Which bead do you use for what?
(and how much wire do you need?)
Teething ring
Preferably use a teething ring 12 to 14 beads of 15 mm. This makes a nice, sleek ring.
If you combine different sizes or shapes, you sometimes need a little more beads. Angular beads in particular require a slightly larger ring, so that no wire becomes visible between the beads.
Beads smaller than about 15 mm are less suitable. Be an exception to this lentils: these can be useful if, for example, you want to string on a longer name, while the ring still remains nice and round.
Always use for a teething ring at least 1 meter of satin thread. A little too much thread works better than just too little, especially because with a teething ring you thread through the same bead several times. This also means that a basting needle is necessary.
Pay close attention to the shape of the beads:
do not use beads with thin pieces or protrusions that could be bitten off, and avoid beads that deform significantly when the wire is tightened.
Summary – teething ring
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± 12–14 beads of 15 mm
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No small or fragile shapes
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At least 1 meter of satin thread
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Basting needle required
Pacifier clip
For pacifier cords I always work with beads at least 14 to 15 mm. Larger beads than 19 mm quickly make a pacifier cord heavy and coarse.
You use average 9 to 12 beads. With more beads, the cord quickly becomes too long.
Always keep the safety guideline in mind:
a pacifier clip is allowed be a maximum of 22 cm long, including loop but without clip. Please note that a pacifier cord can stretch slightly during use.
For a pacifier clip you need at least: 1 meter satin thread necessary, but I recommend 2 meters to order. That works better when tying knots. A beading needle and pliers are also needed here, because you will be threading through the same bead several times. I don't use the burning method myself. (With this method you melt the satin thread together through 1 continuous 'loop', then thread the beads on it, and finish by tying a loop)
Always use pacifier cords safe, compact shapes.
My exclusive figures such as the bear, bird and owl are specially designed for this. Hexagons are also suitable. Do not add extra accessories, such as rings, as this will cause a pacifier clip to be seen as a toy.
Summary – pacifier clip
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Beads of at least 14–15 mm
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Average 9–12 beads
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Max. length: 22 cm
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Preferably 2 meters of satin thread
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Only safe, compact shapes
Easy to assemble and measure? Order one Bead board for pacifier cords.
Keychain
You can make keychains in two ways:
with keychain sticks (where you only have to slide the beads on), or with satin thread and a key ring or carabiner.
The advantage of working with wire is that you determine the length yourself. With rods, the beads must fit exactly, which can sometimes be a bit of a puzzle. It can help to get inspiration online; More and more key rings are being made with silicone beads.
I will add examples to the website in the near future. Are you unsure whether a combination is suitable? Then you can always ask me that.
Pen
Making a pen works the same as a key ring with a rod: you slide the beads onto it.
Here too it is important that the combination fits exactly. Good to know: combinations that fit on pens also fit on key ring sticks. There is only slightly more space on pencils.
Examples of the pens are also available on the website. And are you in doubt? Then I would like to think along with you.
Children's chain (3+)
Children's chains are intended for children from 3 years. This means that there is (almost) complete teeth with sharp teeth. Therefore, beads are smaller than 15mm not suitable for this.
Order for a children's necklace 1 meter satin thread.
Thanks to the safety lock, the chain comes loose as soon as a child gets caught on something.
Are you making a necklace for a child who really bites the beads? Then check carefully for damage before each use. For heavy biters, I recommend not using angular beads; edges quickly invite you to nibble.
Summary – children's chain
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Only 3+
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Beads ≥ 15 mm
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1 meter satin thread
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Check regularly for damage
Nursing Necklace
One Nursing Necklace is intended for play during feeding and to satisfy the need for biting when the first teeth emerge. In principle, all beads are suitable for this.
Do you tie knots between the beads? Then you have 2 meters of satin thread necessary.
Without knots the length is approx 85 cm usual and 1 meter is sufficient.
One Nursing Necklace you wear always yourself. Never give a chain to a child; a chain is much too long for that.
Finally: safety
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Teething rings are seen as toys → testing is mandatory upon sale
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Pacifier chains must comply with guidelines → testing is strongly recommended when selling
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Necklaces are not toys
Only allow children (always 3+) to wear chains under supervision and check them regularly for wear