Saved by Scotch Tape
Few things spark as much joy for a jewelry maker as the arrival of a new bead order. The anticipation, the colors, the possibilities-it's enough to make any creative leap into action. That's exactly what happened when a fresh strand of micro gemstones showed up at my door. I dove right in, sorting and planning, excited to transform these tiny treasures into delicate earrings.
As always, the process unfolded step by step, with moments of interruption, improvisation, and even a surprising household hack that saved the day. Here's how it all played out-from inspiration to organization.
As always, the process unfolded step by step, with moments of interruption, improvisation, and even a surprising household hack that saved the day. Here's how it all played out-from inspiration to organization.
Instructions
It is always a great day when the mail brings in a new bead order. The excitement to get started is high. So yes, I unpacked and immediately started sorting and planning. I had ordered a strand of micro faceted 2.5mm graduated color gemstones and plan on making earrings with them.
I decided which colors in the strand I was going to use and started putting them on headpins. I like to work in steps for projects like this.
It feels easier to manage the 100 headpins I need to make dangles with. So, I string all the beads. Then move onto making loops and attaching to the earring finding.
Of course, I was interrupted. It was 7:00 o'clock at night and I had not made dinner yet. Sigh. I got up and left the office and then did the dinner and evening thing.
It feels easier to manage the 100 headpins I need to make dangles with. So, I string all the beads. Then move onto making loops and attaching to the earring finding.
Of course, I was interrupted. It was 7:00 o'clock at night and I had not made dinner yet. Sigh. I got up and left the office and then did the dinner and evening thing.
I am finally back in the office, at my desk and my plan this morning is NOT BEADS! I have to actually do the work.
I can't just pile everything in a bag, I have very carefully sorted by color type and it would be so easy to mess this up and have to start over.
I can't just pile everything in a bag, I have very carefully sorted by color type and it would be so easy to mess this up and have to start over.
Faced with "What the heck am I going to do now????" moment..... Scotch tape was the answer. Blue painters' tape would also work well in this instance.
An added bonus: using the tape will not leave adhesive on the metal and make getting back to this project easy.
An added bonus: using the tape will not leave adhesive on the metal and make getting back to this project easy.
I was able to tape the sets of beads together, in colorway order and set them aside until I can get back to the project. Probably hours away from now (it's a busy day).
I've laid them out, knowing I have everything ready to grab tools and get making. Household items come in handy so often when jewelry making. I got a win today with tape!
Materials
Sterling Silver Head Pin 24GA w/ 1.5mm Ball 2 inch - Pack of 10
K8-28
- Lesson Quantity: 20.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 2.00 each
- Price: $5.30
- Gold Club Price: $3.98
Beads of your choice
Earring finding components of your choice
Tools
WireJewelry - Essentials Jewelry Pliers Set with Case, Set of 5
G15-21
- G15-21
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $124.95
- Gold Club Price: $93.71
Scotch 0.94 Inch Painters Tape for Taping Wires Together
G13-5
- G13-5
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $5.97
- Gold Club Price: $4.48
Steel Hoop Mandrel
MAN-214.00
- MAN-214.00
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $28.97
- Gold Club Price: $21.73
Supply Detail
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Price: $
Gold Club Price: $
- Category: Non-Jewelry Items
- Technique(s): General Education
Susan LeGuyader
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