DIY Network

Illusion Hair Beads by Jackie Guerra From "Jewelry Making" episode DJMK-405

Host Jackie Guerra shares her technique for making illusion hair beads.

Materials --

Accuflex extra pliable beading wire
Assorted pink beads
Silver crimp beads
2 small jump rings
10" elasticized black velvet ribbon into a circle
Low-tack masking tape
Scissors
Bead crimper

advertisement

	Figure A
	Figure B

1. Measure around your head and multiply that number by four.

2. For a 22" head, cut 88" of Accuflex beading wire and divide that into four equal sections.

3. Start with section one and string the beads loosely on the bead cord: one crimp bead, one pink bead, one crimp bead. Repeat.

4. Manipulate the pink beads until they are pleasing to you, then lay out the wire with the beads so that it loops back and forth to create four sections. You will want to have about six or seven beads on each portion of the cord.

   Note: Follow the same pattern onto each section.

5. Use masking tape on each end to prevent beads from falling off and also a quarter, a half, and three quarters of the way along the wire (figure A). This separates the groupings of beads.

6. Now space out the beads with their crimps over the 21" of wire in each section, and crimp the silver crimp bead on either side close to the pink bead (figure B). This prevents the pink beads from moving around.

7. With two more crimp beads, run the two ends of the wire through them so the wire seems to be continuous and crimp them.

8. There are now four sections of beading, with two loops on either side. Use the two jumprings to join the two loops together, one on each side.

9. Use the elasticized ribbon to tie together the loops where the jumprings are located. There is now a complete circuit with four strands of beads.

10. When the headband is put on, adjust the strands so that the beads sit on your hair in a pleasing manner. The tightness of the elasticized ribbon can be adjusted to fit your head properly. Approximately 22" is usual for a complete headband.

RESOURCES :

Illusion Hair Beads Tools and Materials
Website: www.firemountaingems.com