Date: Sun, 19 Sep 2010 08:30:35 -0700 (PDT) From: Susan Reishus <elationrelat...@yahoo.com> Subject: [lace] Re: Unwritten Rules - Spangling
"spangl(ing) ... I've tried wire (eventually breaks); fishing line (same); and double threading through one way and back the other: all of which took ages to do and I hated it ... (tried) beading thread from the embroidery shop: it's quite sturdy and has a slight waxy feel to it ... thread the beads in order on a single thickness of this thread; then the bobbin; finally I secure it with a reef knot and dab a tiny bit of Fray Stop (or Fray Check) on the knot. With constant use, none of these have broken yet." David in Ballarat Wondering if anyone has tried something similar to this: http://www.firemountaingems.com/search.asp?skw=beading+wire There are different vendors and you can get it in varying thicknesses, but this is a popular US vendor. It is designed to take quite a bit of abuse; used for heavier jewelry for instance (and fine), then is crimped with crimp beads (which may be very helpful when spangling) and tied, etc. to add findings (clasps, etc.). It is quite durable and malleable. I don't spangle, so this may be repetitive information (and I have not read all the posts yet, so may have already been suggested.) Sometimes people who do a variety of creative things find merging tools and techniques is helpful! <smile> Best, Susan Reishus Yes, Susan I use the beading wire and crimps. Works well for me. I start with the beads toward the bottom of the spangle circle and at one point I go through some beads twice with the wire in the circle. Crimp and trim ends. The crimp does show, unless you can put it next to a bead with a large enough hole so it will slide inside a bit. I have been doing it this way for a few years and have not had problems. You can pull as tight as you like to cinch up the wire ends before crimping. A bit awkward at first, but you soon get the hang of it. Having the proper crimping tool is essential too. There are instructions for crimping on the Firemountain site. Sandy Risley in the shadow of Bear Mt. Bear Mt. Fiber Arts Ravelry ID SandySpinsLace _http://thelaceshepherdess.blogspot.com_ (http://thelaceshepherdess.blogspot.com/) - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com