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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