My Beading Diary

St. Petersburg chain 

My second go at St. Petersburg chain.  This time with embellishment!  The 'beady eyed' among you may notice a tiny mistake here, but hey that's what learning is all about!

Beading Basics

20 gauge (0.8mm)  and 26 gauge (0.4mm)  wire  

Metal Wire


Gold plated, sterling silver, silver plated, copper, coloured - the list of the types of wire available is long!


Different thickness of wire is good for different things.

A 20 gauge wire (0.8mm diameter) is a thicker wire and is good for making findings, spirals, and ornamental designs.

The higher the gauge number the thinner the wire becomes.

A 26 gauge wire (0.4mm diameter) is a thinner wire and good for twisting and tiara making.


I suggest these two gauges as a starting point.


Wire is sold in 'spools'.  What a  great word 'spool'!



Follow this link to see the different gauges available at Beads Unlimited:  

http://www.beadsunlimited.co.uk/Gold-plated-wire/bo916

My Beading Diary

St. Petersburg chain - Done!! 

Here it is - and I can't quite believe it!  St.Petersburg chain completed!!   I am pretty chuffed with my first attempt.

My Beading Diary

I have never, ever, attempted any kind of 'sewing' beading before.

I saw a free video over at Bead TV on how to make St. Petersburg chain
and thought I'd give it a try.... wish me luck!!

St. Petersburg chain in the making!