Colorful beading wire steps out of the shadows and into the spotlight with this easy braiding technique. In this Beading Lesson, we'll show you how to add texture and a twisted look to fanciful jewelry designs.

One way to create this style of design is to create a focal section in the center of the necklace and braid the ends together. The tricks are preventing the braids from unraveling and learning how to attach a clasp in an effective, durable way.

Braided Beading Wire Technique:
1. Create a center focal section for the necklace by passing 3-6 wires through the center focal section.*
2.  Crimp the wires together on each side of the focal section. Attach a crimp cover.
3.  Secure the wires to your work surface, then braid** the wires together and attach another crimp bead ½"-1" from the end to hold the wires together.
4. Cut all of the wires except one flush with the crimp. Attach a crimp cover.
5. Cut the remaining wire to ¼" and pass it inside an EZ-Crimp™ end.
*If your beads are too small to accommodate all of the wires, it's okay to use one foundation wire. Crimp the additional wires onto the sides in Step 2 and be sure to use the foundation wire when you attach the clasp in Step 5 to make the necklace sturdier.

By using this braided beading wire technique, the beading wire itself becomes an important part of the design. Choose a metallic color that coordinates with your beads, use a contrasting color for dramatic effect, or braid three colors together for a different look.

SilveRose is a new color that features soft rose gold and silver tones twisted together. Black beading wire looks great with jet crystals, or you can use silver plated beading wire to highlight the beads even more!

**Basic Braiding Instructions:
Bring the right strand over the center strand, then bring the left strand over the center. Tighten and repeat.

Links:
SilveRose Beadalon wire http://www.beadalon.com/7silverose.asp
Crimp covers http://www.beadalon.com/BaseCrimpCovers.asp
Crimping tools & tutorial  http://www.beadalon.com/crimpTools.asp