HOW to MAKE a
ROSARY
STRUNG
+ CHAIN + KNOTTED
Traditionally
prayer counters have been made three basic ways over the centuries.
Records tell us that the knotted cord were probably the earliest with strung
rosaries and chain rosaries following. Each serve their purpose very
well. How a rosary is made may depend on several things: materials
available and/or how they will be used or distributed. So to say one method
is better than the other is not an issue here.
CLOSEUP OF CONNECTORS AND SPACERS
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Most important is to make and distribute them to others, love ones or for our own prayers! It is as simple as that. The rosary is a powerful prayer weapon against evil as it tells the story of the Life of Jesus by his mother, Mary. The instructions below are for the standard 5 decade rosary and may be configured as needed for your choice of devotional chaplets or other prayer needs. SAMPLE ROSARY NOT FOR SALE
CONFIGURATION OF 5 DECADE ROSARY
- STRUNG ROSARIES
- CHAIN ROSARIES
- MAGAZINE ARTICLE
- KNOTTED CORD ROSARIES
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~ CONFIGURATION ~
5 DECADE ROSARY
with
PENDANT
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Not: 2 large Pater beads, one at each end of 3 smaller Ave beads attached to lower ring of rosary center and ending in a crucifix All 4 connecting areas where wire is attached to either the center or cross are the same and design is created through repetition by using functional 'connecting' beads. (Large holed beads for wire to pass through twice.) |
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~ STRUNG ROSARIES ~
INSTRUCTIONS - STRINGING THE BEADS
To save on wire do not cut the needed length of wire from spool. Simply begin stringing beads onto the wire while it is still attached to the spool. This also holds the beads on the wire while you are working. |
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53 < AVE'S > 53 - 8 mm beads
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.019 SOFTFLEX WIRE
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HOW TO CRIMP + Instructions below are from the back of the Crimping Pliers. Technique will remain the same, adapt to your needs. (We normally use two beads at each end for extra strenght) |
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We would encourage you to practice crimping beads before you start. To practice, cut a 6 in length of wire and double it, thread on several crimps and begin the crimping process. (see how to crimp above) It will be important to practice on 2 wires, not 1! For strength, you will want to use 2 crimping beads at each juncture before adding center or cross. Begin by adding starter beads as in image left to right: |
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DECADE of 10 AVE BEADS + Now that you are ready to begin your first decade, you will need to put spacers between each AVE bead of decade. Try 2 or 3 seed beads between each 8mm AVE bead to see which works best for your praying fingers. (Go back and look at first image, noting you will begin your design by counting from the top ring of the center medal.) Continue this sequence until you have completed your first decade of 10, ending with an AVE bead. Now you will be adding your first PATER bead. |
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ADDING PATER BEAD + You will need to create a larger space between last AVE bead and PATER bead by adding more seeds and other decorative beads of your choice. (eg: same beads used next to crimpers may work well - metal caps, etc) Once completed you are ready to start your next decade of 10 AVES. |
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REPEAT SEQUENCE + Repeat sequence until you have completed 5 decades separated by 4 PATER beads ( you will end with an AVE bead, not a PATER bead) DESIGN NOTE At the end of the 5th Decade, repeat A adding two more crimping beads. |
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TO ADD CENTER + 1. Using one of the two top rings of the rosary center, (allowing the lower ring for the pendant) thread about 2 1/2 inches of wire through ring and back through 2 crimps and first 2 beads. 2. Adjust so wire loop is 5 mm or less. Make sure all loops are all the same size. |
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TO FORM CRIMPING BEAD + Go back to A instructions above to review how to use crimping pliers. Technique will remain the same, adapt to your needs. |
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Make sure wire that is looped through the center, 'ender' beads and crimping beads is positioned parallel to itself. If it cross over itself it may cause the rosary to twist at the last minute - then begin crimping: + To form a tight, clean and well shaped crimped bead you will need crimping pliers. Check images above noting difference in shape of the two areas for crimping. (For proper crimping - make sure you hold the pliers so curve points towards you and not away) + 1. Set crimp into inside 'crimper' - crimp bead into a 'c' shape to tighten and secure both wires. 2. Set crimp in outside 'folder or rounder' - to fold and flatten bead back onto itself. 3. In same hole, turn bead 1/4 turn - crimp lightly but firmly again to round bead off. (never work your pliars too hard as the crimp may cut through the wire causing it to break later) It becomes the weakest spot on the rosary if not careful. |
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TO COMPLETE LOOP + CONSTRUCTION NOTE Hold rosary so center hangs down and spool is on top to release and let beads 'settle' on wire. Make sure beads are not caught on wire creating empty spaces by running fingers down the beads several times. This also helps release any twisting of the wire. Cut wire off of spool about 3 inches beyond beads. Repeat E using other top ring and making sure your wire connecting loops are all the same size before crimping. |
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+ TO COMPLETE PENDANT WITH CRUCIFIX, USE TECHNIQUES and IMAGES ABOVE. + DESIGN NOTE note that the 4 'ender' bead configurations are the same. The purpose of this is to create the same design on each end as 3 connect to the center and 1 connects the crucifix. + CONSTRUCTION NOTE Before crimping pendant to center , check to make sure center and crucifix are facing in the same direction. Make sure your wire is parallel to itself as crimping overlapping wires may cause the metals to twist at the last minute. SAMPLE ROSARY NOT FOR SALE
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~ CHAIN ROSARIES ~
INSTRUCTIONS - MAKING THE CHAIN under construction |
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53 < AVE'S > 53 - 8 mm beads
# gauge wire for making chain. (Silver or gold color, Bronze or sterling) TOOLS
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~ KNOTTED CORD ROSARIES ~
link to knotted cord and ranger rosaries
... I am not Catholic but ...
... always been devoted to the rosary ...
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~ MAGAZINE ARTICLE ~
sorry, this issue is now sold out
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Our vision is to provide the finest handmade rosaries, chaplets and other fine religious art forms for personal worship we can make using the best supplies available. The Guild believes the work of our hands should give visual Glory to God, therefore for us, the best for you is very, very important. PRINTABLE INSTRUCTIONS |
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