Head Pins + Eye pins
HEAD PINS & EYE PINS |
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Head Pins
Eye Pins
Round Nose Plyers
Wire Cutters
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These metal pins have a number of uses.
Head Pins have a flat bottom, when using these pins you need to make sure that the
pin does not pull through the bead you are using. If the hole in your bead is to large, you can either add a smaller bead to the pin before stringing your chosen bead, or use a bead cap. These come in many shapes and sizes, and can also add a different
element to your design. They are usually small flat caps or cup shaped.
Eye Pins have a pre-formed loop at one end. They are mainly used as connectors. Once your bead has been added to the pin, you need to cut and turn the other end to form another loop.
Please note: to make loops on your head and eye pins you need to use ROUND NOSE PLIERS. You will also need a pair of WIRE CUTTERS.
Insert your pin into your chosen bead, and holding the pin up against the bottom of your bead cut off your pin to about 1cm from the top of your bead. (1)
Holding your now shortened pin with your round nose pliers, bend your pin back across your bead at a right angle. (2)
Hold your pin tightly at the end, roll your wrist forming a loop around the plier. (3)
You can make bigger or smaller loops depending on where you roll your pin. If you are repeatedly making these loops you will soon get used to where to cut them to get the same size loop each time. I like to use one of my fingers as a guide.
JUMP RINGS
These are a single coil of wire usually with a opening, although sometimes they come welded together with no joint. To open twist the two ends away from each other, either with pliers or fingers if you are strong Do not just pull apart as the
ring will not go back into shape. Re-joint rings by twisting back together again so that they meet together without a gap.
SPLIT RINGS
These are made from a double loop of wire, similar to a small key ring. A little more secure but fiddly to use. |
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