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OK,
let's
be honest, the little Bead Looms we
all get as gifts (or buy for ourselves at hopeful beginnings) aren't
really as solid feeling or useful as we wish they were, right? Here is
a simple fix. You will need some tools and maybe some help, but it will
all be worth it to turn that little "toy loom" into a life-long beading
companion.
Cut
a piece of 1x6 pine to
a length just 1/2 an inch longer than your
wire
Bead Loom. Cut two 1/8" Table Saw kerf, or Routed slots the length of
the
wood, spaced the same the distance apart as each side of
the loom. Drop the loom in the slots and set in place with four
1/2" screws. Sand all the egdes and corners, and the bottom as well, to
give it a nice, safe, comfy and smooth feel. Staple a piece of dark
cloth, leather, or plastic to the
new wooden base, and THERE YOU ARE!!! A nice, hefty, sturdy.
long-lasting loom where once there was a twisted, bent wire accident
just waiting to happen.
This
loom belongs to one
of my
Granddaughters, but I use it more than she does. It is really a handy
little loom for barrettes and other small pieces. You can wrap the warp
around the little wood dowels, and make longer strips and straps also.
I have made Camera straps, and even a girl's belt. It is just right for
teaching children how to make their first "fat bead" bracelet" The
weight and support of the wood base gives them something they can
depend on to stay put, and yet it's light enough to carry around the
house.
Why
did we staple in the
dark
material? 2 reasons: First, just to cover the slots so it looks nice,
and Second.. to provide a backdrop behind your work so you can see what
you are doing. Here, below, is the loom with a row of spacer beads
set to begin the weave of a new barrette in size 11 beads.
Now,
you are ready to start
using
our many FREE BEADING PATTERNS, and Beadwork
Designs.
Send a photo of your finished piece to share here online.. maybe?? 
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