Q: How do you know what size thread to use for a necklace strung with knots in between each bead? I have had experience with the beads slipping over the knots.

Q: How do you use spring coils? I often see them in men's jewelry.

Q: I am attempting to make a jeweled leather dog collar. I would like to affix rhinestones and other colored crystal stones to the smooth leather face of the collar. The stones I am using are framed and backed in silver tone metal without rivets or claws to grip the leather. What is the best way to permanently attach these stones to the leather collar?

Q: How do you make earrings for people who don't have pierced ears?

Q: Is there a rule of thumb for what gauge of headpins to use for various projects (i.e. making dangles on earrings, adding a dangle to a bracelet, etc.)?

Q: I've come across the terms "lentil beads" and "melon beads." What are they? How do you describe them?

Q: I am looking for the Crystal Passions® bead colors for all the different cancers. I have breast cancer and want to make bracelets for the nurses at the oncology department at my hospital. I know there are names for them, but they do not match the beads. Can you help?

Q: I have several strands of tiny 2.5mm diamond beads and am in a quandary as to the best way to string them. I've tried fishing line and extra fine beading wire, but I'm not satisfied with the results. I've also tried stringing them onto jump rings I made with 18K 30-gauge wire, but it made them look too spread out. Any suggestions?

Q: I am seeing cabochons used with pictures and words, and I want to use this style to make a 50th wedding anniversary piece for my mom. Is it just printer paper, or is there a certain glue or mounting that has to be used?

Q: I have started making personalized, metal-stamped, sterling necklace charms. I am having a hard time figuring out what type of "necklace" material to use. I love the look of a chain but cannot seem to find spacer beads to fit over the clasps on either end to go between the silver discs. (I do not want to use crimp beads, as I like the movement and changeability of the charms, and this would inhibit it.) Thank you SO much for your time and help!!

Q: I purchased clip-on earring, silver-plated, 18x8mm perforated hoop. What is the best way to attach beads to this item? I have tried several ways and none are satisfactory. Glue? Thread? wire?

Q: I was at SeaWorld and saw a vendor bending wire into people's names to wear as a necklace. Are there instructions on the method used to twist wire into names? And how do they stay intact and not stretch out of shape after wearing for a time? Thank you for your time.

Q: I recently purchased a bead ring from a street vendor. The ring's band is made with a smooth silver wire with two loops, then a bead is attached using a thinner wire which is threaded through the ring's loops and twisted to secure. What kind and gauge of hypo-allergenic wire can be used to make a similar ring for my family and friends?

Q: Lobster Claw clasps: if a large one is needed, do I order a higher mm or lower one? What is your largest size lobster claw clasp?

Q: What kind of wire or string should be used when making a necklace where the beads go all the way around the neck so it will lie flat?

Q: I am new to beading and struggle with understanding bead sizes—especially as I look at websites like Fire Mountain and see beads I like. I haven't been able to find a good size chart to use. Can you recommend one?

Q: What gauge wire is recommended for making wrapped loops? I've tried the 22 and 24. They are too soft, for me, to work with. Would a lower gauge wire work best? I'm a newbie at this. Also, what would be the equivalent gauge size of a wire diameter of, say, .014 or .015"? I've seen only diameters of wires given, and I have no idea how to determine what the gauge would be.

Q: I have some bamboo rattle snake coral that I ordered elsewhere. It is long jagged pieces and I find it to be very ugly so I have put off working with it. Do you have any suggestions about using this product? What else would go with it? Thank you very much.

Q: OOPS! Should have tried on the choker I was making before I added the bar/ring toggle, crimped, and cut the wire--it is too tight! Any suggestions for "extending" the length of a necklace without removing the toggle? I'd hate to re-string it as it was a very intricate (time-consuming) project. Next time, I'll measure twice, cut once!

Q: I have a pair of post earrings that I want to make into dangles but there is no hole. How do I do that?

Q: I'd like to make a very small simple wire chain base for a charm bracelet. Can size 30-34 gauge wire work?

Q: My beaded design is strung on Accu-Flex® wire. I'd like to attach the wire end to several inches of leather or rubber cord before I attach the clasp. I know how to make the connection at the clasp, but what should I use to connect the wire to the cord? I've been looking at cord tips; some have holes, some have loops.

Q: What can you make using 3-3.5 inch head pins with a designer end with loop? I find it is too thick for most of my beads. Any design ideas for them?

Q: I'd like to make a rosary using either wood or glass round beads. What kind of chain do I use? I've never worked with chain before.