how to string beads on wire

I made a video on how to string beads on wire many years ago. I made an updated video with with more tips on how to string beads onto wire and a bonus idea.

I also partnered with Lauren Harpster at Bead & Blossom and started a new facebook group called “Learn French Beading.” This group is intended to be a community where we can learn together and share our recent projects. Designers and beaders of all levels are welcome. You are welcome to share any projects, tips, or ask any questions related to French Beaded flowers.

 

This is the transcript of the video if you need a condensed version:

Hi everyone, this is Fen Li, designer here at the Bead Flora Studio. Most people think that making French beaded flowers is hard because it’s tedious to put beads on wire. And I’m here to dispel that myth because it’s not when you have the right tools. There is absolutely no need to put the beads onto the wire one by one. Though I did put the beads onto the wire one by one when I first started making beaded flowers. Please don’t do that! I will show better ways! I use a tool called a bead spinner. It’s pretty inexpensive. I’ll put a link in the description with where to buy them. And if you can’t get one, I have a video on how to make a homemade one. And if you can’t make it, I have other methods for you. 

In this video, I’ll show you three ways to put beads on wire. This is an updated video so I can share more tips with you. 

  1. Using a bead spinner. 2. The scooping method. 3. Put the beads directly onto the wire from a hank of beads.

First, we’ll be using the tool called a bead spinner. There are standard sizes and there are mini bead spinners. Either will work. 

The thing with spinners is that the more beads there are in the bowl, the easier it is to get the beads onto the wire. Most bead spinners come with needles. So shape your wire into a hook like the needle. Spin the spindle really fast counter-clock-wise and then let go and place the hooked part facing away from me over the spindle. 

The thing here is to place the hook in the spinner so that it is just hovering above the beads and by chance the beads will jump on. Once you have a few inches on, move the beads down onto the wire and start again. 

Find the way that works best for you. Some people have the the hook part facing down or facing another way. What works best for me is to have the hook facing away from me. 

The second way to string beads onto the wire is the scooping method. For this method, use a small plastic container. Tip the container and scoop the beads onto the wire. You won’t get the beads onto the wire as fast as the bead spinner but it is an improvement from stringing the beads onto the wire one by one. 

Lastly, if you buy beads by the hank, you can string the beads straight from the hank onto the wire. Pull off one of the strings from the hank and thread the wire onto the beads and move them onto the wire and pull the thread out. It’s not as fast as using a bead spinner but again, it’s still a better alternative than putting the beads onto the wire one by one. 

Awhile back, I had someone comment that they use a lazy as a bead spinner to put the beads onto the wire. So basically put a cup of beads onto the lazy-susan. Spin the lazy-susan and put the wire in there to get the beads onto the wire. And I wanted to give that a try. 

So I did get some beads on there. But I don’t like the friction of the lazy-susan. It’s pretty awkward and not smooth like my bead spinner. Maybe because of how big it is. It’s plastic. If you have a wooden one, that may work a lot better. 

Do you have more tips on how to string beads onto wire? Drop me a comment and let me know. I love learning new ways of doing things! If you made any of my designs, I always love seeing them. Connect with me on facebook, instagram, and my website at BeadFlora.com. 

I partnered with Lauren Harpster over at Bead & Blossom and started a new facebook group called Learn French Beading. Yup, I know. Two of your favorite designers collaborating to make an incredible learning experience for you. Come join us! I’ll put a link in the description to join. 

Thanks so much for watching and I will see you in the next video. Bye.