Defining findings for beading.

Okay so you've started beading. You want to stock up on all the goodies you will need but don't know where to start and what everything is. Need a heads up? This article will take you through everything you need to know about the basics used for beading.

One of the most common confusing terms in beading is 'findings'. These are all the metal components used in beading. The metal can vary from nickel, to sterling silver to gold. As with the metal, size and length also varies depending on the items use.

Head pins are pins that have a flat section at one end. These pins are commonly used to pass beads onto to make earrings, charm bracelets and necklaces. The flat section prevents the beads from falling off the pin. They look a little a fine nail. The non flat ended side is then curled into an 'eye' which you can attach onto other pins or clasps. There are some head pins that have an ornate shape such as an arrow or flower in place of the flat end. These serve the same purpose.

Eye pins are very similar to head pins, but instead of a flat side, the have an 'eye' side (refer above for definition of 'eye'). Again beads are passed onto the wire and the non-eye side is then curled in the same way as with the head pin, to make another eye. The eye pins are used to make when making longer earrings, to join together to make a necklace and much, much more.

Jump rings are round loose little loops that are used to link other findings together. The diameter of the jump rings vary vastly as do their purpose. They can be used as a decorative piece on an elaborate item of jewellery or to link clasps, charms or spacers. Some jump rings are completely circular and cannot be opened others have a slice through one side that can be opened to adjust the size of the jump ring depending on its purpose.

Split rings look like little keyrings. Very similar to jump rings they are used for the same purpose as jump rings only are much stronger as they have a double loop.

Parrot clasps are one of the most popular clasps. They are shaped like a parrot's beak, hence the name. They are widely used for bracelets and necklaces.

Lobster clasps serve the same purpose as the Parrot clasps, though there appearance varies slightly. They look more like the lobster's pincer and so they are named.

Barrel clasps resemble a tiny barrel, giving them their name. They are clasps that come in two parts that screw into each other. Each side of the clasps attaches to either side of the bracelet or necklace. They can be attached using eye pins, jump rings, split rings or tiger tail wire.

Toggle clasps also have 2 sides to them. One is a round part (though the shape could vary and be heart shaped or triangular even) and the other side is a long bar. They clasp together by passing the bar through the 'round' side.

Tiger Tail is a nylon coated wire that is used for many different beading needs including earrings, necklaces, bracelets, bag charms, and much much more. It is a soft bending wire that does not hold a shape, rather acts as a threading line to hold beads. It is a stronger alternative to pearl thread, string or fishing line. Crimps are required on the ends of the wire to keep the beads from falling off as you cannot tie a knot in the tiger Tail.

Crimps are used to prevent the beads from falling off the threading material. They are tiny little hollow balls or tubes. You pass them through the tiger tail or other threading material and squash them together with pliers to prevent them from coming off, and holding the beads in place.

Charlotte crimps are also used to prevent beads from falling off. They provide a cleaner finish. They are shaped like oyster shells with a little hook on it. There is a little hole though the join of the 2 sides of the 'shell' parts. It is through this hole that you pass the thread item. You then crimp the end using a normal crimp, which you then sit into the 'shell'. You then close the 2 sides together and attach to clasp or other findings by curling the hook.

Ear Hooks or Ear Wires, are what earrings are made with. The hook is the part that goes through the piercing in the earlobe. They are also commonly known as Shepherd Hooks and are so because they look like a shepherd's staff. They also have an 'eye' end, to which you attach the decorative part of the earring.

Bead Caps are used around beads to prevent them being scratched or damaged. They are also used for ornate purposes. They can be elaborately decorative or plain and simple.

This is a basic list that should be enough to get you going. At least you are now equipped with the more common items. The list really is endless. I will be submitting a follow up so stay tuned!

Article Source: http://www.cursebustersound.com/article

About the author: Terri Batsakis runs you through what various silver findings are known as and their function, making it easier to comprehend instructions in beading magazines. This information that will also make is easier when purchasing beads, even if you are just a beginner.
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