While I'm at it I might as well pick your brains some more...... should I use monofilament or wire for this project??? I want it to be light weight... but I want it to be strong.. but I also want it to be flexible!! (man I want a lot don't I!!!)..... I've got monofilament..... have used it in the past.. have never used wire.... don't have wire.. (but I have a feeling another trip to Hobby Lobby is in order before the day is up.... I need to get some more things for this.. and maybe gold alphabet beads to do my own!)
Monofilament biodegrades. Do not use it. The cheap wires are stiff and they kink up. I'd suggest using either the very expensive Sofflex, or maybe Soft Touch. Or else some good thread. Silimide thread, or C-Lon nylon thread, or one of the new fishing lines like PowerPro or Fireline.
actually what I am using is fishing line... it's the only thing that we had in the apartment.... 8lb test...... (don't think she'll try to hang much more than 8 lbs from it!!!)
On Sat, 1 May 2004 17:25:51 -0400, Christina Peterson wrote (in message ):
Since you are new to this, I suggest that you use a Spectra fishing line, as Tina recommends. PowerPro and Fireline are both available in the fishing department of discount stores like W*l-M*rt or any sporting goods store. A small reel shouldn't cost much at all.
I wouldn't use the wire for now, simply because you don't have experience using crimp beads just yet, and they have a bit of a learning curve involved. Once you have more experience, you'll probably want to use wire, and then SoftTouch or SoftFlex are definitely the things to use.
A 20 or 30 lb. Spectra line would be thick enough that your bracelet will hang well, and the line will hold up almost forever. Be sure to dab the knots with a drop of clear nail polish, which will "weld" the fibers together. You can also use watch crystal cement, but I have the feeling you don't have any floating around the house. Cheap "Wet and Wild" nail polish is just fine.
Silamide and C-Lon are both really good beadweaving threads, but aren't the easiest thing in the world to find. I probably wouldn't use either for a strung bracelet, though, because they are prone to abrasion. (Check the bead notes for the results of all my thread experiments) Don't buy Nymo, which is probably the only option you'll find at the craft store. It stretches and just doesn't have the strength for a bracelet.
When you get the line, I suggest buying the "smoke" color instead of the green or yellow. The grey seems to blend in perfectly with almost everything, unless you are using very light colored transparent or translucent beads. If that's the case, buy white Power Pro.
what type of wire do you use?? (I like Hobby Lobby... hate the fact that they aren't open on Sundays... but I also like that fact that the company has beliefs like that! )
I was using Beadalon Professional Series, 49 strand, .018 dia., 26 lbs. I now use Soft Flex's Soft Touch, 49 wire, .024 dia., 40 lbs.
Chick-a-filet is the same way. Company policy is to be closed on Sunday. Which explains why I get a strong NEED for their 12 piece nuggets and a large carrot and raisin salad on Sundays. They have THE BEST carrot and raisin salad.....period.....hands down......no argument....talk to da keyboard! Oh No, today's Sunday!!!!!!!!! Dayum, dayum, dayum ya'll! (couldn't resist...... O:-) )
If she's going to wear it as much as you say she does (doesn't take it off), and she has a new baby, Use PowerPro or Fireline. Definitely.
~~ Sooz
------- "Those in the cheaper seats clap. The rest of you rattle your jewelry." John Lennon (1940 - 1980) Royal Varieties Performance ~ Dr. Sooz's Bead Links
There is a huge difference in fishing lines, though. Monofilament is made to degrade and rot in sunlight. PowerPro and Fireline are not. ~~ Sooz
------- "Those in the cheaper seats clap. The rest of you rattle your jewelry." John Lennon (1940 - 1980) Royal Varieties Performance ~ Dr. Sooz's Bead Links
------- "Those in the cheaper seats clap. The rest of you rattle your jewelry." John Lennon (1940 - 1980) Royal Varieties Performance ~ Dr. Sooz's Bead Links
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