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| 3-link pointed oval chain |
I have been working on a custom order piece this week, but took some time out to play with the pointed oval from Diane Fitzgerald's book
Shaped Beadwork. I made this little chain as well as an embellished link. I used Fireline and Toho Treasures. A thread burner is on my wish list, but in the meantime I've been playing around with various methods of achieving the same result. I've heated a metal skewer, a toothpick, and tried using an old heated eyelash curler. Nothing really worked. I did not, however, melt my cord ends with a lighter as suggested in
Shaped Beadwork. Just thinking about this gave me anxiety.
What do you do with the ends of your threads after you cut them? Should I shell out the $25 for a thread burner? Do you have a better way?
I usually weave my threads back through the beads or weave them back into the middle of a tube. I occasionally use my thread burner, but find I must be very careful how close I to either the main thread or the beads. When the burner tip wears out, the replacement tip is not cheap! Your work is absolutely beautiful!
ReplyDeleteYes, I do the same with the weaving back into the piece. I thought a thread burner might be an expensive toy with some drawbacks.
ReplyDeleteLois - you executed those pointed ovals perfectly - they look gorgeous. I also weave my thread back into the piece, and then I pull the thread as taught as I can and you sharp nail clippers and cut the thread as close to the bead as possible. Typically - the thread contracts back into the bead and I never see it again!
ReplyDeleteFirstly those links look awesome!
ReplyDeleteMy tip is to use a stick of incense. You don't have a flame but there is enough heat in the burning end to melt the thread. I do this all the time and it works a treat... no risk of setting the piece on fire and no burnt fingers... and a nice fragrance too!!
Give it a go!!
Karyn
Australia
Beautiful links!
ReplyDeleteI took the hint. It is on it's way to SoGA
ReplyDeleteThank you, I was just about to ask you but thought I'd see the latest at my favorite blog.
Love the new look, This is a woman I know and respect.
Love,
Mom