How to Make Functional and Creative Bead Caps in a Two-Part Video Tutorial
Bead caps are quick and easy ways to add a touch of flair to your designs. They can draw attention to focal beads, add complexity to patterns and break up color palettes. They can also be used to bring tassels together and to give your design a professional finished look. With a wide variety of materials, shapes and sizes to choose from you can find the perfect fit for your next beading project.
Learn how to make functional and creative polymer clay bead caps in this two-part video tutorial. You will start by learning how to make the bead cap blanks and then how to dome them for a nice fit on your lampwork. Then, you will learn how to use the bead caps in your designs.
This is a great technique to use on multi-strand necklaces or bracelets. It allows you to "hide" all the ends of the strands and then gives you the option to either leave them open for a chain style clasp or to close them up with a wrapped loop. Just remember that when you make the wrapped loop to form a 90 degree bend 1/2'' to 1'' from the end of your wire (you can use chain- or flat-nose pliers) so that your beading thread will not slip through.