Using end findings

Thread the end of the tiger tail (or ends if you’re using more than one strand) through the central hole in the calotte with the hook facing the end where you will attach the fastner (A B).

Thread one or two crimps onto the wire(s) and squash firmly in place using chain nose pliers (C).

Trim the tails of the wire(s).

Push the calotte so that it covers the crimps and squeeze it closed with chain nose pliers (D).

If there is an open hook on the calotte, close this into a loop. You will attach the clasp to this loop using a jump ring.

Thread a crimp and a bead onto the flexible beading wire. Take the tail through the closed loop on the clasp then back through the bead and the crimp (A).

Hold the crimp with the tip of the chain nose pliers and squeeze the pliers to flatten the crimp (B). You must be firm and make sure that the crimp is secure on the wire. Give the clasp a tug to ensure that it is secure.

Numerous projects in this magazine use head pin ‘dangles’ - head pins that have beads threaded onto them, with a loop turned above the top bead, which can then be attached to earring wires, chain links etc. Turning a loop in wire is a technique that can be hard to master at first, but is used over and over again in jewellery making. The aim is to get the loop to sitcentrally at the top of the wire rather than in a ‘p’ shape to one side.

Thread a bead onto a head pin or eye pin.

Trim the wire above the bead back to about 3/8in (1cm) and make a right-angle bend close up against the bead, using chain-nose pliers (A).

Get hold of the end of the wire with round nose pliers and roll the wire over to form a semi-circle (B).

Let go of the wire, move the pliers around the loop a little, then continue to roll the wire until you have formed a circular loop, centred above the bead (C).

Another technique that is required frequently is opening and closing loops or jump rings.

The best way to do this is to hold the jump ring with two pairs of pliers. Bring one pair towards you and the other away from you so that the jump ring is opened as shown in the picture from front to back rather than opening it outwards (A). If you open and close a jump ring outwards, the metal will be weakened and it is likely to break. While the jump ring is open, attach the fastener to your choker/necklace/bracelet before closing the ring (B).