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Beading Lesson

Focus on Copper
By: Katie Hacker

Sponsored by:
Beadalon®

For tools and supplies
visit Beadalon.com


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Since ancient times, copper has been one of the most commonly used metals in the world. In today’s Beading Lesson, we will show you some ideas for incorporating the warm tones of copper into your beaded designs.

Ancient Egyptians used the Ankh symbol to signify copper, which is the same sign that they used to signify “eternal life.” It was mined and crafted into a variety of household items, including adornments. Today, copper accessories are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. The warm tones of copper lend a rich look to any kind of beaded jewelry, from gemstones to crystal to pearls.

Copper Beadalon™ beading wire is specially coated with metallic nylon to create a silky-soft, copper colored wire. It’s available in 7 and 19-strand and it’s made of stainless steel for extra strength and durability. In this necklace, three strands are braided together to create a simple foundation for the pendants.

Combine copper beading wire with these findings for stunning results:

Lobster and Spring Ring clasps fasten to one end of a jewelry design. Attach a jump ring or decorative tag to the other end of the necklace. Connect the two parts to fasten the necklace.

Each half of a toggle clasp fastens to one end of a jewelry design. To fasten the ends, place the toggle bar through the ring. Be sure that the beads near the bar are small enough to fit through the ring. This clasp is especially useful for bracelets because it’s easy to fasten it one-handed. You could also use the toggle ring as a design element, like I did with these mixed-metal earrings.

An S Hook can be used to fasten two ends of a necklace or bracelet together, or you can use one as a design element. In these earrings, the hook is a dramatic way to attach the beaded dangle.

A Wire Guardian™ is a hollow, curved piece of wire that protects the wire near the clasp from abrasion. Slide it over the wire where it meets the clasp. Cover the crimp bead with a copper crimp cover. A crimp cover is a c-shaped bead that fits over a crimp bead. Use a large crimping tool to close it.

String beads onto a ball and star head pin to make beaded dangles. For these earrings, definition is added by using copper ball and star head pins with the silvery crystals and silver heart earring post.

 

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