shape and retains its coiled form. It's basically one-size-fits-all and comes in pre-formed necklace, bracelet and ring sizes. You don't have to use a clasp to connect the ends because they automatically stay in place on your neck, wrist or finger.

• To cut loops of memory wire, use shears that are made especially for hardened wire. Do not use ordinary wire cutters because the memory wire will cut into the blades and ruin them.

• Use 1 1/2 or 2 loops for a memory wire choker and 2-3 loops for a bracelet.

• To finish the ends, either use round nose pliers to make a loop or use epoxy to attach a memory wire end cap.

• Don't pull the wire straight, or the ends may bounce back and the beads will fly off of the wire.

• Use rubber tubing to dress up memory wire designs.

• Use two-hole beads or spacer bars to create multiple-strand cuffs.

Making a Bling Ring
Bling rings are a fun project that can be as simple or as intricate as you want to make them. Blank bling rings are widely available and come in a variety of styles. Each style has loops attached to the top of a metal ring. The more loops on the ring, the more bling! For a quick and easy ring, add beads to jump rings and then connect the jump rings to the loops on the ring. Alternatively, you can string beads onto head pins and then wire-wrap the head pins onto the loops. To use the beaded head pin method, string some beads onto a pin. Make a loop and attach it to a loop on the ring. Wrap the extra wire around the base of the loop and cut off any excess. Continue adding beaded pins until the ring is super full and blingy.

Using Wire Nippers

This may seem like a no-brainer, but I think it’s worth a little reminder. Diagonal wire nippers have triangular blades that come together. The more the blades are angled toward each other, the closer the cut, similar to the way a knife edge is sharper when it has an angled blade. When you use wire nippers, always place the flat, back edge of the blades against the portion of the wire that’s going to remain attached. The angled edge should face away from your work. The piece that remains should have a very close, flat cut.

Making Durable Bracelets

Since bracelets receive so much wear and tear, it can be a little tricky to get them just right. Here are a few tips:

• Use the largest diameter of beading wire (or other material) that will pass through the bead holes.

• Use a bead reamer to smooth any rough bead hole edges.

• Lay the bracelet in a curved shape before attaching the clasp. If the beads are too tight, the bracelet will not bend properly around the wrist and abrasion can occur.

• When using large, chunky beads, separate them with a single smaller bead to make it easier to bend around the wrist.

Using Crimp Covers

Crimp covers are a very cool invention. They look like c-shaped metal beads and you can use them to hide the crimps at the ends of your jewelry designs. After you attach the crimp bead or tube, slide a crimp cover over the crimp. Use a large crimping tool to press the sides of the crimp cover together.

Continuous Necklaces

Long beaded necklaces are super popular right now and they’re really easy to make.

To make a continuous beaded strand, thread the wire ends through opposite sides of a crimp tube. I like to use two crimp tubes for extra security, so the end of my necklace would look like this: crimp tube, last bead (or beaded section), crimp tube. Crimp the tubes to hold the necklace together and you're all set!

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