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The Bead Smith Mandrel

I bought this;

It was a consolation purchase for not being able to buy this;

I was able to make this with my inexpensive shape maker;

Isn’t that awesome!?! I am thinking about wire-wrapping beads to the inside of the links and tying on ribbons to the last links in this particular segment to complete a necklace, but I am eager to get back to shaping metal into large links with my new mandrel that I can solder together for long dramatic chains!

I Heart This Tool!
Much Love & Respect,
Shannon

missficklemedia.com

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11 Comment

  1. Pepita
    August 10, 2010 at 10:06 am

    Looks interesting. Is it one mandrel with different shapes or are there four? What is the biggest diameter?

  2. Alice
    August 10, 2010 at 12:52 pm

    Awesome! I need so many tools, and whenever I see a post like this I add it to my long list of things to buy.

    Love the chain!

  3. Hazel Ward
    August 10, 2010 at 5:21 pm

    That's a pretty good consolation prize! I love to see what people make with new tools, and these look like they have a lot of potential.

    (I'm imagining links combining large circular rings with smaller inner square rings affixed…must buy tool!)

  4. m.e.
    August 10, 2010 at 5:43 pm

    that looks simple and useful.
    And it's so cheap…err …
    I mean inexpensive…
    I couldn't resist it .
    I just bought it too!!!
    😀 m.e.

  5. Pixybug Designs
    August 10, 2010 at 6:02 pm

    Shannon,
    What type of torch do you use to do your soldering of the rings? I have tried a propane (like plumbing torch) and just bought a butane torch. Just wanting your professional opinion. I need all the help I can get! :0P
    Stephanie Haussler
    [email protected]

  6. Rebecca
    August 10, 2010 at 6:49 pm

    Oh I have been looking at those mandrels! I couldn't decide if should get them or just keep using chopsticks, allen wrenches and such. Very cool chain that probably couldn't be made with a large sharpie!

  7. Guido
    August 10, 2010 at 10:23 pm

    . . . hoppla . . a cute tool !!!
    lg
    guido

  8. missficklemedia.com
    August 11, 2010 at 4:03 am

    I have updated the link to more information, including diameter sizes. At less then $20 where ever you but it, it does the job but doesn't make a dent in your account!

    Stephanie, feel free to contact me over etsy conversations if you need any help!

  9. Karen M
    August 11, 2010 at 4:38 am

    Thanks for the idea of the mandrels. I wanted a jumpring maker too, but soooo expensive.
    I agree with Stephanie, I'd like an opinion on torches too, being a newbie to soldering etc a word of experience would be invaluable.
    I blogged about your post Here

  10. Susanna Originals
    August 16, 2010 at 2:07 am

    Very cool tool, thanks for the link. I treated myself to a Dave Arens Koil Kutter but still use a sharpie or my ring mandrel for bigger links. Can't beat the price!
    Susan

  11. PW at Inspired Vintage Style
    August 19, 2010 at 5:48 am

    Thanks for the link, this mandrel with come in handy! What a great price too! Does anyone else get a sore thumb after bending silver? Any advice,maybe I am not depending on my tools enough! My nails are shoot too! Oh it's so worth it!

Comments are closed.