FLEXIBLE WIRE TODAY
Flexible wire today comes in a large variety of colors, strands, strengths and sizes. See Firemountain Gems: www.firemountaingems.com
Flexible wires can stretch especially when your necklace contains heavier beads so it is important to choose the right diameter and be conscious of recommendations for weight when selecting flexible wire for your piece. Be sure to keep your jewelry flat (not hung) in a clean, dry area. Use the best flexible wire you can find. Many brands are strong and pliable. Read the recommendations of the manufacturer before use.

• .014 diameter wire is best for small projects, seed beads, lightweight crystals and pearls. It is very flexible.

• .019 diameter wire is the most common choice. It works best with medium weight beads of all types and assures strength and durability for most projects. This diameter is used most often throughout this book.

• .024 diameter wire, generally the “heavyweight” is considered best when you are working with heavy beads such as lampwork, large gemstones or pendants or ceramic beads. It is very strong. It can also be used for beading that will need to absorb a lot of movement, such as watches, bracelets, eyeglass holders or lariats. I also like to use this diameter when I use many or especially large polymer beads.

• Some vendors now also have lighter weights, such as .010 diameter that are designed for knitting or crocheting.

• Beginners should try seven-strand .019 diameter silver-gray for starters. This is also called “craft wire” in your local craft stores (often at value pricing).

And, as with all things, enjoy what you are doing. If your budget requires you find beads that amount to less than $10, don’t fret. This won’t diminish the enjoyment of making your bracelet or the excitement of seeing your creativity soar. It is the doing that really matters, and in the giving that is such a joy.

FIND YOUR FIT
It is easy to start working with beads by making a bracelet. Most women have wrist sizes from 6-1/2" to 8". If you are making a bracelet for yourself, simply try one on for size! Simply use another bracelet from your jewelry case as your guide. If you are unsure of the size for a friend, use a 7" length of the beads as a starting point and adjust this to the overall size of the wearer.

Consider the size of the beads in your design: When working with extra large beads, compensate for their size by adding some length. It is best to size the bracelet on the wearer before adding the clasp.

Remember: If it doesn’t fit, you can simply cut the wire (with wire cutters), carefully slide the beads one at a time back onto the bead board in proper order and restring the piece again. The second stringing will take little time and this time the bracelet will have the proper fit.

Another method of extending the size of a bracelet is to add an extender. An extender is usually made up of a small piece of chain or beaded flexible wire between 2" and 6". The extender has an additional set of closures so it will easily attach to other finished jewelry.

The instructions for making a single-strand bracelet or single-strand necklace are the same. Only the length of wire and number of beads are different, so once you learn these basic steps, can begin to make matching pieces.