10 Tips For Creating Better Jewelry!

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

❇Make sure to check out my online store where you will find everything you see in my videos and more! www.kelliesbeadboutique.com ❇

[@clarajones7646]

I have been in started beading in the 70's plus working with the eldery for the last 45 years. I find people that use their hands has more brain cells. I am 85 years and try to make one bracelet aday. And I live alone. Whe you see a person setting idle, fingers not moving ,that brain isn't growing. Thank you so very much for all your wonderful tips. God Bless you............

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

Hi Clara! I’m so glad that you keep yourself busy and what better way than beading. Thanks for watching my videos. Have a wonderful day. ❤️

[@darlaboyle1074]

I've been beading for many many years and I learned 4 things today. So, Thank You. Soft Flex is the Cadillac of wires, don't scrimp on your crimps 😁, don't let your wires cross while crimping (I didn't think it mattered) and trim to the crimp bead. I always tucked my wire into the bead too. I always thought, if that crimp comes undone, I'll know if failed before I lose a bead. And yes, I have been poked and jabbed by that little wire. So thanks again, Kelly. You're awesome!!!

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

Thanks Darla!

[@brandybobandy2194]

#10 just changed my life. I'm not kidding! I have always hated crimping because of struggling with that darn tail (I was taught the same way you were). It's great to know that if I crimp properly, I can just cut it flush! Thank you!

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

Glad it helped!

[@tracisusong6991]

Yeah I always left it too

[@ΑκηςΑεκ]

@@KelliesBeadBoutique Kellie...................I already love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@stardresser1]

I've watched this before. Needed to see it again...thank you SOOOO much. You're an amazing teacher, and will save many hands, heartaches, and headaches!!!

[@judiewoodward9756]

You are the best.You explain so anyone can do this.Thanks.

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

Thanks Judie!

[@madqueen6632]

Thank you for these tips! I've barely used beading wire (I always use thread) or crimps because crimps scare me. LOL. I just never could figure out how to do the properly. Now I know!! Also, I never knew what beading wire was actually good. Again, now I know! :)

[@leighanneboles4386]

Same here!

[@dalemills7926]

BTW, that part about making the wrap loop ...it was the hardest thing to teach them to move your wrist instead of anything else....all of these tutorial parts were perfect..loved that you cared enough about your work to do it right ..

[@leighanneboles4386]

Thank you, Kellie, for your thorough explanations ... you're the best kind of teacher, as your thoughtfulness and concern shine through.😊

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

Wow, thank you!

[@shirley071000]

Kellie-best beading tips ever! Most beading teachers assume we know how to do these important skills. I especially liked the hand positions for making wire wraps-you make it so clear. WOW! So worth the time to watch and refer to when making future projects. You get a Gold Star for this one-as usual.

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

Thank you Shirley!

[@madilinebauer6934]

I have been beading for years but I find that over time I develop bad habits. So its great to go back and watch your videos again. Thanks!

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

You are so welcome!

[@smac3662]

Kellie, I noticed that you are fighting skin issues like I have with my illness. After researching; I have bought and used effectively soap made of bay leaf and olive oil ( at least 70% or higher ). The bay leaf ( Laurel leaf ) is a natural healer and the Olive oil adds enough moisture to the skin without an oily feeling afterwards. It's also referred as Aleppo cold processed soap and is easily found online. I tried many things over the years and this is the only thing that healed my skin problem. My best wishes and thanks.

[@sarahfortune1170]

Thank you, Kellie, for taking the time to give us some great tips. All 10 of them helped lots. Have a blessed and safe life.

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

Thanks Sarah!

[@gigicampbell9847]

Ok I am SO glad I watched this! I’ve been making jewelry for 20yrs and almost didn’t think this was worth watching, however I learned something new! I was always taught to string flex wire back into the bead for the same reason: extra support. And I struggled with hole sizes and sometimes things broke and I had no idea why! Now I’m finding out you can actually cut at the end of your crimp bead???? And it works???? Total game changer!!!!

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@rhondacargil1458]

….awesome Kellie!!!….I could listen/learn from you all day long!!…great artist and teacher!…thank you!!!

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

❤️❤️

[@lindakirk698]

Wish I had seen this video 10 yrs ago. It would have saved me a few grunts under my breath. I learnt the hard way! Good session Kellie x

[@tammyflores7862]

I have been beading for 15 years and I found this the most informative information that I have yet come across. I have been holding my tools wrong and pushing those little tips wrong!!! Thanks for showing me the way.

[@dalemills7926]

As a 71 yr old grandmother and have taught for many years..you are on spot ! You're right about soft flex..I made a necklace with cheap from Wal-Mart then same one from Soft flex....it will make a soft pillow when putting the necklace in your palm..cheap will never do that

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

Thank you so much! 😍😍😍

[@sylviahall5667]

I was taught to leave a tail so thank you Kellie it should save wire as well as making things easier

[@lisamw101]

YOU are such a great teacher... I stumbled upon your site yesterday and have been hooked. I started my shopping cart with your kits - I just really need to get into something therapeutic for my mind right now and I choose your classes to teach me something new and wow.. YOU are awe-inspiring. thank you for these videos. You know that saying: WHEN THE STUDENT IS READY - THE TEACHER WILL COME.. I so agree

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

Thanks so much Lisa! ❤️❤️❤️

[@siobhancashman]

Thank you Kellie. The one tip I loved the most was #10 and wow! What an enlightenment. I also love the jump ring tip. I knew to twist and not pull but I did not know about the bent nose plier. I will be doing it that way from now on.

[@heathergraham6161]

Excellent explanations. I've never understood the importance of having that bent nose pliers, or the step-by-step analysis of the Loop and wire wrap around. Also I never understood exactly how the Crips work and how the crossing of the wire is what's making my crimps unstable. Thank you!

[@dotmarshalldotyart]

Thank you Kelly, I watch most of your videos and find them very very helpful, I have been making polymer clay and resin jewellery for years now and mostly buy the made up cords. Now I am progressing to beaded pieces so this video was just what I needed, I didn’t know how to crimp but now I do. Once again thank you so much you are a huge help. I’m from Australia and most of the materials I buy on line from America.

[@maryh1421]

Thanks for the many helpful tips. My fav was don't leave a tail.

[@hkremer2167]

These are the best tips! I struggle with crimping and the tail - like others here. Thanks for your informative friendly style of teaching!

[@wendydupont256]

You are the best Kellie. When i first started beading, I made ALL of the mistakes that you mentioned! I used hardware pliers and cheap wire, tools, beads etc. Such a waste of money. I now spend the money and get it right from the beginning. I still hate crimping, but only because I'm too afraid to give it another try.

[@monicatugade6726]

Hi Kelly, I enjoined watching your videos and I have to stop being so nice. I've been selling my jewelry pieces for cheap, well not no more. Thanks

[@debbiekey4819]

Thank you so much for the tip on trimming the tail of the crimp wire. I too was taught to leave a tail. Can't wait to try this. You are a great teacher!

[@susanfuller9232]

You are an awesome teacher! I look forward to your videos. Finally after making jewelry for years, I can tuck burrs in!!!!

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

Awesome! Thank for watching. 😘

[@carylfontaine3640]

Wow!!! I am learning to do things the correct way, finally! Thanku from the bottom of my artist heart, you are THE best in every way. I wish I found you years ago Kellie. Sincerely, Caryl in Vermont ⛷🏂🎿🛷⛸

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

Thanks so much Carly! ❤️❤️❤️

[@CometoLifeLLC]

Kellie your videos always inspire me and the tutorials are always made with quality pieces. I am so glad you have taken the time to show how to burnish the end of a wire wrapped piece. I will be practicing. Crimping has been an issue but I’m not giving up. I bet you are right that it is the quality I’ve been using. I received my new order from your store and thank you for international shipping. I have found your store is my hidden gem.

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

Thank you so much! I appreciate your support. :)

[@juliebergacker5680]

Wonderful. THANK YOU😁👏👍. I finally learned a lot. Yay. I was told about leaving that “ tail “ to 🤣😂😁💕again loved it ALL 👍👍👍👍👍

[@kathybell3711]

Thanks again and I too have learned something from you. I thought that you need to tuck the wire into the beads not only to keep it from breaking but also it gives the completed bracelet a better look. You proved both items wrong! You really are the best at these tutorials!

[@pdrey55]

I’ve made one with just 8-0s. Doesn’t stick out so much. I have some hematite 6/0 going to try next! Can Not Stop Making These!💕

[@virginiagaviati2643]

Thank you Kellie, I've been leaving that little tail and has caused problems. Will restring properly. Great tips and teaching, thanks💗

[@kathymiller3649]

Thank you for your time it is very helpful I for one need the guidelines they really help me

[@mm0901]

Wow, what great tips! I Don’t know how to accurately express how grateful I am.....and many others are as well, I’m sure...for you sharing your jewelry-making knowledge and expertise with us! How lucky are we?! Thank you🙏🏻💕

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

You are so very welcome!

[@debbiewofford7550]

I have watched many videos and all of the designer leave a tail on there necklace and bracelets, thank you for the tip. I still have trouble wrapping with wire on beads, I will watch this video over and over until I get it right!!! Again thank you so much for the awesome tips, I’m a new beads and I enjoy make jewelry for my grandchildren and my self. Debbie from Northern Colorado.

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

You are very welcome Debbie!

[@jaculinkittel732]

You're the best teacher! 🤩

[@conniealford1020]

Great great tips!! I think you should do a video like this once a month. I'd love to learn why we do things the way we do or, like today learn a better way of doing it. As a newbie, I would be so grateful to learn new techniques. My favourite today was cutting off the crimping wire. I did not know that. I also loved the wire loop technique you use. I do it similarly but you added some necessary steps that I did not know to do. Thank you, my dear. Very good info. 💜🦋😷✌

[@kathystuart3554]

Such a great teacher! I love all of your leather bracelet designs too. You are the best.

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

Thank you Kathy!

[@debbiecobb5757]

Wow thank you! I have learned a ton today. Number 10 I have learned over watching many that you always tuck your tail into a few beads, I would always end up with a mess and frustrated. Hopefully I will also be able to do nice loops and wrapped loops! I'm excited to get to work on some pieces I've been wanting to do! I love you Kellie your the best teacher ever! 💕💕

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

Thank you so much Debbie. I appreciate you watching.

[@kathleencrecelius9385]

Thank you, thank you and thank you! I need to learn how to put on a crimp cover.

[@lorenachamberlin1492]

Hello Kelle, My name is Lorena. I am just starting at this Jewelry business. As of last year I have been buying so much inventory, tools, and items for displays for photos to set up my website. So much to do you're right. I am retired and hope to do this for fun at the same time making some money on the side. I just came across your website today and I subscribed. Thank you for all you do I really appreciate all of you who work so hard and sharing your talents with us all.

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

Thanks Lorena! Thanks for subscribing and watching. I hope you are having fun!

[@sk13ppy]

Hi Kellie, thanks so much for another awesome video! 💖 I really understand what you're saying about not having a tail after the crimp, it worries me that the crimp might slide off especially if it is snagged on clothing. Like you, I've been tucking the tail into the beads for uniformity as well as strength, because if the crimp was dislodged it has further to travel if the tail isn't docked right beside the crimp. However, I will try the tailless method and will continue to do that last little squeeze with the pliers. At the moment I'm still using Wildfire by Beadalon and a while ago I watched a video where a guy kept the tail tucked into a few beads, then used a cigarette lighter to singe a tiny bit of the tail so it can't escape. Don't singe the Wildfire wire too much or it will look like a bead itself!

[@lucieduguay7860]

What a teacher you are!

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

Thank you!

[@campingwithchrissy]

Thank you, you are truly amazing. I love how you explain everything. I'm a self-taught designer. I always look to learn more every day!

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

Thanks so much! ❤️

[@DrCaseyScraper]

Thank you! Finally I understand how to do a wrapped loop and know to cut off those tails!! 🥰

[@daralynnhale1565]

Very very helpful Kellie!!!!! Making loops and why using different tools can make a world of difference

[@nadineglomboski1852]

Awesome video. I have a BIG problem with wire wrapping...never looks right. Today I will practice and practice. I have always left the tail on and crimping has always been my nemesis. Unfortunately I just purchased small round crimps from Fire Mtn. I have the proper tool, so it must be my technique which I need to work on. Thanks again Kellie...I will save this video to refer to until I get it right. Next is the barrel knot. I am waiting for the tube to come in and I will watch your video to make it. Love your channel and your tutorials.

[@barbarabevers8096]

I have been working with wire for many years and i have never made the perfect crimp. Thank you for teaching me the correct way to use the tool and attain a good crimp.

[@debbreitels2995]

Thank you for sharing this very important information. I have not taken any classes, so my bracelets kept coming apart at the crimp. I did not know then to not cross the wires. All of these tips are wonderful information to know. Thank you Kellie.

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

I’m so glad they help Deb!

[@edithkurashige1483]

Five Stars Class, ¡¡¡ Thanks so much Kellie ♡♡♡!!!

[@GrilTBooth]

Very helpful! Thank you! Great tips about crimping, among others!:-)

[@marytakegami262]

Great tips on crimping !! It is important to crimp properly, and I don't think I was taught anything about it. Watched other videos, and it is important that your flex wire does not cross, and your crimp is properly positioned, and your tool is used properly as well. I've had the soft flex slide out of the crimp bead, and was afraid to use the soft flex because of this. I would love making more bracelets, but using the stretch cord may eventually break, and the thought of having added semi precious gem stones, and falling apart would be a disaster. Now that I have the proper instructions, I can confidently start making more bracelets with soft flex and gem stones.

[@boopdiva]

I love soft flex too! A little bit at a time to build up stock!

[@smac3662]

I'm so thankful for your helpful videos and that you're willing to share your experiences. Every little thing helps me to avoid the problems that experienced jewelry designers have learned as they walked through the process themselves. The best student is the one who is willing to learn from those who are more experienced in the field.

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

Thank you!

[@loricampbell6874]

Great information. I had no idea I was doing the crimping entirely wrong. So helpful! Thank you :)

[@franlovell520]

Hello, your tip 10 was one I hadn't heard of before. I had always left a tail & tucked it into beads as did the friend that taught me how to crimp & another friend that made me jewelry before I started to make my own. The way you do it made sense to me so I'll start doing it your way. Thank you Fran

[@ednamaclaine8212]

Hey Kelly darling, after so long, so good to see you and your videos are Fab...God bless you. Love you loads

[@christiecrawford1907]

Excellent tips-have been making jewelry for a long time but you have discussed small details that I've never seen addressed in many classes-thank you!

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

Thanks so much! 🥰

[@juanitapearson5282]

Great tips. I have been making jewelry for many years and didn't know about cutting the tail end off after crimping.

[@kkacz7783]

Excellent! I was crimping ALL wrong! Very helpful. I also loved the tip regarding the correct way to make a wrapped loop. I have done a few, some came out great by sheer luck, but most are a disaster. The position of the tools makes so much more sense and I will remake the one I did earlier today as it was horrid! Perfect timing that I found this video, thank you so much!

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

You are so welcome!

[@msbratt55]

After watching your informative video - no wonder things just didn't flow properly. This caused me to be self conscience as to whether my jewelry was going to hold together.... Oh MY!! Thanks so very much!! I need to watch you several more times!! Al your 10 tips were my Achille's heel of my jewelry making!

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

I’m glad they helped!

[@doraclay1]

Great tips, Kellie! I live on the opposite side of North America I just discovered your video channel and am learning so much. You explain techniques in great detail, details matter so much when it comes to making a quality finished jewelry piece. I've always struggled with skills like crimping and making wrapped loops, so thanks for the great instruction. I enjoy all your videos for using leather and macramé, I've been primarily a seed beader the last few years and I'm excited to try something that doesn't require staring at teeny tiny beads for hours at a time, LOL!

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

Thanks so much for watching! ❤️

[@susannolan6078]

Thank you so much Kellie.... your the best teacher... I look forward every week seeing you and learning new things... out of all the videos I watch everyday I learn more from you than anyone!!

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

Thank you for the kind comments! I really appreciate them.

[@teeann7889]

Very helpful video. Tip#10 was one I'd never heard before. I'd always seen people leave that tail "for extra support." Now I know better. :-)

[@CaryjHedrick]

Thank you for the tip about the bent nosed pliers. I never use them because I was holding them backwards. I’ll use them now!

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

Awesome! I couldn’t make jewelry without mine.

[@susane945]

Thanks for the great tips Kellie! 😊👍🍍

[@debbreitels2995]

So helpful to refresh these tips. Thank you for also sharing these tips in every video.

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

You are so welcome!

[@kd1687]

9&10 will save me a whole lot of frustrations 👌👌👌 thank you 😊

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

Excellent!

[@martacizmarik6270]

Hi Kelly, thanks so much for such useful tips. I like them all but especially #10, from now on I will never leave that little tale. Live your videos. 😊👍🏻♥️

[@imsodone4309]

Great tips. I’ve always struggled with the wrapped loop. I do a lot of beading and not so much with crimping and wire. This is all very helpful, because I was never actually taught how to do either correctly. I just learned from watching different people on a KZbin, and sometimes it’s hard to see how something is being done. You did a great job of explaining and demonstrating both. This is my first time to visit this channel. I subscribed and I will be back. Thanks.

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

Thank you so much for watching and subscribing!

[@manitabusser]

I always struggle with the crimping, thank you your showing it so clear and the tail goes off from now on.

[@twomisfithippies9790]

I've been trolling you for quite a while now... well, since the pandemic! :) I've loved making jewelry since I was a teen (I'm now 60), and currently have my own Etsy store. I've learned so much from you and my confidence is gaining everyday. I enjoy designing my own styles and you have given me so much inspiration over these past several months. Thank you so much! By the way... what did I learn today? No tail left after crimping? YAY! I was taught the same way and always hated that tail sticking out from my beautiful designs. Peace, and be well!

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

Thank you so much!

[@marthafontaine9797]

New to jewelry making and I learned so much from your 10 tips, thank you very much for sharing.

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

Thanks so much!

[@theresekiernan963]

Thank you Kellie love your videos !!! I too used to leave a tail after crimping won’t now though as long as I crimp correctly. I agree about good tools, I too started off with tools that I could afford at the time, they rusted on me within a year, but they helped me get started in jewellery making, so not complaining about them. Take care Kellie thank you

[@dinajenkins2076]

I loved all your tips Kellie whether I knew how to do it the right way or not. Dina

[@kate4121]

Wow. I’m putting this link on our bead club site. Great, great tips. My fave was cutting the tail next to the crimp. I, too, was taught to thread the tail through the beads. Thanks, Kellie!

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

Thank you so much Kate! I really appreciate it ❤️❤️❤️

[@kate4121]

@@KelliesBeadBoutique - You're very welcome. Our club is trying to stay in touch using GroupWorks. So we have our "Open Beading" sessions virtual now and I'm asking folks to post their work. So grateful for KZbin and all you great designers and beaders out there willing to share your knowledge. THANK YOU!!!

[@suehewitt8931]

Always, and I mean always struggled with wrapped loops and crimps, so had given up on these. You have inspired me to have another go! Many thanks!

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

Keep on trying. You will get it. 🥰

[@deborahnarendorf7106]

Kellie this was so helpful. I avoid wire wrapping because I never seem to wrap neatly, or my loop doesn’t look round. Now I know why. 🙂 Also great tip about the bent chain nose plier. Thanks for sharing!

[@lonestarladytyler1980]

Thank you, Kellie! I was also taught to leave a little wire from the crimp and it was often a battle to get that extra wire through the beads! So nice to know that others have had that problem and that it is okay to trim right by the crimp. (if properly crimped, of course)

[@candicekramer2177]

Thank you! Number 8 will change my life. I’ve been fighting burs for years!

[@trhyssa]

Thank you so much for this video. I have been beading for many years, and have just learned how to crimp properly.

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

Awesome! I’m so glad it helped.

[@evesmith5752]

Thank you Kellie, I love your tutorials! I have been making and stringing my own polymer beads for a long time but I always learn something new when I watch you! Thank you for sharing your knowledge! Evie Smith Designs, Australia.

[@missmeadowjewelry6216]

You’re the real deal! Glad I found ur channel

[@medicineheartds9631]

I like this video. I learned how to get a neat wrap and cutting that tail off is just fine. Nice refresher on hand mechanics! Thanks Kellie, you are a RockStar 👏👏👏👏👏✨✨✨✨

[@hlongomurray]

Thank you! I am going to get a good tool and crimp beads from your online shop right now! It's almost my birthday, so that would be a great gift! (-: Thanks again

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

Happy Birthday! 🎂🎂🎂🎉🎉🎉

[@lesleyrodgers3872]

Absolutely brilliant video Kelly I always have trouble with my crimp tubes never seem to get it right but now i can watch you any time if i get into a tangle

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

Awesome! So glad I helped! 🥰

[@juliatsopelas6036]

thank you for info, I learned not use a tail. I got rid of so may necklaces because it bothered my neck. Great teaching tips!

[@myrnajose5421]

Very informative and keeping me on the right direction. Thank you so much.

[@kasie1737]

Thank you. I have wasted so many pins trying to do wrapped loops. I can get the initial loop, but when the wrapping starts, it all goes downhill. I can see where maybe changing how I hold the pliers will help. Maybe I can upgrade to where it only looks like a child did it. (I usually end up taking them out and doing a simple loop.) I also have always done the tails, but am fairly good at crimping, so will try to relax with the cutting of the tail.

[@LindaKAdney]

Thank you so much for another great tutorial...Thanks to Kate, and you...I won't be tucking that tail in any longer...I am still working on my perfect loops and wrapping...Takes a lot of practice or I get an oval looking loop...Ugh.

[@CyberTrainer]

Thanks for the tips, Kellie and sharing your expertise. I, too, was taught to insert the crimp wire into a bead (or two) after crimping, and have been poked as a result. Also, thanks for the Soft Flex is the Cadillac of wire. It's soo confusing to know what material are quality when you are relatively new to jewelry making. I've only been making jewelry since 2013 and do it has a hobby now, but plan on making it a business before I retire from my job in 5 years.

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

Thanks for watching!

[@artiejohnson703]

New Subscriber, WoW, thank you so much for this video. I am new to making jewelry. All your steps explain why my way doesn’t work. I don’t sell my jewelry, I just make it for myself. But maybe some day I will. Thanks again for sharing your video, this will help me soooooo much.

[@akb5531]

Thanks. Your tutorials are excellent. And even tho' I've been doing jewelry forever, I still learn from you. I laugh about the tail because I was told the same thing. It took a real leap of faith for me to cut the wire right next to the crimp; amazingly, none of my jewelry fell apart! I made the mistake of buying cheaper crimps once...never again. I use the 2x2's most of the time. I've told you before but I'll say it again: I really enjoy your channel.

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

Thanks for watching!

[@karentaylor5256]

Enjoyed the tips 👌I think that will helpa lot. Thanks for sharing 👍Have a blessed day.

[@mecheleford2544]

Thanks for going over crimping. I’m going to try it the way you taught, crimping has been something I need to get better at doing.

[@katrinamay4043]

Kellie, you are amazing! I love your videos. You have a wonderful teaching style and I learn so much from each video. Thank you!

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

😘😘😘

[@katesimmons76]

Your videos are outstanding. I can watch 10 other videos that use the exact same techniques that you do, and I won't understand it because of how it's presented, but I watch yours and it all clicks. The first time I saw you use the bent chain nose pliers to open and close jump rings changed everything for me. I hated working with those things because my pliers always slipped and now I know it was the awkward angle. One other tip I might give to beginners (like myself)... if you're finding wire work difficult, play around with memory wire for a bit. If you can get a nice loop on stainless steel, switching back to copper feels like working with thread.

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

Thank you so much for the kind comments.

[@rosalindhendricks6337]

Thanks for pointing out the differences in crimp beads. I had no idea that some were better than others. I like the idea of your favorite ones are small and become almost invisible when applied correctly. I have had failures in the past and now know why.

[@KelliesBeadBoutique]

Awesome! Sometimes it’s just in the small details. 🥰🥰🥰

[@patriciamorgan6545]

I remember seeing a representative from SoftFlex describe why their crimps were better. They are thicker than most, and actually tubular, rather than rolled into a tube from a flat sheet. The cheaper ones made from flat sheets may overlap, making them difficult to crimp smoothly if you happen to grasp it at the wrong (doubled over) point; ones that don't overlap may actually gap when you make the first squish. In either case, the wire is more likely to pull out. The tubular SoftFlex crimps eliminate that problem. Also, SoftFlex crimps are designed to work with the SoftFlex wire...has something to do with gripping onto the thickness of the coating on the wire. I've used both kinds, and can say from experience: Cheap crimps aren't cheap if you have to waste three of them before you get one to work properly!