Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts Finishing a Peyote Stitched Piece Q&A

Q: I've been watching your videos on peyote stitch and you don't show how to attach a clasp at the end. I like wide bracelets and can't figure out how to finish the piece. Thank you.

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Jewelry-Making Books for Beginners Q&A

Q: Is there one book that would be the best primer for getting started jewelry making?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Pearl Knotting Q&A

Q: I would like to know the proper way to string pearls.

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Wire Hardening Jump Rings Q&A

Q: I'm learning wirework. Each book leaves out one of the finer points: you can work-harden jump rings with a plastic/rubber mallet. However, do you tap the ring or hit it? How often--1 to 2 or 5 to 6? I'm not able to get to classes, so must teach myself. I appreciate any help you can give.

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Filing Q&A

Q: After wrapping loops, I sometimes need to file the end of the wire smooth. Is there a special file designed for this?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Beaded Curtain Q&A

Q: I want to make a beaded curtain for a door. What kind of wire should I use considering the large number of beads that go onto one strand? Secondly, what is the best way to attach the strands to a rod? Looking forward to hearing from you.

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Use with Polyester and Nylon Q&A

Q: I'm planning a pearl and mystic topaz necklace and my mystic topaz beads have a tiny hole (.24mm), so I need something very thin for stringing. But I also want it to hold up over time. I thought the thinnest Accu-Flex® wire might be good, but I'm not sure how I'd knot them between the pearls. Can the Bead Knotter™ be used with Accu-Flex® beading wire? Would another stringing material be better? Thank you for your help.

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Sizing Q&A

Q: I would like to start using wire protectors but there are a few sizes, how do I pick the right one?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Supplies for Resale Q&A

Q: I was wondering if people buy your pendants and supplies and sell them as their own? That wouldn't really be their own design, but they'd still be selling it. Is that still okay?

Read the Answer

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.

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Wearing Your Own Designs Q&A

Q: I sell the jewelry that I make, and I love wearing my own pieces. I don't like when people ask to buy what I'm wearing, though. How do I politely tell them it's not for sale?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Attaching Memory Wire Ends Q&A

Q: I bought some metal beads that go onto the ends of memory wire. The hole doesn't go all the way through. How do I keep that end bead on the memory wire?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Seed Bead Weaving Q&A

Q: I love working in all kinds of bead weaving stitches. However, no matter what stitch I use the bracelet always stretches or "grows". I use Fire line. I tie knots often. What else can I do to retain size? Thanks in advance.

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Agreement Q&A

Q: I have a formula for pricing my work, but I'm moving into almost exclusively custom work, and I really need to come up with a template contract for clients to read over so they know what they're getting. Is there some place that I can find a generic contract that I could then personalize? Or any ideas as to wording and layout of a contract?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Designing Q&A

Q: How do you hold the large hole beads on an omega chain bracelet?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Online Q&A

Q: I've sold some of my handmade jewelry online in the past while I was in high school, but I'm now in college, and I'd like to start again. I'm an Information Systems major, so I've got the skills and am planning to build my own website (though I'll also be attempting to sell some on Etsy). I've also been thinking about doing home parties, but some of my friends who are in different states were interested in hosting parties, which obviously won't really work. Do you have any ideas/tips for doing online jewelry parties so my friends can still host?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Thread Q&A

Q: What is the best type of seed bead and thread to sew beads onto satin doll clothes?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Button Converters Q&A

Q: I have some beautiful old glass buttons. How do I make them into pendants? Which size wire and the technique? I just need a picture of the back. Thanks

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Niobium Q&A

Q: Does the color wear off of the niobium jump rings?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Metal Clay Q&A

Q: I have many large uncalibrated stones. I would like to create my own mounts with Artclay. Will the prongs bend and not be too brittle for setting the stones after firing?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Forming Q&A

Q: Can I make earwires from niobium? Can I melt a ball on the end of this wire with a torch?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Zebra Q&A

Q: Is Zebra Wire tempered as Full/Hard, Half/Hard or Dead Soft? Is Zebra Wire suitable for projects that need to be bent and will it stay wrapped?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Tools Q&A

Q: It has been suggested that I obtain a rock tumbler with steel shot to clean my pieces as I am making them. I have been reading about ultrasonic wave tanks used to clean, and I wonder how they compare to the tumbler in the end result.

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Tumbler Q&A

Q: I'm new to the jewelry scene and was wondering about the tumblers that are available. Does a tumbler work for all metals, including precious metal? What is the difference between a jewelry tumbler and a rock tumbler?

Read the Answer

Categories

Tags

about Jewelry Making