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QUESTION:
Hi, I have heard about cinch mount settings but wondered if they are secure as they don't require glue. What are your thoughts please? Thanks!
ANSWER:
I love cinch mount settings! They are simple to use as the cabochons sits inside the setting groove. To secure you just use pliers to close the top of the setting and this encompases the whole cabochon which makes it very secure. I sell these should you want them and the link is below. Thanks for your interesting question, Sue x
CLICK HERE TO SEE CINCH MOUNT SETTINGS
QUESTION:
I make necklaces from seed beads but cant get the callotte to sit close to the seed bead when finishing of a necklace. Someone suggested using crimp beads so can you tell me what size I would need for thread. Thank you.
ANSWER:
2mm crimp beads will be perfect for seed bead necklaces. The silk or cotton thread - or nylon coated jewellery wire will fit perfectly through this size bead. To be extra sure of securing the beads and thread, use crimping pliers and not flat nose pliers.
QUESTION:
Please can you tell me how to secure beads to a necklace because when I tie the thread to the clasp they eventually come loose. Thanks! Jeannie.
ANSWER:
The best way to secure is by using crimp beads or callotte crimps. Crimp beads need to be used with crimping pliers because the pliers perform 2 actions. The first section in the pliers turns the bead into a banana shape and the second notch folds over the banana into a secure ball. This action closes around the threads and the beads will be secured firmly. Callotte cimps require you to tie the thread/s and then form a knot. The crimp is placed around the knot (a dab of glue will add extra security) and then the crimp is closed. The end of the callotte crimp has a loop and this is then opened and closed around the necklace or bracelet clasp. Personally I favour crimp beads as they in my opinion are far more secure. I hope this helps - Sue ~
QUESTION:
Hi, I have seen cabochons mentioned on your sites but don't know how to make jewellery using them and can you explain exactly what a cabochon is please?
ANSWER:
Cabochons are flat backed "stones" which have a domed or faceted shaped front surface. They don't have a hole, they are stuck into pendants of the same size. Cabochons can be made of glass, wood, plastic, semi-precious stones, diamonds and everything else in between. Before fixing cabochons the setting needs to be scratched to ensure a good finished grip. Plastic, wood and solid glass cabochons should also be scratched but never scratch the surface of a cab where the effect can be seen from the front, ie, foil backed cabs or clear glass.
Some settings don't require glue to attach the cab as the cab fits inside a flexible frame. These settings are called cinch mounts.
Cabochons can be wire wrapped too but this does require a degree of expertise.
QUESTION:
Could i ask,do you know which glue would be best to use with your settings and the plastic cabochon stones?It`s been a pleasure buying from and would do so again!thankyou and take care, Kelly.
ANSWER:
Hi Kelly,
First of all I am rally pleased that you are happy with your recent purchase! Now .. on to the adhesive. I have experimented over the years and I highly recommend Araldite. I buy mine from Homebase but you can get it from B&Q and other DIY stores. The best Araldite to use is in the form of a double syringe with red pushers.
Scratch the surface of the setting where the cabochon goes, and also scratch the back of the cabochon. This gives it "tooth" (If you stick unscratched surfaces they can come apart in time). I have a graphite stick and this is like a thick kind of nail file and it lasts for ever. I lost the stick once and used the sharp end of a knife. Anything sharp will do as long as you scratch enough to create the tooth. However, don't scratch the underside of a transparent glass cabochon or one with a foil back as this will show through from the top.
Don't be tempted to push out too much glue because it's just a waste. I use a cotton bud (with the bud part cut off) to mix the 2 glues together and then leave for a few moments .. and then thinly apply to both surfaces. Leave again for a minute or two, and then put the cab on the setting. Make sure it's on a flat surface so that the cab doesn't slip a little. That's it!
I use the glue with the red pushers because the one with the blue pushers sets far too quickly and you get no chance to move the cabochon if it slips or if you have put it in upside down!
Don't be tempted to use Superglue, it sticks like hell to begin with and then when it dries properly the items come apart. Maybe it's because it's plastic or glass on metal?
Kelly, I have put my 2 websites on the bottom of the email as I have more settings and cabochons on those sites and I also send out emails with new stock info and "How TO" instructions etc so do subscribe if you think you would be interested.
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