Display wire? Pipe cleaners?

[Lisa]

Hi everyone. It's now 4 days before I deliver my beads to Tucson, so the denial/do it later compartment in my head has opened and I am ready to deal with how do I label/string/show focal and bead sets?

What kind of wire or thread do you use? I've got some crafty wire that I think is too thin, like you'd use for bead crochet.

I won't be there selling my own work (Cindy, thanks for repping!), so I need to make it easier on the sales-ringer-upper (positive thinking) so the price doesn't get separated from the bead, and I really don't want to use the whiteout stuff.

When I put a "set" on pipe cleaners it was okay, but the beads didn't turn, and I really think they should move ... so, back to either using something like embroidery thread, or maybe how Lisi threads those cute teeny beads on ribbon?

Thanks for any ideas, I really appreciate it. The business cards are supposed to be coming tomorrow! 8-[

[Rob]

I have seen many different methods. The two I most liked were the displays that used rods, and the display a woman had where she had threaded her sets on a heavy ribbon with cheap ear wires (posts?) on the ends, these she put through a screen in a wooden frame. It stood a three piece thing on one end of her display table and showed off her work really well. The screen was painted with some sort of bright paint that felt a little "rubbery" It was neat looking and displayed from both sides while allowing visibility through it. was a neat idea. the ribbon seemed to work well. she did knot between the beads which was a nice touch. Don't know if that helps but hope so.

Rob.

ps. the screen was painted with her logo - a 6 petaled flower on fire. really caught my eye.

[Val Cox]

Lisa, anything but the pipe-cleaners, those are kind of tacky for Tucson. :) Your ribbon ideas sounds good, I like a heavy silk thread. Good luck, I'm sure they'll look great. Val

[scoutycat]

I agree, pipecleaners make beads look like a kid's craft project. I've used a heavier guage (18, maybe) of colored copper wire like artistic wire sells before. I like that you can easily form spirals and stuff, and match the bead color. Silk ribbon sounds fabulous too.

[Lisa]

Thank you all very much -- this gives me a better handle on things. I like the idea of knotting between beads -- I'll play around with what I have and see what I get. I especially appreciate the wire gauge size -- I've been hoarding my Joann's/Michael's coupons knowing I'd need them!

Lisa

[Dale M.]

How about monofiliment fish line.... It would be almost invisible...

Dale

[Lisa]

How about monofiliment fish line.... It would be almost invisible...

Dale

Do you know the special secret knot to use to keep it closed? I don't want to get into crimping the ends ... but it sure is the right thickness/stiffness isn't it? Thanks.

[kiko]

I use waxed irish linen because it knots so nicely and is inconspicuous. Good luck in Tucson!!

[Dale M.]

Do you know the special secret knot to use to keep it closed? I don't want to get into crimping the ends ... but it sure is the right thickness/stiffness isn't it? Thanks.

Check "fishing sites"....

Actually just double it back on its self and do simple "over hand" knot...

Dale

[Lisa]

Check "fishing sites"....

Actually just double it back on its self and do simple "over hand" knot...

Dale

Thanks - someone else sent me a very helpful P.M. too. I'll post some pics once I decide how to go. L

[Starrr]

You can string the bead sets on the regular brown, hemp, sisal, twine, all the same, double knot the ends and dip the ends, (lightly), in different color acrylic paint to color code.
Use muted colors with white in them, like straw instead of bright yellow, so it won't distract from the bead colors.

Easy to keep track of price tiers
The twine is thick enough so the beads move, but don't slide alot
Looks organic and gives a handmade feel
Cheap and easy to do

Make sure you leave a slight tail on the twine and don't knot to tight so you could always untie.

Good Luck!

[Flame Crazy]

I use fishing line and use crimps for the ends. Just the cheep crimps from Michaels. I like it because it doesn't interfer visually with the beads. For focals I use an oldprinters tray.

[Lisa]

Wow - thanks for all these great ideas -- I never would have thought of twine. I'm thinking of wiring the focals and stringing the sets. Duh. Isn't that what everyone does? I need a brain thump. Oh, wait, we have that here!](*,) :biggrin: