Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Bead Table Wednesday Clasps

Wire I purchased for clasps
I ordered some 18 gauge sterling silver half hard wire specifically to make some clasps.  I have been reading Cindy Winner's book The Missing Link, and I read that this would be a gauge for clasps.  This is a wonderful book to have for learning how to make links also. 

Wonderful reference on wire and links

Also, this week Love My Art Jewelry Blog had a terrific article on wire which states that "this is the perfect basic starter heavier gauge wire for beginner smaller clasps, links, heavy jumprings, and beginning heavier wirework."   I used this gauge wire to make a few sterling silver clasps this week and I am pleased with the results.  This blog article has lots of good information about wire.  I liked it so much that I copied and pasted it into Evernote which is a free electronic notebook that  makes it easy to remember things big and small from your everyday life using your computer, phone, tablet and the web.  I have been using Evernote for awhile to collect jewelry tutorials that I like all in one place.  
My handmade clasp attached to a new bracelet
I really liked being able to make a small, delicate clasp that is the perfect size for a bracelet.   I also am working on making more of my findings and beads.  This goal will give me much more freedom when designing jewelry.  I will be able to produce exactly what I need.  I have a long way to go, but I have started!



My small clasp is perfect for this delicate rose bracelet that is available for purchase.


3 comments:

  1. I too love Cindy's book and have made several things using her techniques, keep up the good work! :-D

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  2. It's great to be able to whip up the perfect finding! The list is long of folks using and loving Cindy's book, Kathy... it's definitely on my wish list :)

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  3. Isn't Cindy's book great!? I asked for wire for Christmas because of it. Though April is almost over, I still haven't played with much of it. sigh.
    This post is filled with so much awesome. Thanks for the links and recommendations! :)

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