[QA:Q] I am trying to stitch a necklace with that includes several focal beads with about six inches of spiral rope on either side. The overall length will be about 18 inches. Here is my problem-I want to end the spirals at the point where the glass beads begin, but I can't make it flow. What should I do? - Debbie Melter
[QA:A] In order to stitch a fluid design in spiral rope with a section of focal beads, you need to start with a base row. Secure one end of your necklace with a bead stopper or some tape. String all the base beads for one side of your necklace, then the focal beads, then the base beads for the other side of you necklace on flexible beading wire (photo a).[caption image="http://www.beadandbutton.com/bnb/image.ashx?img=ask-anna-spiral-rope_01.jpg&w=300" targeturl="http://www.beadandbutton.com/bnb/image.ashx?img= ask-anna-spiral-rope_01.jpg"]photo A[/caption]
[caption image="http://www.beadandbutton.com/~/media/Images/How%20To/askanna/ask-anna-spiral-rope_02.ashx?w=300" targeturl=http://www.beadandbutton.com/~/media/Images/How%20To/askanna/ask-anna-spiral-rope_02.jpg]photo B[/caption] Using beading thread, work one side at a time, completing one spiral, and securing the tails in the beadwork (photo b).
Start a new thread to complete a spiral on the second side (photo c), and secure the tails. Use crimp beads and a clasp to finish the ends of the necklace.
[caption image="http://www.beadandbutton.com/~/media/Images/How%20To/askanna/ask-anna-spiral-rope_03.ashx?w=300" targeturl="http://www.beadandbutton.com/~/media/Images/How%20To/askanna/ask-anna-spiral-rope_03.jpg"]photo C[/caption] This method is good for two reasons. First, you create a sturdy base to support your focal beads, which can be too heavy for some beaded ropes. And second, you can attach the clasp with crimp beads, which is more secure than stitching a clasp onto a beaded rope.
If you want a continuous article without a clasp, string all of your beads and cross the wire ends through a crimp bead near the back of the necklace. Temporarily secure the ends until you are almost done with the spiral. Leaving a little slack between beads, crimp the crimp bead, and trim the beading wire. Finish the spiral over the crimped section, and secure the tails.
Art glass by Scott Bouwens, visit Bearfoot Art at www.bearfootart.com.
[Anna]
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seedme
wrote
re: Spiral rope for a beaded necklace
on
Tue, Aug 19 2008 6:17 PM
what type of flexabale wire are you using.?
will it work with size 11 seed beads in the spiral?
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Anna Draeger
wrote
re: Spiral rope for a beaded necklace
on
Wed, Aug 20 2008 9:07 AM
Hi Seedme,
I used .014 Soft Flex, but any flex wire should work between sizes .012-.015. You just need enough room between the wire and the beads for your thread to pass through several times.
I used size 11 seed beads in the spiral with size 8 beads as an accent. I used size 8 cylinders for the base since they have large holes, and are consistent in size.
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seedme
wrote
re: Spiral rope for a beaded necklace
on
Mon, Aug 25 2008 6:52 PM
thank- you . i now have a new idea for spirals
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MtnBeader
wrote
re: Spiral rope for a beaded necklace
on
Sat, Jan 24 2009 12:51 PM
I would love to find instructions for making the spiral rope! I keep seeing it used in various projects in B&B but can't find out how to do this stitch.
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JanzJewelz
wrote
re: Spiral rope for a beaded necklace
on
Tue, Feb 3 2009 5:46 PM
I am new to this type of stitch, so forgive me if this is rather obvious. After you have threaded on all your size 8 beads plus your focals on wire, how do you start your fireline next to the focals? Also if using 11s for the rope how often do you have to go through the 8s (I assume you have to do that to keep them together). I have made one spiral rope before which was lovely but not on a wire base. The idea sounds great. Thanks.
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