Today we have two new site features devoted to beaded clasps. I love these because you can customize them to match your designs, embellish them or leave them simple, and they can save you lots of money on ready-made metal clasps. Not to mention that they take the risk of metal allergies completely out of the equation.
First, we have a new site category that will make it easier to find clasp instructions. It currently has lots of beaded toggles, and lots of peyote stitch, but I'll add more techniques in the coming months.
Second, I've set up a new Beaded Clasp Design Gallery. This is where you can share your own clasp creations and look for inspiration when designing something new. To make a submission, just make your clasp the main focus of your digital photo. (Feel free to submit a second photo of your entire design if you'd also like to be considered for the necklace or bracelet categories.)
The first reader submission to the new gallery is pretty amazing:
Rocket Ship Toggle Clasp by Nina C. Dillmann
I almost forgot: Today I also have a brand new tutorial for making a simple bead-and-loop clasp for a peyote stitch cuff bracelet. (As you might guess, the bracelet in the example is a fun new Halloween pattern, freshly published.)
Do you have a special beaded-clasp request?
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First and third photos above by Chris Franchetti Michaels
Comments
Whenever possible I use a length of “stretch magic” or another elastic to make my clasp loop. I can usually weave the ends of the elastic into the bracelet and make a small knot that I glue and pull into a bead. This ensures a snug fit around your button or bead clasp. I have been doing this for several years and have not had a failure.