Jewelry Making Resources | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

White Out! Embracing the White Trend in Jewelry

Explore the timeless elegance and versatility of the white trend in jewelry, offering endless design possibilities for DIY jewelry makers, from minimalist to bold statement pieces.

How to Be Inspired By (but not copy) Jewelry

Here’s a helpful guide and examples for jewelry makers on finding design inspiration without copying.

Earrings

Fabulous sparkle emanates from spiral wire wrapped faceted rondelle beads and jet briolette drops in this chic earring design using wire, crystal beads and bead caps created by award-winning jewelry maker Lisa Pavelka.

Design Idea K711

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6 Essential Jewelry Making Techniques You Need to Know

Follow along as Patti shares her list top tools and materials every jewelry maker needs for various techniques.

Video Length 8:14

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Metaphysical Properties

When jewelry makers encounter information about gemstones, they frequently discover where a stone is mined, what it's made of and the phrase "metaphysical properties." What is that information and how can a jewelry maker use it in designs?

Seed Beads 101: A Jewelry-Maker's Guide to Seed Beads

A Jewelry-Maker's Guide to Seed Beads gives you the valuable knowledge you need to buy the right, beads, design with confidence and spark your designer's imagination.

Ergonomics for Beaders

Ergonomics is the actions and equipment designed to prevent injury to the human body. This article explains why beaders and jewelry makers need to consider how repetitive motion, vibration and awkward posture can affect their health, productive ability and enjoyment of their craft.

Size Does Matter: Making Jewelry with the Proper Fit

It's an old joke, in some circles: size doesn't matter. Yet, jewelry that doesn't fit simply doesn't get purchased. And if purchased, could get returned, with cost to the jewelry maker in both money and reputation. This is especially important for...

Jewelry Maker's Guide to Gift-Giving: 10 Things Every Gifter Should Know

Gift-giving can be stressful for all of us at times. This article gives you ten tips to help you in your gift-giving endeavors.

A Jewelry-Maker's Advent Calendar

Advent calendars are a fun way to count down the days to Christmas, but what about using it as a jewelry-making challenge? This advent calendar has you making one piece a day, so better get started!

Wubbers® Pliers

Patti Bullard has invented a better set of tools, and jewelry makers are beating a path to buy her line of Wubbers pliers.

The Beadmakers' Handbook

The first openly available resource for the beader and jewelry maker, the Beadmakers' Handbook includes bead-stringing designs and techniques. Download the free PDF and discover where it all began!

A Jewelry Maker's Portfolio

Put your best bead forward and easily share your work with a jewelry makers portfolio. Learn tips and tricks to creating your own in this helpful article.

Ask the Experts Molds Q&A

Q: I am interested in creating my own jewelry company. I have started out by making bracelets, however I need to separate my bracelets from other bracelet makers. I have many ideas of beads I want to design myself but am not sure how to go about getting them created. For example, some companies have their logos as pendants on a lot of their jewelry. I want to make a logo pendant for my bracelets but am not sure how to "create" it. Are there jewelry supply companies that can make my logo into a pendant or is this something I have to create on my own?

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Ask the Experts Choosing a Bead Tip Q&A

Q: I'm sort of a beginning jewelry maker and wanted to know, how do you know which kind of bead tip to use: bottom vs. side? I'm trying to make a 3-strand (varying lengths) wire necklace.

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Ask the Experts Shows Q&A

Q: A friend of mine is a jewelry maker whose style is very different from mine. We both want to sell at the same local arts event, and she suggested we split a booth and sell together to save money. I'm not sure if I should take her up on this offer because of any hard feelings if one of us sells more than the other.

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Making a Butterfly Polymer Clay Cane

Polymer clay canes are a versatile staple in the jewelry-maker's skill set. Learn how to make butterfly-wing canes with these instructions.

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How to Use a WigJig Jewelry Tool

Learn how to use a wireworking jig with this step-by-step tutorial. Includes tips and tricks from the makers of the WigJig.

Design Idea A76E

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Picot Stitch

Learn the picot stitch from jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman in this step-by-step guide. Discover why jewelry makers love this versatile stitch for seed bead designs.

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Jewelry-Making Contest Winners

Each year we are amazed by the exceptional talent and creativity displayed in entries by jewelry makers. View their artistry, craftmanship, and innovation.

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Secrets to Simple Loops

The simple loop is a must-learn basic jewelry-making technique. Follow along with step-by-step instructions by expert jewelry maker Tammy Honaman.

Video Length 1:12

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Secrets to Professional Crimping

Learn a handy secret or two (or three) from expert jewelry maker, Tammy Honaman, on how to crimp as effectively as possible when professionally finishing jewelry designs.

Video Length 1:41

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Secrets to Crimping with Crimp Tubes

Finish beading wire securely with crimp tubes. Expert jewelry maker and instructor Tammy Honaman shows how to use them to add clasps to the end of your jewelry.

Video Length 1:29

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Secrets to an Overhand Knot

Learn how to make an overhand knot, commonly used for working with cord. A 3D visual and demonstration by expert jewelry maker, Tammy Honaman, make it a cinch.

Video Length 0:28

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