Head pins/beads. Could anyone pls help me??

PootleFlump_3

Hi All
About to dabble with making bag charms so was going to buy some beads, jump rings etc but Im confused about whether I have to make sure that the beads have certain size holes so that they dont fall off the head pins (the flat ended ones) and what size of jump rings I would need (or whether that depends on the size of beads....) Im totally confused and despite lots of googling Im still confused. Ive been on line and there are so many different beads, headpins, jump ring sizes that Im now scared I buy everything wrong! Also have seen something called spacers and not sure if you are meant to use those between each bead? Anyone able to point me in the right direction please?? x

mummystar

Hi PootleFlump
Don't worry! Most beads will fit on head pins - I've only struggled with really small seed beads before and from what you've said, I don't think you're going to be using them. Jump rings link the head pins (with a loop on the top) to the key ring, and if you go for 4 or 5mm ones, you can also use them in necklace making and they look about the right size.
Spacers can be used to put some space between your main beads, if that makes sense, so they make your beads go a bit further. You don't have to use them between each bead, you can just use them wherever it looks good...
Where are you getting your beads from? There's loads of good websites online and most of them have a phone number as well to actually speak with someone, which might help you with the sizes. Beads Direct and Beads Unlimited (based in Brighton) are really helpful!
HTH

LJM

there are some fab shops on ebay i like beadaddicts and buy alot from there

PootleFlump_3

Thanks so much for replying to me (Ive just read my post back and I sound really thick!! lol). Ill have a look at the sites you both mentioned. Ive completely confused myself about what to get as there are so many sites! I want the beads that look like pearls but are different colours. Mummystar, when you said go for the 4mm/5mm ones did you mean beads or jump rings? x

mummystar

No worries! You can use 5mm jump rings on both key charms and necklaces and they look right, but the same goes for the beads as well! try miracle beads as they look like pearls but aren't..

HTH

x

jcr16

you know what, there is no right or wrong with jewellery. You can use your own immagintion to use what ever size beads and headpin you want. if the bead hole is too small for the head pin you can buy a little finding called a bead cap. these go under the bead they can be plain or very decorative and provide a bettter fit.

like this
http://www.beadaholics.co.uk/Findings5.htm

jumprings you can use any size really, depending on what your making. 3mm is prob the smallest i use and 8 mm has been the biggest i've use, but generally a 4 or 5 is good.

i would say see if you can buy a small starter kit and just have a fiddle and a play. When i first started making jewellery at 13 ( i won't say how long ago that was,lol) i had no experiance, no one to ask questions, i just played. and yes i've had a few disaters, but some of my best pieces have come from trying things that really shouldn't work but do and look fantastic.

i used to use brighton bead along time ago, also in brigton is a company called stone corner. they were amazing when i was younger. any probs i could phone and ask. i think there was only about 3 staff memebers and they gave a real personal touch to advice.

i see your in edinburgh, a bit far away but down in chedder gorge there was an amazing bead shop, they ran courses and you could buy just one or two items and see all the beads and findings laid out. it was a bit like a sweetie shop for bead lovers. If there is a similar shop locally to you it might be worth popping along and having a look. As sometimes seeing the product in real life makes alot more sence than trying to understand it on tutorials etc.

hope my waffling all makes sence,lol.

mummystar

Oooh bead caps - jcr16, I'd completely forgotten about those! :-) (mummystar adds bead caps to her bead shopping list!)

I'd also echo the starter kits as well - and going to a shop if you can to play, buy and ask advice.

Best thing to do is to have fun!

PootleFlump_3

Thanks again everyone. Ive just bought 3 sets of pliers, beads, headpins, jump rings, chain and lobster clasps. Im supposed to be trying not to spend money but what the heck - It will keep me out of trouble! lol x

sethsgran

If the hole of my 1st bead is a too big then I start with a tiny seed bead, uusually a clear one so it doesn't detract from the focal bead. Here is a simple tutorial I found for you. http://moneysavingqueen.com/December-2010/Frugal-Gifts-Cute-Key-Chains-amp-50-Hobby-Lobby-Gift-Card/

http://www.how-to-make-beaded-jewelry.com/beaded-charm-bracelet.html

You could also try the lace bead caps. Use them first before adding the beads.