Clasp Guide, Part 1

Toggle Clasps 

Toggle Clasps are a great choice for necklaces because the weight of the beads help keep the clasp shut.

They work best with heavier jewellery as tension is needed to keep the toggle closed. For use with bracelets toggle clasps work very well with heavy, chunky gemstones and ceramic beads.

Toggle clasps can be easily open and closed with one hand. They also come in a range of different designs including some really eye catching and quirky ones.

Here are a few of some of unique toggle designs on our website:

These toggles as well as some plainer styles are available to buy on our website.

Tube / Slide Lock Multi-strand Clasps

Tube / Slide lock multi-strand clasps are perfect If you're looking for a clasp that's a little more secure and in particular if your design includes multiple strands. These clasps consist of 2 tubes with slide in to another with a spring lock in the centre.

Best for light to medium weight jewellery, they are ideal for multi strand designs such as peyote stitch cuff bracelets.

Tube clasps come in different lengths from 2 to 7 strand. They also come in a variety of metallic colours so you can get the perfect  look for your jewellery design.

These image depicts the strands numbers and colours available: 

See them here.

Bolt Ring (or Spring Ring) Clasps

Bolt ring clasps are easy to operate, reliable and durable. They have a trigger mechanism which allows the clasp to spring closed once the trigger is let go.

Best used on light to medium weight jewellery designs. Bolt Rings are also available in many sizes and look great with almost any necklace, bracelet or anklet. 

Below are two types of Bolt rings, the bottom two are in the more traditional style while the ones at the top have an tag style ring component: 

See a selection of bolt rings here.

Sparkly Butterfly Ring Project

We have been beading again today here at CJ Beaders and we have a nice simple project for you all to try.

 What you will need for this project is:

1 x Tube of E6000 Glue

2 x packs of pp14 Chatons

1 x Butterfly ring blank

or buy our kit 

Tools needed:

Fine pick and place tool

Instructions

We hope you enjoy this project!

New Tri-Beads

We now have 4mm Tri-Beads in our New Forest Shop and on our on line store. Lot's of people asking for these so thought I would let you all know. Here is the link to them on line  http://www.cjbeaders.co.uk/default/off/category/Beads_-_Czech_Glass/Tri-Beads  

Happy Beading :)

Perfect for Summer Necklace Kit

We made up this very simple necklace kit today including Griffin Nylon Power Thread, a gift bag and, of course, the beads - approx. 90g
These beads are lightweight & have a shimmery, mirror-like finish & are similar in finish to AB coated beads.
Perfect for those summer days & holidays.
Just £5.95
All you need to do is thread the beads & then knot the ends together, adding a dab of glue for extra security and then wear with pride (or give as a lovely gift)
Available in-store and online.
www.facebook.com/CJBeaders

Make this pretty summer time bracelet.

We have been busy making new things today and this is one of the bracelets we have made. 

Here is how to Make it!

All these items can be found on our website at www.cjbeaders.co.uk

Tools you will need are:

Cutters

Round nose pliers

2 x Chain nose pliers (or you can use a pair of flat nose pliers)

Split ring pliers

7.   Repeat these steps until all the pieces are joined together. Now you can slightly bend the rubber tubing           so it forms nicely around your arm. The bracelet should have 2 of the 10mm beads on either end this is         where you will attach the toggle clasp.

8. Attach the toggle clasp using a jump ring, 

All beads, findings and  tools can be found on our website at www.cjbeaders.co.uk

We are heading on over to Farnham today to get ready for this weekends show. Do not forget to come and see us and your other Favourite Jewellery Suppliers at the Farnham Jewellery Show at Farnham Maltings in Surrey. 10.00am until 5.00pm on Saturday, 10.00am until 4.00pm on Sunday (plenty of time for the men in your life to get home in time for the World Cup Final).
Here is the link to the shows facebook page for more information and updates on the show!  https://www.facebook.com/farnhamjewellerymakingshow

We have our chain maille beginners course on the 5th June 2014 at 10:30-12:30 with Andrea Barnett. The course is £20 and this includes the beginners chain maille book and a cuppa! Call and book now to secure your place on 01425 279992.

Wire Wrapper Pendent.

All you need to make this wire wrapper pendent is

Beadalon 21.8mm round Artistic Wire wire wrapper

24 and 28 gauge Beadalon Artistic Wire

10 x 4mm Preciosas bicones

1 x 22mm round resin sugar stone bead

1 x necklace chain 

 Wrap the Bicones around the edge of the wire wrapper into the recesses of the wrapper, using the 28 gauge wire. Next place the sugar stone in the centre of the wire wrapper and wrap into place using the 24 gauge wire. Start the wrap on the top right leaving some spare wire to secure later. Count every 4 Bicones and wrap the wire again, continue every 4th Bicone to create the star pattern. Once the star is completed twist and tuck in loose ends at the back of the wire wrapper. Attach to necklace chain.

The pendent takes 15-20 minutes to complete.

We have just added these new Half Tila Beads to our website. They are the same as the Tila beads with two holes but just half the size! Here is the link to them on our website. http://www.cjbeaders.co.uk/default/off/category/Beads_-_Miyuki/Miyuki_Half_TILA_Beads

There are 27 colours available.

We have been trying out our new Thorn Beads and have made this bracelet using memory wire and pellet beads mixed with thorn beads. This is a great project easy and fun to make, it takes around 10-15 minutes to complete.

We have added new colours of the 6mm Pyramid Stud beads, they are sold by the strands of 25 beads. Head on over to our website for more information! http://www.cjbeaders.co.uk/default/off/category/Beads_-_Czech_Glass/6mm_Twin_Hole_Pyramid_Studs