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It's a Fit Issue

by Susan LeGuyader
When your stringing material doesn't fit through your chosen beads, it's time to get creative!
Instructions
I've made the beads (copper) and clasp, also copper. I've picked my leather cording and the glass beads I want to add to the bracelet. I know the rolled copper beads fit, I made them. I slide the clasp on and to string the first "O" bead
It does not fit on the leather cording I chose, leather too big and interior diameter of the bead too small.
Susan LeGuyader's It's a Fit Issue - , Beading, , fitting stringing material through beads
Susan LeGuyader's It's a Fit Issue - , Beading, , fitting stringing material through beads
What do you do? Change the leather? Nope, not an option. I tried cutting the leather at an angle, no go. I measure the size of the leather to see what I was working with. Sigh. Also, I had no other beads in my stash that would give the right look of the bracelet.
Susan LeGuyader's It's a Fit Issue - , Beading, , fitting stringing material through beads
Susan LeGuyader's It's a Fit Issue - , Beading, , fitting stringing material through beads
I start looking around the studio for an answer, surprisingly, the answer is not floating around in mid-air. I'm looking at the bench and I see my bench block... and a hammer. Wondering if it will work and figure...nothing ventured, nothing gained.
I lightly hammer the ends of the leather, both sides. Looking at the flattened leather ends, I think I've got it.
Susan LeGuyader's It's a Fit Issue - , Beading, , fitting stringing material through beads
Susan LeGuyader's It's a Fit Issue - , Beading, , fitting stringing material through beads
The ends slide on the "O" ring perfectly and the fit on the leather is snug but not tight! I finish stringing my bracelet, knot it and clip the ends. It turned out beautifully.
The lesson? Don't be afraid to try an unconventional solution. In my case, it solved my fit issue.
Susan LeGuyader's It's a Fit Issue - , Beading, , fitting stringing material through beads

Materials

No materials listed

Tools

Premium Steel Bench Block 2 1/2 X 2 1/2
G17-9
  • G17-9
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $15.97
  • Gold Club Price: $11.98
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BALLPEIN HAMMER SUPREME- 8OZ
HAM-430.18
  • HAM-430.18
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $12.95
  • Gold Club Price: $9.71
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  • Category: Beading
  • Technique(s): General Education

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