Q: I am making bracelets using 4.6mm alphabet letters and 2mm leather cording. My letters (arranged into a word) are centered on the cord. To hold them in place so they don't slide, I tie a knot on each side of the word. I am looking to use some type of bead, crimp or something instead of the knot to prevent the letters from sliding on the cord. Any suggestions? I saw something called smart beads but I don't think the hole is big enough to fit the 2mm leather through it.

Q: I am looking for hypoallergenic earring posts. My sister has had success with Rhodium plated and platinum plated earrings. Can you recommend anything for me?

Discover the reasons and techniques for cleaning enamel prior to application, through these simple illustrated instructions.

Q: What needle should I use for my seed bead project?

This crazy lace agate and Czech glass necklace project includes crimp tubes with loops, multiple chains and a side closure. Make your own with Tammy Honaman's how-to video!

Want to know more about polymer clay? Read on to learn what it’s made of, what it can be used for and how to cure clay designs.

Jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman shows how to finish and polish metal jewelry.

Bezels are an ideal finding to use when you're working with cabochons and flat back crystals. Tammy Honaman, author and jewelry-making expert, is here to tell you all about them.

Looking for wireworking pliers that won't mar wire or metal sheet? Jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman shares pliers that won’t make marks on wire in this informative article.

Spend less time finding a specific color in your seed bead collection and more time actually using them! Tammy Honaman shares her personal tips for organizing seed-beading spaces.

Jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman explores work hardening metal in this informative article. Learn how to make gold, sterling silver, sterling silver-filled, copper, brass, bronze and nickel metal rigid or malleable to suit your design needs.

One of the most important things in jewelry-making is having the right tools. Check out this handy guide to jewelry-making hand tools to learn the right tool for every job, ensuring a professional-looking finish every time.

Mixing your own polymer clay colors can make it difficult to match shades. This article by Tammy Honaman shows a new, easy way to blend the right colors every time.

There is a lot of metal sheet for you to pick from when you're making your metal jewelry. That is why all of them have been assembled into one chart.

Author and jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman provides you with plenty of tips and tricks for using enameling in your own jewelry-making processes.

Tammy Honaman shows you the tools and techniques needed for soft and hard soldering.

The benefits of torch-firing enamel can be incredible for your designs as you don't need to rely on a bulky kiln. The end result is beautiful enameled beads and metal just for you.

Using cold connections can really change how your jewelry comes together. Find out what metalsmithing master Tammy Honaman says are some of the best tools for cold connecting metal.

Bead stringing is the backbone of many designs; the rest can be done with a few jewelry-making fundamentals. Learn the fundamentals you need to create your own jewelry lines.

Q: Which precious metal wire forms the best, and does it hold its shape?

Have you never worked with leather before? It can be tough (heh) sometimes but don’t worry, Tammy Honaman is here to guide you like only a jewelry-making expert can.

Find the answers to your questions about sterling silver-filled wire and findings in this performance results test conducted by jewelry-making experts. Discover why this metal offer a tremendous value and amazing workability.

There are two styles of glass cutters: dry and oil-filled. This tutorial shows how to use both types, each with illustrated step-by-step instructions.

Firing enamel in a kiln might appear challenging, but fear not—these step-by-step instructions empower you to confidently and safely craft brilliant, gleaming jewelry projects.

Q: I love the look of the gold-plated beads with my gemstones but they "turn" or tarnish with only one or two wearings, and then they look awful! Is there anything I can do to stop this? I can't afford to use the real thing.

Q: I have seen a necklace that I would love to make, but I need advice on the clasp at the back. The necklace was 10 strands of silk thread with pearls and crystals knotted about 1 to 1-1/2 inches apart. It looked like a crimp with a loop that finished it off, but I am unsure which one to order to complete the necklace, or even if this is the right way to go. Can you please advise? Thanks so much!

Q: I have made and sold over 50 beaded lanyards since November. Now all of a sudden people are coming back because they have broken. I used Accu-Flex® beading wire 7 strand 0.019 clear for stringing. Do you have any suggestions for something stronger? I have a large order coming up and really don't want to restring.

Q: Would you please explain the differences of sterling silver wire dead soft/half hard and what type of projects they are best suited for. Thank you much!

Q: When working with wood beads, what type of stringing material works best?

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

Q: Do you know of a way to clean cat's eye beads?

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: How do I get my pieces clean after people handle it at a show, and get fingerprints off, too?

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: What kind of dye can I use on bone beads?

Q: Can crimp beads be used with thread?

Q: What is the difference between side clamp-on, standard and bottom clamp-on bead tips?

Q: What does "gold-filled" mean?

Q: Can any size bead be used for tubular peyote, or is it confined to the smaller beads? What shape bead works best?

Q: How can Thread Magic® help my seed beading?

Q: What is French wire and how do you use it?

Q: What is the best wire for a beginner to use for wire wrapping?

Craft delicate, intricate and exhilarating chain designs. These user-friendly instructions will guide you in creating your own custom links.

Q: Is titanium a good metal for someone with allergies?

Q: What type of string or cord should I use for glass beads? I have glass bunnies and other beads but don't know how to get started for a bracelet or necklace. Help!!

Q: Can bead tips be used with Accu-Flex® beading wire?

Q: Which gauge of Accu-Flex beading wire is smallest? Does Accu-Flex beading wire fray?