Tuesday, August 10, 2010

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

11 comments:

Pepita said...

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

Alice said...

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!

Hazel Ward said...

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!)

m.e. said...

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

Unknown said...

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
pixybugdesigns@hotmail.com

Rebecca said...

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!

Anonymous said...

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

Unknown said...

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!

Karen M said...

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

Susanna Originals said...

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

PW at Inspired Vintage Style said...

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!