Ask the Experts | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Ask the Experts Beading Q&A

Q: I use Beadalon® 49-strand wire and 7-strand wire. What size crimps and wire protectors should I use on each size? Also, what size will I need if I use the 7-strand wire doubled?

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Ask the Experts Stringing Q&A

Q: I only use FireLine for my wrapped bracelets (chan-lu style) but I find it breaking quite often when I’m making sure tension is correct and all glass beads or semi-precious stones are in place and ready to tie off the project as I’m completing the bracelet. Please help. This is maddening.

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Ask the Experts Stringing Q&A

Q: I would like to secure 1/16" elastic cords together (either end to end or overlapping). What size crimp should I get?

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Ask the Experts Wireworking Q&A

Q: I'm looking into wire looper tools and cutters. I use a lot of memory wire and wanted to know if the looper tools will work on memory wire.

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Ask the Experts Stringing Q&A

Q: I use Beadalon 49-strand wire and 7-strand wire. What size crimps and wire protectors should I use on each size. Also, what size will I need using the 7-strand doubled?

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Ask the Experts Stringing Q&A

Q: My pearl necklace broke. Is it possible for me to fix it? It is 14Kt gold.

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Ask the Experts Findings Q&A

Q: I am making small tapestries. The size is comparable to pen wraps when not zipped up. I'd like to hang them either in my windows with suction cups or on my Christmas tree. But how do I finish them on the top so that they can hang? Is there a finding to use? I've looked but I really don't know what I am looking for. Thank you very much.

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Ask the Experts Seed Beading Q&A

Q: What can you put on a seed bead project when it is finished? Is there a liquid?

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Ask the Experts Metalsmithing Q&A

Q: If I'm creating a silver pendant for a flat back cabochon and have soldered on a bezel setting to a backplate, how do I set decorative faceted gems around it? I've used flat back smooth round cabs with bezel cups soldered on, but want to use faceted gemstones that have a point at the back, 4mm. Do I put something in the bezel cup, or make a hole in the backplate? Or something else?

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Ask the Experts Wirework Q&A

Q: I am playing around with wire to make earrings. I need to flatten the ends. Which type of hammer would do the best job. I just purchased a chasing hammer with a flat other end. Is there something better?

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Ask the Experts Metal Work Q&A

Q: How should I store liver of sulfur for safety? How long does a liver of sulfur solution last?

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Ask the Experts Shell Beads Q&A

Q: I’m looking for a dye to color capiz shells. I’ve tried food coloring but it didn't work very well. Can you advise me. Thanks.

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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 Flat Back Q&A

Q: I am going to add some crystals to wooden letters. What would be better, flat backs or hot fix, and what glue would I use? If hot fix is better, how do you use them? Thank you

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Ask the Experts Designing Q&A

Q: What should I use to clean up any excess Apoxie from my piece? Should the excess be removed before set and dry?

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Ask the Experts Antiquing Q&A

Q: I have some copper pieces that I would like to look a bit darker, more antique. What product should I use to do this?

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Ask the Experts Plastic Q&A

Q: I am trying to learn the benefits of resin beads over plastic beads, what are the characteristics of resin beads?

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Ask the Experts Finishing a Silk Multi-Strand Necklace Q&A

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!

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Ask the Experts Finishing Jewelry with French Wire Q&A

Q: I think your how-to videos are a wonderful addition to your site. I was watching the bead tip and French wire videos in particular. My question/suggestion is that I don't have a problem with finishing my jewelry on the first end but after the stringing is complete it is the second end which gives me trouble, when you have to tighten the string so that there are no loose beads. French wire is very difficult to use, but doubly so when you are finishing the second end. For example: when I pull the loop, the wire tends to spread and becomes useless. Can you include the second half of the how-to as well as the first?

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Ask the Experts Thread Q&A

Q: Can crimp beads be used with thread?

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Ask the Experts Hatbands Q&A

Q: I'm making hatbands, but I don't know how to finish the ends. They need to be adjustable. Do you have any ideas? I'd prefer to NOT sew the bands to a backing. Thanks!

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Ask the Experts Stringing Q&A

Q: I've been beading for about a year and my biggest issue is the excess wire at the end of my project. Is there a trick to threading it into the strand of beads?

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Ask the Experts Restringing Q&A

Q: Is there some magic way to attach a crimp tube with an attached clasp to a finished piece strung on wire? Attaching the first tube at one end is easy, but when attaching the second one, the wire slips back through the beads (and then the beads fall off the wire causing endless frustration)--and the wire is cut so short (to fit into the crimp), there's nothing to grasp. The opening on the tube is so narrow that it would be nearly impossible to put a long piece of wire through the tube and cut it later. Any suggestions?

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Ask the Experts Stringing Q&A

Q: I would like to string some heavy gemstone beads on elastic. What's the best material to use and how do I finish it? If I tie it, how do I hide the knot? Thanks.

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