Techniques used with stoppers

Stoppers are small seed beads. They can be used in two ways:

   1) they can be used in jewelry designs and
   2) as a knot would be used, where the stopper is squeezed flat against the string.

• Used in designs, for some necklace designs it will be necessary to simply squeeze a stopper flat against the string at various places. Doing so divides the design into parts. Using varying beads per section will of course allow you to create a different design altogether
  
  
  1. String the seed beads as desired. String a stopper and use pliers to nip it flat

  

  2. Stoppers are used to maintain and create a design's form

  

• Using stoppers in place of knots
  
  
  1. Use a stopper to act as a knot. Firstly use pliers to nip the stopper flat against the sling or wire. String an end cap and close it over the stopper

  

  2. Using another style
  
  
  • String a stopper and a lobster clasp
  • Then pull the string around the lobster clasp and back through the stopper
  • Use pliers to nip the stopper flat against the sling or string
  • String about 3-4 seed beads and cut away any excess string