Beading wire base

[waimeamomi]

Has anyone ever done this before and if so, what kind of results? This is on 49 strand Platinum quality Accuflex beading wire. I used 1mm crimp beads covered with small crimp covers to hold things in place. Does anyone know how this will hold out long term? I like the look, and am thinking of doing some singles, etc. for the Saturday market. I was going to use the Sterling beading wire I have, but it's too curly. What do you think/opinions etc.? I don't want unhappy customers, but if it works, it wood be good for the sportier crowd.

 

[knotty panda]

I haven't used Accuflex, but I used Extreme. The beads hold well. My only concern is there is no tail when you attach the clasp and it's that tail that generally allows the crimp to hold. At least them's the beading rules. Did you attach the clasp some other way? Personally, I prefer that thin strand between the pearls, but because I have that crimp on the end concern, I either use silver bugle beads which makes it a bit more flexible and eliminates kinking or I go all out and do a big silver design. Let me know what you did on the ends.

 

[waimeamomi]

I crimped it very tight and used a crimp cover. There is no tail, if you mean the left-over part tucked into the beads. I do that pretty frequently because the very small-holed gemstones won't allow a tail to go back through, although I usually end with a metal bead that I can go through, but that's all. I'm more worried about the wire kinking. Here's a pic, and look there is a teeny tiny tail sticking out, so I'll probably put a 2mm crimp bead like I used next to the pearls over that, if they will stay, other wise I have to remove that. Darn macro lens. I can't get away with anything.

 

[Caitlin]

1 mm crimp beads have busted loose on me. I used 2 mm successfully.

Tornado crimps are pretty when crimped and left uncovered. They are also the strongest.

Sometimes you can use a smaller crimp cover and still cover the crimp bead.

 

[waimeamomi]

I did crimp the ends with 2mm, the 1mm are just to hold the pearls in place on the wire. I have worn the necklace for a couple of day with no problems. The wire has not kinked and it lies very nicely. It has also garnered LOTS of attention, including my friend at the bank who said "I want one, I'll be there Saturday (the market.)" I'm going to run with it and make some singles, and other combinations to create a more affordable and casual look. It's also a good place for the more "casual" quality pearls, as they are not going to be heirloom pieces. I wonder how water friendly they'd be? That surfer look.

 

[pattye]

Hi Sheryl,

That's a great look, IMO, and hey, why not try it? Pieces should be quite affordable. How Cool to have a ready sale!

 

[waimeamomi]

We'll see if she shows up. It's surprising how many people say they want something, but then they don't. Life, $$$, time, something else gets in their way. And of course I've never, never done that!
The road to hell is paved with good intentions, and many of them are mine.

 

[pearlescence]

They are called 'be-backs'