Sewing elements onto mesh findings

If you click on PRODUCTS tab on Create-Your-Style.com, you'll see seventeen product categories.  It's amazing that Swarovski produces such wide range of elements.  I want to talk about some of my favorite elements that are mostly used by fashion, dance and accessory industries.  But they can certainly be used in jewelry-making.

Click on METAL TRIMMINGS category, then go to page 2.  Articles 53200 (3.9mm), 53201 (4.3mm),  and 53203 (6.2mm) are my favorites.  They are Chaton Montees, it means they are Round Pointed-Back Stones in pre-mounted metal setting.  The setting has four holes so you can sew, bead, weave in four directions.  These Round Stones come in many colors.  I like Crystal color the most because of its brilliance.  These little gems look like diamonds, affordable diamonds.  Setting is available in Silver or Gun Metal color.

Go back and click on CUPCHAINS and FINDINGS category, you can read the descriptions.  Here is an extract on Findings.

"Findings have a specially designed metal setting that ensures quality but primarily gives prominence to the extreme brilliance of the crystal.  Findings are offered in a large variety of crystal stone colors and platings."

My personal favorite findings are the ones with closed back configuration with two holes.  See Article 13304 on page 1.  As stated in the descriptions, the stones could be in various shapes such as Oval, Baguette, Round, Navette, Pear, Flower, and Square.  These stones are available in many colors and sizes.  Setting could be in Silver or Gold.  They look like polished colored gemstones to me.

Now, let's talk about Non-CRYSTALLIZED elements, mesh findings.  There are two parts.  Top mesh piece (the dome) has pierced holes for beading.  Base piece has prongs that can bend over edges of embellished mesh top. Mesh findings can come as brooches, pendants, earrings, rings, bracelets etc.  The first picture shows a brooch in the middle, a ring on the right, a clasp on the left, and a pair of earrings on the top.  The picture also shows some of the metal trimmings and findings mentioned above.

The next picture shows a set of matching brooch, ring and earrings I made.  If you can sew, you can make something similar.  I used Beadalon 5.7mm big-eyes needles and Power Pro 10 lb. braided thread to sew stones and crystals onto mesh findings.  Or you can use fine wire in 24 or 26 gauge instead of needles and thread.  In order to secure the stones, I went through each stone twice.  Then I tied two knots on the back for extra tightness.  I went through each crystal twice as well.

You can color the mesh findings with nail polish or acrylic paint to match your beads.  It's also a good idea to use matching thread or wire.  You can decide to cover the mesh top completely or partially.  You can add fringes and branches too.  Remember to mark where prongs will bend over and leave space for it.  You can trim prongs if they are too long.  You'll need to file the edges to keep them smooth so they won't scratch the beads.  

Here are some general guidelines and suggestions.

• Search for CRYSTALLIZED Trimmings/Findings and mesh findings to find inspirations. 
• Once you have CRYSTALLIZED Elements and mesh findings at hand, draw outlines of mesh findings on a piece of paper. Arrange CRYSTALLIZED Elements over the drawings until you've come up with the designs you like. Mark stone/bead positions on mesh findings if needed.  
• Add a needle to each thread end, leave a 2-inch tail. 
• Start sewing a stone/bead at the center, two needles should go down two pierced holes nearby. Go back up and go through the stone/bead one more time. Go down and tie two knots at the back of the mesh top.  
• Continue to add stones/beads according to your design. You should be able to go in and out of each hole several times. Remember to tie knots to keep your work tight as you go.
• When you're happy with the dome, place it on top of the base. Bend over the prongs.

It's fun and easy to make unique jewelry with mesh findings.  It's even more special to use CRYSTALLIZED Elements because you can make one of a kind jewelry that will last for a long time.