Quick Tip Tuesday: Use Tape as a Bead Stopper on Memory Wire

I love to work with memory wire. I find memory wire projects to be fun, fast and easy, which serves as a nice contrast to some of my more complicated bead woven or bead embroidered projects. There are various ways to finish memory wire ends but probably the most common is to just create a simple wire loop on each end.

Because memory wire needs to be such a strong wire to hold its shape, it means that once you create that simple loop on the end, you are committed to it and there really is no going back (unless you cut it off). But what if you want to change your design? Do you have to slide off all your beads? My solution is to not finish the memory wire end when I start the project but instead put a piece of tape over the last 1/4" of it. The tape works as a handy bead stopper. This way I can string all my beads and if I don't like something, I just remove the tape and slide off as many beads a I want. Once I am happy with my design I then go in and create my loops.

- Julie