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Ask the Experts Topcoats and Glazes Q&A

Q: Hi, I would like to make charms using polymer clay and crystals (gluing them back on after baking) and then apply a shiny glaze so that the charms are glossy. Is this possible over the crystals or will they lose their sheen?

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Ask the Experts Storing Metal Findings Q&A

Q: Should you store metal findings out of their original packages or is it best to leave them in the packages? I inadvertently left a lot of mine out of their packages and in drawers of the little plastic cabinets I was storing them in. Oddly some of both were in good shape and others not so much. Can you advise as to which is recommended?

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Ask the Experts Twister Clasp Q&A

Q: I am having trouble understanding how the twister clasp works. Is there a video on this?

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Ask the Experts Rhinestones Q&A

Q: I've never worked with flat-back rhinestones and want to apply some to a flat mother-of-pearl teardrop earring. What would work best for this, hot fix or not hot fix? I generally use the G-S Hypo cement for glue, would this be okay to use in this application?

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Ask the Experts Mermaid Glass Q&A

Q: I have a question about "Mermaid Glass" beads. I'm in the process of setting up an Etsy shop which includes some items with these beads. Am I permitted to use the term "Mermaid Glass beads" in my description or title for these items, or is special permission needed? Thanks!

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Ask the Experts Bead Caps Q&A

Q: How do I finish beads with bead caps? I love the professional finish the caps bring to the beads but don't know how to use them.

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Ask the Experts Q&A

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.

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Ask the Experts Q&A

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?

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Ask the Experts Q&A

Q: What size settings do you use with what size cabochons?

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Ask the Experts Q&A

Q: Mom wants to make some clip-on earrings with her seashells. How do I do this?

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Ask the Experts Pearls Q&A

Q: What is the difference between saltwater and freshwater pearls?

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Ask the Experts Needles Q&A

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

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Ask the Experts Tools Q&A

Q: When I use my split ring pliers to open the ring and put a charm on, I seem to "ruin" the ring. It doesn't close back up properly, but remains separated from the center. Am I opening them incorrectly?

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Ask the Experts Hot-Fix Crystals Q&A

Q: Can garments which have been embellished with hot fix rhinestones be ironed safely? Or will the heat of the ironing cause them to un-adhere? I would be ironing at synthetic or silk settings, not at high.

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Ask the Experts Crochet Q&A

Q: I would like to know what wire to use for bead crochet.

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Ask the Experts Gemstones Q&A

Q: I recently collected a lot of small stones and pebbles on the beach and want to wire wrap them and turn them into pendants. However, after the stones dried, they lost some of the appeal that made me pick them up in the first place. How can I treat the stones to give them the ''just out of the ocean'' look again? And I need this to be permanent and safe to wear. Thank you,

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Ask the Experts Wire-Wrapping Q&A

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

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Ask the Experts Cord Coils Q&A

Q: How do you secure cord coils to rubber cord? The fit is pretty tight, but is there some way to secure it further? Thanks.

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Ask the Experts Copper Q&A

Q: I would like to start using pure copper beads and findings, but I'm not sure about whether or not they can be cleaned at all, and if so, how? What about copper plated items?

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Ask the Experts Business Competition Q&A

Q: A customer of mine told me that a competitor was bad-mouthing my business. We're in a small town, and I know the competitor. What should I do?

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Ask the Experts Memory Wire Q&A

Q: How do you cut memory wire into individual loops for use with strand separators?

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Ask the Experts Stringing Q&A

Q: Hi, I am new at jewelry-making. Do I have to use a beading needle with the Accu-Flex® wire? Will it speed up the process? Thanks!

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Ask the Experts Cupchain Mesh Q&A

Q: I'm curious about cup chain and cup-chain link mesh. Exactly what is it and how is it used? Thank you

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Ask the Experts Business/Pricing Q&A

Q: I am looking to sell my jewelry online. Do I need to get a business number if I only plan on selling $100 or $200 worth of jewelry each year, if I am lucky?

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