suggestions needed

Dec 18, 2003 16 Replies

I made a number of illusion necklaces, using Gudebrod illusion cord, .10 diameter, and sterling or gold filled minicrimps (2x1) to hold the pearls and/or swarovski in place. They are breaking at an alarming rate



- the cord is getting cut by the crimps, I assume, judging from where they are breaking. This would be fine, if it only happened when I was making them, but I've had two break in customer's hands when they put them on at home. (One was a donation to a charity auction.)



What am I doing wrong? I assumed that illusion cord was meant to be used with the crimps (I'm just mashing them flat, as stations, not using a mini-crimp plier (don't have one) to crimp them per normal.) Should I just pitch the 5 rolls of this I have in the trash? And recall all my necklaces? Should I be making these differently somehow? What can I do with the supplies I have on hand, or what should I be buying to use instead?



Thanks very much for any assistance/suggestions you can offer. These have been very popular, but they're not going to be for much longer at this rate. I'm terrified that the one I sent my sil for her big Christmas bash this Saturday is going to do the same thing - and she lives 400 miles away, kind of hard to fix that evening...



Karin


Karin,

I use a dab of glue, especially made for use with illusion cord. I got it from the Wigjig folks.

HTH..and sorry this is happening to you.

In one of my magazines, it shows to thread on a little seed bead, then your larger bead, and another seed bead. Then take the cord back, bypassing the last seed, through the larger bead & first seed. Bypass the seed you just went through, and take it back through the large bead, and the last seed. (Does that make sense? It was easier with the diagram! ;o)

I don't know if this works; I guess it would depend on how thick your cord is. Just another way I've seen it done :o)

vj found this in rec.crafts.beads, from "Kyla" :

]In one of my magazines, it shows to thread on a little seed bead, then your ]larger bead, and another seed bead. Then take the cord back, bypassing the ]last seed, through the larger bead & first seed. Bypass the seed you just ]went through, and take it back through the large bead, and the last seed. ](Does that make sense? It was easier with the diagram! ;o)

yes, it makes sense - GOOD idea!

----------- @vicki [SnuggleWench] (Books)

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----------- It's not what you take, when you leave this world behind you; it's what you leave behind you when you go. -- Randy Travis

Barbara, Thanks for the suggestion... how long does it take to dry? I can't imagine trying to put 20 beads on a cord and glueing each one. Do you put the glue under the bead, or on each side like the crimps?

Kar>

Kyla Thanks for the suggestion. I've seen where they say to just wrap the cord back through the bead, but I don't like the look of it going over it.... Guess this is going to take some more thought...

Thanks Kar>

Doesn't take long to dry and it's a type of super-glue. I put a dab on the cord and slide the bead over it.

I tie knots on either side instead of crimping or gluing. Takes more technique but nothing breaks. I have never done it with plastic (fishing line or cord) because I don't want a necklace made of that, but I would imagine it would work.

Becki "In between the moon and you, the angels have a better view of the crumbling difference between wrong and right." -- Counting Crows

My niece made me one using the glue. Within a year 5 of the 30 beads on the necklace were loose. And I never wore it. Not my style. I just noticed it when I picked it up. Barbara Dream Master

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Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. ~~ Albert Camus

I thought about knots, but doesn't it alter the way the cord lies? It kinks fairly easily, I would think the direction it comes out of the knot would affect the drape of the necklace...

I guess I'd best just recall all of these and quit making them... too bad, they were quite popular....

Anyone want 5 rolls of Gudebrod illusion cord cheap? :-) (just kidding, sort of...)

Kar>

Karin -- I made a couple of illusion-like necklaces only on black cord, with like 3 or 4 beads, knots on both sides. They were very, very sexy. Just try using better materials.

Becki "In between the moon and you, the angels have a better view of the crumbling difference between wrong and right." -- Counting Crows

And sweetie, try a dab of a heavy glue, like E2000 or one of those. They dry quickly and could not possibly cut through your cord.

Becki "In between the moon and you, the angels have a better view of the crumbling difference between wrong and right." -- Counting Crows

Thanks Becki. I thought I *was* using good materials - sterling, gold-filled, and Gudebrod cord - supposedly they make good stuff.

The cord has possibilities... I also ordered some of the SoftFlex 24kt gold today. That will look nice for those who want gold. Still not quite sure what to do about silver...

Kar>

That stuff is niiiiiiiiice. :Þ~~

I cut a length of 0.24 and put a lobsterclaw clasp on one end and a loop on the other, secured with g.f crimps. I slid a bezel set CZ (rescued from a broken earring) on, and I now have a really nice looking slider pendant. :D

My only concern is if someone tries to snatch it from my neck - cheesecutter, anyone? :P

I would appreciate any suggestions as to something similar to the 24kt plated gold wire in silver. Best I can find so far is silver(ish!) tigertail... :(

On Fri, 19 Dec 2003 21:41:57 -0500, mªdcªt wrote (in message ):

Slip a jump ring in between the loop at the end of the wire and your clasp. That way, the necklace will give way before you get decapitated. No necklace is worth your health.

Kathy N-V

vj found this in rec.crafts.beads, from Kathy N-V :

]Slip a jump ring in between the loop at the end of the wire and your clasp. ]That way, the necklace will give way before you get decapitated. No necklace ]is worth your health.

thanks, Kathy! i've been worrying about that since she posted it!!!

----------- @vicki [SnuggleWench] (Books)

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(Jewelry)
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----------- It's not what you take, when you leave this world behind you; it's what you leave behind you when you go. -- Randy Travis

Thanks for that suggestion. :)

Should have been obvious to moi.... :P

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