Beaders, I need your expertise...

[michelle]

So of course I couldn’t pick anything easy for my first beaded bezel. (I might be an idiot.) The first time I made this, I made it 78 beads in length, but it was too tight. So I started another with 80 beads, and now it seems too loose. I’ve done only a couple of rounds. Of course I realize it will tighten with each row around, but if there is a little play in it, is that a problem? Or maybe I should back off and do something easier for my first endeavor? I’m leaning towards that. 

[caeterle]

Some of my beaded bezels have a little play as well. As long as the cab doesn't move by itself, so the bail is suddenly in a wrong place, that's not a problem.

Do you have a small round cab? They are great for practising if you really want to do something else first.

Here's another very clear illustrated instruction for beaded bezels.
www.fusionbeads.com/peyote-stitch-bezel


P.S. I'll move this to "Bead with me" because it's not just about showing a WIP, so it will fit better there, I think.

[michelle]

Thanks Cat! I do have a rather fat ceramic bead that seems a better candidate for my first endeavor. And good to know that a little play can be managed. I think I will leave this as is, do the bead so I can get a handle on the whole process. Then come back to the skull. Thanks so much! And thanks for moving my post too!

[lotty64]

Do you have any delica beads to use they are quite often easier to use for a bezel.Size 11s and 15s. The trick with bezels is to try and keep a good tension.

[lotty64]

This is a friend of mine who has a video about bezelling. If you cannot see it let me know.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvnYx5CLQT4

[michelle]

I can see the one you recommended, Caroline. My beads are 11s and 15s, but they Miyuki. Are Delicas better? Going off to watch both videos that you & Cat recommended. Thank you!

[michelle]

Very cool method your friend has there, Caroline! I’m going to try it!

[lotty64]

Miyuki are a good brand so they should be OK. Personally I prefer delicas but it really is personal choice.