How to finish your DIY Jewelry like a Professional - Better Beader Episode by PotomacBeads

[@chrisnorton877]

Finishing a project properly really gives it a professional look. Really appreciate your clear instructions. Great tip- having wire end in between beads, no scratching :)

[@empyrealwhiterabbit7777]

This completely changes my jewelry game! I’ve been having issues with the wire wearing out and my pieces breaking and this technique is a neat looking yet functional way to extend the longevity of my crafts! Thank you so much!!!✨📿✨

[@Potomacbeadco]

We're glad this video was helpful! We have a variety of videos that go over different topics in beading and jewelry-making! Feel free to browse! www.potomacbeads.com/better-beader-episodes

[@galemckiddy5120]

I had not been using the wire guards, but they look so professional that I'm going to start using them. The crimp covers look great, even if you use a crimping tool. Thanks! We no longer have even one single bead store here in St. Louis. It is so frustrating to order everything sight unseen because colors often differ when you see the item on line!

[@ls8330]

Thank you Allie! This is very informative! So glad to of found The Potomac Beads family and can be a part of it!

[@virginiaa126]

Thank you for the info, can never stop learning.

[@Fauna4ever]

I learned the hard way a flat needle nose pliers is needed when closing the crimp bead, not a textured one. One fell apart on me at work because I had used this textured needle nose pliers as mentioned.

[@Potomacbeadco]

Oh no! Glad you found this video helpful! We have a library of Better Beader episodes that cover a range of jewelry-making and bead weaving topics! Feel free to browse! www.potomacbeads.com/how-to/better-beader/

[@vickiwalker3486]

Potomac Beads, you are a super highly skilled teacher! I do not say that lightly-I am an English teacher! Your video was a very helpful review for me.

[@Potomacbeadco]

Thank you so much!

[@vickiwalker3486]

@@Potomacbeadco ☺️

[@Lvthepresent]

I have so many broken beaded bracelets to fix. Thanks for the video.

[@Potomacbeadco]

We're so glad this was helpful! Thank you for watching!

[@sandradelucia4000]

I’m just learning to bead and enjoy these videos. Thank you! 👍

[@Potomacbeadco]

You're welcome! We're so glad you enjoyed our Better Beader Episode! We have a library of Better Beader episodes that cover many different beading and jewelry-making topics! Feel free to browse! www.potomacbeads.com/better-beader-episodes

[@cherylshiflett4384]

I look forward to more specific tutorials on finishing and techniques.

[@psychedelicpython]

I was having problems with getting crimp tubes to fully hold at times, but I’m sure I wasn’t keeping the flex wire separate and not having the wire side by side. Thank you for bringing this up in your video.

[@Potomacbeadco]

Hi Bella, yes, if the wires are crossed over inside the crimp, they can pull out. Always make sure they're parallel and crimp them firmly so they're gripped by the crimp. A,ways teat your crimp before you trim off the wire, and always run the tail of your wore back through your beads for an inch or two, that slows things down if the crimp should ever give out on you.

[@bottylicious98]

you dont fold over your crimp tubes after they are flat?

[@susancook1448]

Thanks for the techniques! Now if I just had better vision and coordination! Was working at my son’s house while cat sitting with only overhead lighting. Then I dropped my jewelry tray full of gold and silver tiny findings onto the sculptured carpet! Next time bringing an Ott light and I ordered a larger sized crimp bead. Hope it works with my crimp covers.

[@dawng5653]

You are such a great concise teacher

[@Potomacbeadco]

Thanks so much, we appreciate that! We have a library of Better Beader episodes that cover a variety of bead weaving and jewelry-making topics you may find helpful! Feel free to browse! www.potomacbeads.com/how-to/better-beader/

[@carriesunshine5742]

Thanks for the video. I have been away from making jewelry for 7yrs just coming back. I forgotten how i use to close my jewelry and so i bought a crimping tool which i just hate. Lol. I love the way you teach how to finished the project step by step. Thanks again

[@Potomacbeadco]

Have you considered joining our Facebook group for Beading and Jewellery Making? The members are very friendly and at all different levels and styles of beading, so you will fit in very well!

[@carriesunshine5742]

@@Potomacbeadco I didn't even know you guys had one. I will most definitely have to take a look. Thanks

[@treasureman1198]

Perfect thank you I didn't know that crimp cover went over the crimp thanks for explaining it was very helpful

[@MickiB_Is4916]

Thank you, I've been trying to find ways to make my jewelry look more professional, this will do it.

[@Potomacbeadco]

You can do it!

[@SBL1932]

Well demonstrated. Very informative

[@Potomacbeadco]

Glad you enjoyed the video! We have a library of Better Beader Episode videos that cover a multitude of topics that you also may find helpful! Feel free to browse! www.potomacbeads.com/how-to/better-beader/

[@47bettie]

Thank you so much your video's are always so helpful! I am coming a better bead becouse of you!!! Your a great teacher, thank you once again! Hugs Liz.

[@Potomacbeadco]

We are happy that it was helpful. Thanks for watching and joining us. Happy beading :)

[@47bettie]

@@Potomacbeadco You are very welcome!! x

[@ASLBEADSMUSIC]

I wish I had done this before. ☹️ I like this video & Thank U for sharing this. Few things I learned something new.

[@zirlonia]

Thanks for the clear and concise tips ❤

[@Potomacbeadco]

You are so welcome! We have a wide range of Better Beader Episodes you may find helpful! Feel free to browse! www.potomacbeads.com/better-beader-episodes

[@taniacombrink949]

I use all the product mentionef here and love the neat finished look of using bead covers, togete wit s wire protector.

[@treasureman1198]

You should make a video for the uses of findings and clasps that would be so helpful to beginners. I started in 2010 when I look at things I've made then compared to now it was so much I didn't know and I wonder how I got a way with that hot mess

[@Potomacbeadco]

Yep, we've all gone that route! 😜

[@treasureman1198]

@@Potomacbeadco do you have a video explaining the uses of findings so on and so forth

[@sfn88]

@@Potomacbeadco could you tell which size crimp bead and cover to use for a simple project of 11/0 seed beads?

[@meganstringfellow2685]

One of the most helpful videos iv watched so far. Thank you

[@OBJ222]

You gave me an answer to finish a multi strand necklace. SMORE,,, more,,, rings at the ends. Thanks 👍

[@Potomacbeadco]

Glad I could help!

[@sue7777]

Very helpful info in this video-thanks, Allie, for sharing with us.

[@juliepurpleskater1736]

Thanks for these great tips! It'll help me to branch out from macrame to wire. Can't wait to try this!

[@Hilda-j6l]

I am just starting to my necklaces and Bracelets. ❤

[@Potomacbeadco]

Awesome! We have a library of Better Beader episodes you may find helpful! Feel free to browse! www.potomacbeads.com/how-to/better-beader/

[@beckysmith7142]

Great video!!! I always learn so much from you!!!

[@Potomacbeadco]

Thanks, Becky!

[@marthafontaine9797]

New to jewelry making. I love your videos, your explanations are easy to understand. Thank you very much for sharing.

[@Potomacbeadco]

You are so welcome!. Thanks for watching :)

[@KathrynKay0651]

Thanks for showing this, it is certainly a more finished look.

[@debbiejohnson952]

HELLO ALLIE THANKS FOR YOUR VERY INFORMATIVE TUTORIALS 😊I HAVE LEARNED MUCH FROM .U

[@Potomacbeadco]

Glad that it was helpful. Happy beading :)

[@vanessamillner5760]

I am so glad to run across this video you helped me a lot thanks again and you gave clear and precise instructions that were very easy to follow thanks again.

[@birteoldhaber513]

Hi Allie 🤗 Thank you for your tips👍

[@MaritsaDarman]

Very nice look

[@thesnarkyowlworkshop9925]

Thanks for the video! :-) I definitely prefer to use wire guards because I feel like they give more durability where the necklace/bracelet meets the clasp, especially since they catch during wear sometimes! I've always done the fold on the crimps because I assumed it made the crimp more secure, but now that I really think about it, I guess it's just an aesthetic choice?

[@Potomacbeadco]

Yes, it's personal preference. The main thing is to keep the wires parallel inside the crimp.

[@ls8330]

Thank you Allie for this beaders episode! I have run into this problem many many times. I hope I may be able to repair a few. Hugs

[@ladimen1]

Good video I suggest the Omtara crimp tool

[@elizabethvallely4044]

Thank you for this great video very helpful!!! x

[@debbieodell8007]

Thank you so much for your teachvideos I so appreciate them and you all

[@Potomacbeadco]

You are so welcome. Thanks for watching :)

[@lucita4428]

Gracias muy bien explicado.. Bendiciones

[@danhyaaguilar5795]

Gracias por tan excelente tutorial.😉👍🏻

[@elsahernandez6409]

Loved this video! Very well explained 👏

[@Potomacbeadco]

Glad you liked it!

[@sk13ppy]

Nice video. Sorry, I think you had the wires crossed when you did the first crimp and when you did the second crimp both parts of the wire were in the same channel, they're supposed to be separated and positioned on either side of the crimp when its flattened to make it more secure. I like the wire guards.

[@Potomacbeadco]

Thank you for the feedback and I am so glad that you like them

[@katlun01]

Been beading for many many years..... but I picked up something new from you. Miigwetch

[@Potomacbeadco]

That is wonderful

[@dabeadz]

Quick question: I thought crimping was two steps--squeeze first to flatten the crimp tube into parallel strands Next squeeze strands together with a crimping pliers. Last, add the crimp cover.

[@daniellethewatertrainer]

Yes! I thought the same! Is one way better than the other?

[@normafred7919]

Gracias por enseñarnos es muy importamte para uno como principiante

[@denisebriggs2886]

Love this video great info, thank you!

[@yelloworangered]

This is very helpful. One suggestion is that watching you work with silvery bits on a white background makes it a little difficult to follow what you are doing, even when I made the video full screen. Thank you again, for a very helpful video.

[@Potomacbeadco]

We used to use a regular bead mat for out tutorials, but they never look good on camera - every finger mark and speck of dirt shows up greatly magnified! So we tried and tested many types of bead mats, and finally decided on this one. We keep looking out for other colours but so far, it's proving tricky.

[@francesarapakis5052]

Your video is so helpful. I'm a beginner beader. Your video said to use a 2x2 mm crimp tube. What size crimp cover should I use with that? Please help:)

[@Potomacbeadco]

You can use 4mm crimp tube.

[@dianeburdick3901]

Is there a way to finish and beginning beads using a different thread? My friend can’t have any metal touching her as she’ll get a rash. Can it also be made with an adjustable closure?

[@__dlbp]

This video is very helpful! I'm starting out making bracelets as a hobby, but I'm confused with the sizes to get. What's the perfect wire size for a 3mm bead?

[@clikerhappy]

Great video. I'm confused about the stage of adding the toggle after the wire has already closed the loop around the wire guard? How does that work?

[@Potomacbeadco]

Hello there! The toggle needs to go on after the wire has been strung through the wire guard (if you are using one). Then take the wire back down through the crimp bead and down a few more beads if you are able to. If the wire is too thick to fit back down the beads, you can cut it after you've taken it through the crimp bead after its been crimped. Hope this was helpful!

[@suedaum]

Thank you so much for this. I have a question. Is there a way to successfully remove a crimp cover if it looks bad after I tried to close it? I know it takes practice to close and look good. I end up totally starting over which can be very frustrating and time consuming because I can’t get the crimp cover back off and replace it.

[@Potomacbeadco]

Yes. Basically you need to pry it open. I usually will start with a beading awl and wiggle it into the hole. You can then usually push the sides open further and take it off with a chain nose pliers.

[@suedaum]

@@Potomacbeadco thank you! I’ll try that!!

[@mandersonhpu1]

Does the supply list still exist? When I click on the link, the materials used page is blank. One of the better videos I have seen for beginner beading!

[@Potomacbeadco]

Yes, our supplies for each of our projects are listed in the description box. So glad you found our videos helpful! We have a library of Better Beader episodes that cover a range of beading and jewelry-making topics! Feel free to browse! www.potomacbeads.com/how-to/better-beader/

[@cristianeandrades5256]

Muito obrigada pela dica!! Thank you very much!!

[@LoidaTualla]

i want to be professinal, happy to watch this video, thanks for sharing :)

[@whiterabbit6799]

Hello I’ve been making necklaces for a while now but I’ve had a few complaints that the wire has actually slipped thru the crimping bead ? Even though I pressed very hard - Is there a type of crimping bead or anything else I can do to fix this issue in the future ? Thank you

[@Potomacbeadco]

You can watch this video as a reference on crimping: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5uQi5mMgs96Zrs

[@murrmurr15]

Thank you for this, such a useful and clear tutorial! What is the difference between using crimp bead covers and clam shells?

[@karenhankerson330]

Thank for helping me become a better leader. I just started using crimp covers. I have trouble keeping them on to close-they fall off. Any suggestions on how to keep them on while closing them. Maybe a third hand? Lol🤗🦋

[@Potomacbeadco]

Keep your finger at the hinge side of the crimp cover, then gently and carefully, use your chain nose pliers to close it over the crimp, making sure it's well inside and not sticking out anywhere. Try to close it straight so the two halves of the cover meet exactly, edge to edge.

[@karenhankerson330]

@@Potomacbeadco thank you for the suggestions. I will try it.

[@marycheney8313]

How come you don't fold the crimp bead over with the crimp tool, or with pliers? It appears the crimp tube is sticking a bit outside the crimp cover. Does folding it over not add any additional security of it pulling free?

[@Potomacbeadco]

It's personal preference. You can do it if you wish, but I find it easier to do it this way. We each have our own preferred techniques. 😃 Round crimps rend to flatten into an oval shape.

[@patriciaabrams4319]

how do I finish a bracelet that has 4 wires? I can get them thru the crimp tube but not the wire guard, & how do you attach the clasp jump ring? Great videos.

[@Potomacbeadco]

You might be better using an end cone or a 4 strand bar clasp

[@shayla_ortegaa]

I am having an issue with when I am trying to feed my string back through the clamp and beads (before clamping), it creates a lot of excess room with the string. I can never get it to be a tight pull. (I do not have any wire guards) is that why? Any tips?

[@RGTenorioStore]

Thank you so much!!🎉

[@Potomacbeadco]

You're welcome! Feel free to browse our Better Beader episodes, we cover tons of beading and jewelry-making topics! www.potomacbeads.com/how-to/better-beader/

[@sarahs4675]

Thank you for this helpful video! How do I know which size to order on your website for crimp beads and the wire gaurd?

[@Potomacbeadco]

Hello! Wire guards only come in one size. Beading cable has a sticker on the spool with a chart that shows you the inches, millimeters, and the size of crimp bead that is required. Hope this is helpful!

[@cor1956]

Can you send me the link for what type of jump ring to use, thank you.

[@Potomacbeadco]

Hello there! You may find this video helpful! www.potomacbeads.com/how-to/better-beader/better-beader-episode-032-jump-rings-split-rings-soldered-rings.html

[@KsCraftsnJewelry]

I recently saw a crimping plier that turned the crimp bead into a round shape. Have you ever seen one of them? If, so, what is your opinion?

[@nlevy4163]

Thank you 🦋

[@Potomacbeadco]

Welcome!

[@phyllistinetinker9076]

Very helpful, thank you

[@kalenecazaubon-sample1654]

I need to take classes

[@indianfashionsewingboutique]

Lovely!

[@AndreaStevens2012]

Very nice video, thank you for posting! If all your vids ar this neat and tidy, you've got yourself a new subscriber for sure! I'm a newbie and so I've got one question, please. I've not heard of using a wire guard/protector, what is it for? I mean, how does it protect the wire? Protect from what? TIA!

[@Potomacbeadco]

Hi Andrea, you can watch this better beader episode for more information about using wire guards: www.potomacbeads.com/using-wire-guards

[@AndreaStevens2012]

@@Potomacbeadco Thank you!

[@jariech87]

Thank you.

[@debbiejohnson952]

Well I have a very Heavy necklace I am making what would you suggest to me to use as a clasp oh there are two strings?Thanks

[@marinamorales5049]

Hermoso color esa piedra🤲

[@designsbysye3629]

Do you have a tutorial on a necklace made from string?

[@valerie.v.]

Hi! Thanks for this great video. A question: what shall I do in order to not damage my cover beads? I've tried many instruments for closing them but there are always tiny scratches which makes jewellery look bad :(

[@Potomacbeadco]

Use nylon jaw pliers if you are noticing scratches

[@stephanieolmeda1938]

After i wear a finished bracelet it falls apart. How can i fix that. I want to start selling jewelry but not if it breaks after one use

[@tishsmiddy71]

Thank you ❤

[@Potomacbeadco]

You're welcome 😊

[@jessicaashleyartistry]

May I ask what type of flush cutters you used for this project? Thanks in advance! Bless you

[@Potomacbeadco]

You're always welcome :)

[@janusquiamco7128]

Thanks for the tips! I just wish crimp covers came in a wide variety of colors, as i would like to have my beads sit closer to the clasp. Do you have any suggestions on what i can do and what materials i could use to achieve this?

[@Potomacbeadco]

Don't push everything up too close together or it won't be able to flex. Beading wire needs the freedom to move and flex a little.

[@janusquiamco7128]

PotomacBeads oh no, i didn‘t mean it like that. What i meant to say was i wanted to avoid the look of a huge gap in the bead chain caused by the combination of metal clasp, cord protectors, and crimp beads. But thanks for replying :)

[@brinconard1714]

@@janusquiamco7128 Hi! I don't know if this is relevant, but I just began using wire guards and found that when the ends sit open they give a really blocky look to that area. I have started squeezing their ends together a little to make it look smoother and more tapered into the crimp. But this doesn't really address the gap effect :(

[@stanceworks7995]

i noticed crimp covers dont fit the crimp bead properly- when I crimp the bead it squashes it and makes it longer and the crimp cover is round not long. what do I do?

[@Potomacbeadco]

Hello there! After you crimp it, do you crimp in again in the 1st or 2nd divot? That will "close" it up so it should fit in the crimp bead. Here is one of our Better Beader episodes that discusses crimping that you may find helpful! www.potomacbeads.com/how-to-use-crimp-beads-covers-tools

[@debrablanson1123]

Great info thanks

[@Marcusrichards1]

What would you do if using silk or any fabric type cord?

[@Potomacbeadco]

Hello! Here is another video that discusses working with silk cording that you may find helpful! www.potomacbeads.com/how-to/better-beader/better-beader-episode-028-working-with-silk-cording.html

[@memyselfandi9684]

Lovely

[@WhatevaIWanna]

Thank you.

[@Potomacbeadco]

You're welcome! We have a many beading and jewelry-making videos that cover a range of topics! Feel free to browse! www.potomacbeads.com/how-to/better-beader/

[@barbararivera2380]

thank you

[@Potomacbeadco]

Welcome!

[@maytheeartist]

hello! I just tried your method twice and at the end when I completed the bracelet, I tugged at the bracelet to make sure it's secure and the wire and beads all came apart both times :(

[@Potomacbeadco]

I am so sorry this happened. If you send a picture to [e-mail], our team can take a look to see if we have any suggestions.

[@lauraaxon2646]

I make necklaces I m having a hard time closing the clsp

[@Potomacbeadco]

Toggles are generally easier to maneuver. You can also use magnet clasps and buttons are great to use as well.

[@angela_perelli_777]

ever used this method to finish simple bracelet or necklace, the real issue is with beaded bracelets, of course using wire guardian, but not in any pattern, i hope in a next episode, it would be very much appreciate by each of us, i am sure💖

[@Potomacbeadco]

Hi Angela, you can definitely use wire guards with bead weaving projects too, just make sure the thread is securely inside the channel on the wire guard and not caught up anywhere.

[@angela_perelli_777]

@@Potomacbeadco thanks for answer, very kind of you💖

[@maisakura9672]

What wire do you use?

[@Potomacbeadco]

Hello! She is using a bead stringing wire (cable). Depending on how big and/or heavy the beads are, you can use a 7, 19, or 49 strand bead stringing wire. Here are some from our site you can see www.potomacbeads.com/stringing-wire

[@karena.buckley1190]

I do NOT understand why you do not crimp the crimp tubes properly twice with the crimping pliers?! How does crimping the crimp tubes flat with a flat nose plier and covering them with a crimp cover make them more secure?

[@Potomacbeadco]

It comes down to personal preference.

[@jennygurubatham3777]

Got advice how to finish and give it a professional look.

[@jennygurubatham3777]

Good

[@Potomacbeadco]

Glad it was helpful!

[@updownstate]

V imp to close crimp covers very slowly and gently. Otherwise . . . squash!

[@emojiking8580]

😉👍

[@karena.buckley1190]

I understand your replies...however...it would be good if you stated why you don't crimp with the crimp pliers so we can at least know why both methods have good points... And sorry...plenty of other people make videos and they zoom in on the details...

[@DaniH-81]

I think she did say in the video that whether or not to use crimp pliers is whatever your personal preference is. In other words, one way isn't "better than" the other. 😊

[@marinamorales5049]

🌷🌷🌷

[@karena.buckley1190]

Additionally, for so much of your video, it is almost impossible to see the tiny pieces you are using while they are in the table and also when you put them on your bracelet...due to your camera being too far away and/or your hands being in the way and blocking the view...

[@Potomacbeadco]

Hi Karen! The camera is six inches above the postcard sized workspace. I also need to hold the work in order to add the findings. It's not an easy way to record but it's how the best tutorials are done, and our tutorials are free.

[@elsahernandez6409]

I was able to perfectly see everything

[@katrinaita]

bologna

[@eduardochavacano]

98% of DYI necklace videos are just Complete Waste of Time. Because most of those video do not want to show how they lock the piece.