Adding Beads and Keeping them in Place

Adding Beads

One end of each chain usually features some type of closure,
such as a Lobster clasp or Hinged clasp. The other end of each
chain houses a small connector which fastens to the clasp on the
opposite end of the chain. Simply slide the beads over the open
end of the bracelet or chain to design your story.


Prevent Sliding with Grippers and Clips
Grippers have a rubber washer located in the center which helps to
prevent beads from sliding. These can be used as decorative spacers

or as the last bead on your bracelet or chain. Simply push over the
open end and turn slightly when applying the bead to your bracelet or chain.

Clips are used to help hold beads in place. While opened, you actually place the clip onto the chain and clip it into place.

I recommend using at least one of the clips or grippers and placing them as the last bead on the open end of your bracelet or chain. This will also help prevent your beads from sliding off when you are putting your bracelet or necklace on to wear.


Ann with Reflection Beads

Quest for a Bead

Have you ever sat with your Grandma or Grandpa and listened to the stories that they have to tell? If your experience is anything like mine, these are stories that you can recite word for word as they are being told for the hundredth time. The irony is how much you cherish those same stories once your loved one is taken from this world.

My grandmother was a very religious, typical, little old lady who always had on a "House Dress" and slippers. Her house had a large wrap around porch and was located close to train tracks. Several hours were often spent sitting on that porch, watching trains go by and listening to her stories.

On my quest to find the perfect bead that would best represent my grandma, I started in several different directions. A cross or an angel came to mind, but just didn't feel right. She loved to cook and bake, but that didn't hit home. Then as I was flipping through the Relfection Beads website, I came across the Sterling Silver and Gold Anchor clip bead; it reached out of my monitor and grabbed me. I was completely intrigued as I felt immediately that this was the bead I was looking for; it was perfect. Grandma was the oldest ancestor that I personally knew and was the anchor to my existence. Every story she told me was a monologue of strength that she herself did not see. The anchor = the symbol of hope for future generations.
Researching the meaning of the anchor, I came across a passage that reads:
"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." (Hebrews 6:19)

The anchor clip bead fit my story like the glass slipper fit onto Cinderella's foot-it fit perfectly. Which bead or beads fit perfectly into Your Story?



Ann with Reflection Beads

Choosing a Bracelet

Whether you are new to Reflection Beads or an old pro at telling your story, you may find a tip or two helpful when creating your bracelet, necklace, watch or earrings.

Closures

The Lobster Clasp closure features a fastener that is held closed by a spring. You may
have seen these types of clasps and just didn't know what they were called.

The Hinged Clasp closure gives the illusion of an additional bead. The open end fits into
a groove in the clip and is then snapped closed.

Length
There are two steps used to determine what size bracelet you need.

1. Wrap a string around your wrist, then measure the string with a ruler. This measurement is the actual size of your wrist. You may want to slightly increase this number, depending on how tight you want your bracelet to fit.

2. Once you determine your initial bracelet size, you will need to add extra length in order to accommodate the size beads you choose to wear. Here are a few tips:

• If filling the bracelet with larger beads, such as the Murano glass beads, add 2 inches to the initial size
• If adding a combination of beads, spacers or themed charms, add 1.5 inches
• If adding mostly spacers and charms to a few beads, add 1 inch

Ann with Reflection Beads

I Want to Know What Love Is

It is nearly impossible to turn the radio on and NOT hear a Love Song. Over the ages, just about every artist in every genre has released a love song. While Taylor Swift has “A Love Story", Miley Cyrus is loving and hating “7 Things” about her love interest. Dave Matthews Band expects it to “Crash into Me” and Seal explains it to be like a “Kiss from a Rose”.

Now that we are approaching the month of love, it is time to cherish the people and things that mean the most to us. Like these musical artists, we each express our feelings toward love in different ways. What is life without some sort of love?

Check out our selection of Love and Heart themed beads. If you are not into hearts, there are several themed beads to choose from as well. For a less direct approach, think outside of the box. A nice colored bead can represent anything from a person to an activity that you love to do. The most important thing to remember is to Reflect yourself. This is your story.

Like Foreigner, “I Want to Know What Love Is”--share with us what things you love in your life and the bead that you have chosen to represent this love.


Happy Valentine’s Day,
Ann with Reflection Beads

The Story of You

Have you ever wondered…if the Lifetime Movie Network created a film about your life, which actor or actress would be cast to play your role? I would love to think that Sandra Bullock would fit me to a T, however, I am probably more of a 30 something Delta Burke. But a girl can dream, right?

Although most of our lives are not thrilling enough for television, we each have our own story to tell. The events that happen in our lives mold us into the people we are today.

Reflection Beads provide you with an opportunity to tell your story and display your individuality. Whether you choose to add a bead to mark a point in your life or simply for the fashion aspect, the options are endless. Just like people, no two are alike. So be creative and tell the story of you, “Reflect” yourself.

Ann with Reflections