shortening your jewelry

Introduction

Have you ever found yourself with a beautiful piece of jewelry that's just a bit too long? In this Better Beader episode from Potomac Beads, we'll explore a simple yet effective technique for shortening your jewelry to achieve the perfect fit. Whether you're working with necklaces, bracelets, or anklets, this step-by-step guide will help you master the art of adjusting your jewelry's length.

Materials Needed

• Your jewelry piece that needs shortening
• Flush cutters or sharp scissors
• Crimping pliers
• Crimp tubes (sized appropriately for your jewelry cord)
• Beading mat or towel to protect your work surface

Step-by-Step Tutorial

1. Begin by laying your jewelry piece flat on your beading mat or towel. Identify the area where you'd like to shorten the length.
2. Using your flush cutters or sharp scissors, carefully cut through the cord at the desired point. Make sure to cut straight across for a clean edge.
3. Take a crimp tube and slide it onto one end of the cut cord. Thread the cord back through the crimp tube, creating a small loop.
4. Using your crimping pliers, gently squeeze the crimp tube to secure it in place. Start with the outer notches of the pliers, then finish with the inner notches for a clean, rounded crimp.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 on the other end of the cut cord.
6. Trim away any excess cord, leaving a short tail of about 1/8 inch beyond the crimped area.
7. If desired, you can add a dab of glue inside the crimp tube before crimping for extra security.

Tip: When cutting your jewelry cord, make sure to measure twice and cut once to avoid accidentally shortening it too much.

Customization Ideas & Inspiration

Now that you know how to shorten your jewelry, you can experiment with different lengths to create custom fits for various necklines or wrist sizes. Consider these ideas:

• Create an adjustable bracelet by adding a chain extender with a lobster clasp.
• Layer multiple necklaces of different lengths for a trendy, bohemian look.
• Shorten a long pendant necklace to create a choker-style piece.

Remember, the key to successful jewelry customization is to have fun and let your creativity shine!

Conclusion

With this simple technique for shortening your jewelry, you'll never have to settle for ill-fitting pieces again. By following these step-by-step instructions and adding your own creative flair, you can transform your jewelry collection to perfectly suit your style and comfort preferences.

We hope this Better Beader tutorial has inspired you to take control of your jewelry's length and explore new design possibilities. Share your shortened jewelry creations with us in the comments below, and feel free to ask any questions you may have along the way. Happy beading!