Comments on: Tools Of The Trade http://blog.auntiesbeads.com/2009/02/19/tools-of-the-trade/ We're Beaders Too! Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:55:45 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Shanna http://blog.auntiesbeads.com/2009/02/19/tools-of-the-trade/#comment-199 Shanna Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:53:31 +0000 http://blog.auntiesbeads.com/?p=111#comment-199 Hello! I think the 2 most important factors when deciding on tools are durability and comfort. For the pliers (round nose and chain nose), I recommended the Beadsmith ergo pliers. They have a nice cushioned handle that is contoured and rounded so it fits well and minimizes the strain on your hands when you are doing a lot of wire work. The blue text in # 3 and # 4 (where it names the pliers) is actually a clickable link that will take you directly to those products. Also, when purchasing chain nose pliers, you will want to buy 2 pair; this comes in handy for opening and closing jump rings as they will not mar the surface of the ring. As for cutters, I prefer using the Beadalon Nipper tool. If you do a lot of wire and/or chain cutting, the blade may dull over time but these cutters are perfect for beading projects. They have an angled blade that gets between beads nicely so your wires will not show. Those 3 tools will be the best--and most used--in your box. I recommended the memory wire shears because I work with chain a lot and this product is great for cutting heavier (especially plated) chains. This will also minimize wear and tear on your Nipper tool. I hope that helps. Best wishes to you in your beading endeavors! Shanna, Auntie's Beads' Designer Hello!
I think the 2 most important factors when deciding on tools are durability and comfort.
For the pliers (round nose and chain nose), I recommended the Beadsmith ergo pliers. They have a nice cushioned handle that is contoured and rounded so it fits well and minimizes the strain on your hands when you are doing a lot of wire work. The blue text in # 3 and # 4 (where it names the pliers) is actually a clickable link that will take you directly to those products. Also, when purchasing chain nose pliers, you will want to buy 2 pair; this comes in handy for opening and closing jump rings as they will not mar the surface of the ring.
As for cutters, I prefer using the Beadalon Nipper tool. If you do a lot of wire and/or chain cutting, the blade may dull over time but these cutters are perfect for beading projects. They have an angled blade that gets between beads nicely so your wires will not show.
Those 3 tools will be the best–and most used–in your box. I recommended the memory wire shears because I work with chain a lot and this product is great for cutting heavier (especially plated) chains. This will also minimize wear and tear on your Nipper tool.
I hope that helps. Best wishes to you in your beading endeavors!

Shanna, Auntie’s Beads’ Designer

]]> By: maz58 http://blog.auntiesbeads.com/2009/02/19/tools-of-the-trade/#comment-193 maz58 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:34:57 +0000 http://blog.auntiesbeads.com/?p=111#comment-193 Hi Shanna, I was just reading your blog, and as I'm new to beading and have been using some houshold tools, I was glad to see your 'Tools Of The Trade' posting. Although I would like to buy the very best tools, I have to consider costs. As a new beading crafter, and someone who learns quickly and who wants to hone skills and techniques, what would you therefore advise someone like me? Comfort is of importance too as I have mild Arthritis and require minimum stress on joints and wrists. Hope you can come back to me as soos as you can. Hi Shanna, I was just reading your blog, and as I’m new to beading and have been using some houshold tools, I was glad to see your ‘Tools Of The Trade’ posting. Although I would like to buy the very best tools, I have to consider costs. As a new beading crafter, and someone who learns quickly and who wants to hone skills and techniques, what would you therefore advise someone like me? Comfort is of importance too as I have mild Arthritis and require minimum stress on joints and wrists. Hope you can come back to me as soos as you can.

]]> By: Hedwig C. Swanson http://blog.auntiesbeads.com/2009/02/19/tools-of-the-trade/#comment-129 Hedwig C. Swanson Sun, 22 Mar 2009 04:22:06 +0000 http://blog.auntiesbeads.com/?p=111#comment-129 I agree with your list of tools, especally tweezers. I've had a weird little tool for years that never leaves my workdesk. It is about 6 inches with thin tweezers at one end and a small bead scoop (1 in by 3/4 in) at the other. Helps pick up the beads the cat knocks on the floor . . . I agree with your list of tools, especally tweezers. I’ve had a weird little tool for years that never leaves my workdesk. It is about 6 inches with thin tweezers at one end and a small bead scoop (1 in by 3/4 in) at the other. Helps pick up the beads the cat knocks on the floor . . .

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