Clasp Tutorial

The hook is a very simple and quick project to make. It takes about 10 min. to put together, and it is very attractive. It gives your necklaces and bracelets a beautiful finish.

MATERIALS REQUIRED

2-3mm sandblasted beads

3" 22 gauge 1/2 hard square wire

8" 21 gauge 1/2 hard 1/2 round wire

round pliars

flat pliars

crimpers

You do not have to use the thickness of wire that I did. You can use what ever you feel comfortable with, and the beads can be any small bead to fit your project. I used 14c gold filled wire , but that is my preferance.

Take your 3" wire. Mark the center and fold over to form a loop. Squeeze the loop together over the pliars. Cut you wire, so it will measure about 1".

Take yor 3mm beads and string them on your wire. With your round pliars make a very tiny loop, then take out your crimpers and squeeze the loop to flatten it out. Your bead will not slip through it.

Take your 8" of 1/2 round and start wrapping from the bottom up.
Wrap all the way to the beads. This way the beads will fit snug

against the wrap and there will be no room for movement. Because the clasp is so small I use the pliars to hold it while wrapping.

Once the wrapping is done you can then bend piece to form your hook. Very easy to make.

Untill next time

Peace be with you and have a wonderful day.

Spacers tutorial

We all know the expense of gold and silver findings. After much trial and error,

I have found a way to make gold or silver spacers at a minimal cost. You do not

have to use the gauge of wire I used. Use whatever you feel comfortable with.

MATERIALS NEEDED

6" gold or siver wire(I used 14c, 22 gauge, 1/2 hard gold filled square .

15" 21 gauge 1/2 hard gold filled round.

Wire cutters

Round nose pliers.

Flat nosed pliers

First cut a 6" square gold or silver wire.
Cut a 14" 1/2 round.
Polishing the wire straightens it and also makes it stronger.
Take your 6" piece of wire and mark it in the center (1). Move over to one side about 3mm and wrap the wire around your round nosed pliers to form a loop. (2) This will be your first loop in your spacer. (3) Move pliers about 4mm to one side of your first loop and take the long end of wire and wrap around pliers. Do the same for other side. (4)
With these measurments your spacer will be approximatly 3/4". If you want a larger spacer, then adjust accordenly. You can make as many loops as you need. After you make the loops take the flat nosed pliers and squeeze the loops so they lie flat.

For the next step, take your claw nosed pliers and bend wire upwards along side of the loops. (5)

Try not to have too much of a space between loops and the beginning side of your spacer. (6) To do this use the tip of the pliers, for you do not want the frame to exceed your loops. Bend wire over your loops. Try to keep frame even. Same dimensions on both

sides.

Take the claw nosed pliers and make another (7) bend. This will be the start of your frame. Try to make your frame same size or height as your loops. (8) Bend your wire so now you will have 2 wires running across the
top

Repeat (8), so that now you will have
two wires on the top and the sides. (9)Now take your wire and bend both of them over the unfinished loop side. Including the loops you will have three wires. (10)

Take the 15" 21 gauge 1/2 round 1/2 hard, and you can now start wrapping. Wrap around pulling your wire very tight. If my loops are big enough, I like to put a couple of wraps through the loops. It helps to keep your clasp nice and tight. Keep wrapping till you get to the top of your side wrap. Cut off your two top extending wires. Cut them just a little shorter then your frame. When cutting the wire, cut on angle so the longer angled wire will fit against the other wires. It just makes for a neater wrap. Finish wrapping with 2 wraps in the loops. When I am done I usually take the flat nosed pliers and flatten the spacer.

Finished clasp.

I still need practice, but they are getting better. As the saying goes.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
My next tutorial will be on making a hook for necklaces or bracelets.

Until next time.

Peace be with you and have a wonderful day.

Canada Day

141 years young. Winnipeg was bustling with activities in Osbourne Village, Assinboine Park and the Forks. The weather was very accommodating. The sun was smiling down on us and everyone smiled back. My sister and I went down to the Forks to take in a few of the activities.

The Forks is located at the junction of two major rivers. The Forks has witnessed many key events that have shaped the Canadian West. A traditional stopping place of First Nations. the Forks became a centre of exploration, trade, settlement and immigration. The Forks National Historic Site of Canada celebrates the dynamic spirit of human interaction that began here over 6,000 years ago.

The events started at 1 p.m. in the Forks, which included children's performers, buskers and live local bands. Aboriginal dancing at the White Buffalo Spiritual Society Tribal Village. We started off by joining the Forks Quest. Anybody could join. We were given a map and a word puzzle sheet. Unless you already knew the history on the Forks, you had to follow the map and search for the answers for the word puzzle. The heritage hunt was a good way to start off the day.

We watched the aboriginal dancing, which was most enjoyable. The dancers were in full dress, and what a magnificent sight. They put on a show to be remembered.

Local bands were playing in the afternoon, so

we did get to watch three of the many bands.

We have so much talent right here in Winnipeg. One band I cannot remember, but the other two were..Angry Dragon. The Angry Dragon is an all girl band, right from Winnipeg. They started the band in 2007.

The other band we listened to was Thrive from Anola, Manitoba. Anola is 24 Km. east of Winnipeg. The band started in 2004 under the name of Mistaken.

We left the Forks around 7:30. Both worn and tired. I did want to see the fireworks, but after our very tiring, but fun day, I just couldn't drag myself out of the house. The fireworks started at 11:00 p.m. I heard they were very good, with a great ending of white and red fireworks, which is our flags color. I didn't see them, but I did hear them. Sigh.... Maybe next year.

Until next time.

Peace be with you and have a wonderful day.