Sticking with the basics, you've made a Stretchy Bracelet and you're ready to move on to the next step: bracelets with a clasp. The first question many beginning beaders ask is "How do I hold the clasp on the bracelet? Knots? Glue? Special tools?"The answer is easy: Crimps! Crimps are very tiny and thin beads that are specially designed to hold clasps of all kinds on the ends of jewelry. No glue or knotting needed, and you can get by with just a normal needle nosed pliers from the household tool box to start.
If you want to create the perfect crimp, you'll need a crimping pliers. It takes some practice (as I tell my students...I've been making crimps for years!), don't be disappointed if yours doesn't look perfect the first time.
So pull out your beading board, gather some pretty beads, and get ready to make your first clasp bracelet. Once you've made a bracelet, making a necklace or anklet is super easy...just make it longer!
Beginning Clasp Bracelet step-by-step instructions
Labels: beaded jewelry, beginning jewelry making, clasps, crimps, free instructions, pliers
