Crackled Glass Beads

The Beginner Wire Jewelry Class is officially over (sad face) but I’ve come out of it with great knowledge of how to make wire jewellery and findings.

Now, I’m back on my bead train. Recently, I received some round crackled glass beads for my store. They are gorgeous! I was so excited while I was unpacking them and seeing all the different colours.

How Do They Make Crackled Glass Beads?

The crackled effect that you see when you look at these glass beads is achieved by immersing the beads in cold water while the glass is still hot. This causes the glass to crack. Reheating the beads seals the cracks and gives a smooth finish.

Simple Crackled Glass Beads Tutorial

These beads can be used in a variety of projects but I’ve started off by making a very simple strung necklace. I usually focus on beadweaving but I do sometimes incorporate different techniques so it’s important to know how to use them.

 

Materials used

Materials Needed:
20 inches- 7 strand Flexrite Wire  0.018″ diameter
2- 2×2 crimp tubes
2- wire protectors
3- jumpring
1- lobster clasp
crackled glass beads
crimping pliers
basic jewellery pliers: flat nose, chain nose, sidecutter

Step 1: Slide one crimp tube onto your beading wire.

Step 2: Push the beading wire through one end of your wire protector and then back through the next end.

Step 3: Thread the wire back through the crimp tube and close the crimp tube with your crimping pliers.

Steps 1, 2 and 3

Step 4: Add beads until you reach your desired length. I like to make my necklaces approximately 17.5″ long. Remember to leave a minimum of half-inch for your clasp.

Step 5: Add the other crimp tube.

Step 6: Thread the beading wire through the second wire protector and back through the crimp tube and a couple of beads.

Steps 4, 5 and 6

Step 7: Close crimp tube and trim excess beading wire.

Enjoy your finished necklace!

You can easily make a shorter version of this to make a matching bracelet.