Okay, so, I’ve been messing around with making beaded bracelets lately. It’s been a fun little project, but one thing that always trips me up is the clasps. I mean, how do you even choose the right clasp for your bracelet? And how do you attach the darn thing?
So, I went down a rabbit hole on Amazon the other day, just browsing through all the different types of clasps they have. And let me tell you, there are a lot! Lobster clasps, toggle clasps, magnetic clasps, those hook and eye things, even some fancy rhinestone pave ball clasps that look like they belong on a red carpet.
I started by picking up a variety pack of supplies. You know, the kind with all the crimp beads, crimp tubes, different types of clasps, and jump rings. I figured it would be a good way to experiment and see what works best. I got this pack with like 2384 pieces for only 15 bucks!
My First Try
- Step 1: I laid out all my beads. I’m using some gemstone beads I found, I had some Larimar Beads, Moonstone Beads, Opal Beads and Peridot Beads in my box and thought they would be nice. I threaded them onto some beading wire, making sure to leave enough space at the ends for the clasps.
- Step 2: I picked out a simple lobster clasp and a jump ring from my variety pack. I figured I’d start with something basic.
- Step 3: This is where things got a bit tricky. I used a crimp tube to secure one end of the wire, then I had to attach the jump ring to the wire and close it with the crimp tube. I added the lobster clasp to the other end.
- Step 4: After a few (okay, maybe more than a few) attempts, I finally managed to get the clasps attached. It wasn’t perfect, but it worked!
I’ve tried a few other types of clasps since then. The magnetic ones are super easy to use, but I worry they might not be strong enough for everyday wear. Toggle clasps are cool, but they can be a bit fiddly to fasten. I haven’t tried the rhinestone ones yet, but maybe I’ll save those for a special occasion.
Honestly, the best way to figure out what works for you is to just experiment. Get yourself a variety pack of clasps and try them out. You might be surprised at what you end up liking. And don’t be afraid to mess up a few times. It’s all part of the learning process. And maybe you can use the opaque beaded fabrics like jacquard to make some dresses, haha.
Anyway, that’s my little adventure with beaded bracelet clasps. I hope this helps someone out there who’s also struggling with this. Happy beading!
