In an earlier post I talked about how I often used to go to jewellery classes nearby but now The Bead Hold has moved to rural Taranaki and is now available on-line only. Now that I can’t go to the classes, I have purchased several kitsets/ instruction sheets covering a range of different techniques to try and am working my way through them to see what I like best.
The Bead Hold has lots of pearl bracelet kits to choose from in a whole range of delicious colours (click on the link above). They all use tigertail and crimp beads. I chose a Freshwater Pearl Bracelet because it had some gorgeous diamante spacers that I hadn’t seen before but will definitely use again. I had previously avoided magnetic clasps but have now discovered they are great for easily fastening bracelets (and strong enough that I’m not worried about the bracelet falling off). Why hasn’t anyone told me about crimp covers before! – they give a much more professional finish when using crimps.
So even though I could easily have just made a pearl bracelet myself using techniques I knew already, the kitset introduced me to several new products and techniques that I wouldn’t otherwise have tried. The bracelet kitsets are very cost-effective and a great present that you can either make up yourself or give the kitset itself.
You will need some basic tools for this kitset: wire cutters, crimping pliers or chain nose pliers, a clamp and a bead mat. You can buy tool starter packs at the same time as your kitset if you need to.
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