Ask the Experts Bracelet Q&A
Q: What is the best clasp for a bracelet? Magnetic clasps require two hands if they are strong enough for heavier pieces, as do most other clasps. What is the easiest clasp to work with one hand?
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Ask the Experts Adjustable Q&A
Q: I want to adapt bracelet designs to make headbands. I want the size to be adjustable to fit a range of head sizes. What kind of fitting or fastener could I use that would enable the wearer to adjust the band to fit and then clip it to that length?
Ask the Experts Findings Q&A
Q: I would like to form my own wire wrapped cones. How do I make these?
Ask the Experts Bead Caps Q&A
Q: I want to make my own bead caps in copper and sterling silver sheet metal using the disc cutters and dapping blocks. What gauge metal do I need?
Ask the Experts Setting Q&A
Q: I have a pretty rose cabochon with petals that can't be set in a bezel. Should I wire wrap it—if so, how do I do this? Thank you.
Ask the Experts Soldering Q&A
Q: How do you use liquid solder? Do you have to use a torch? I am an amateur but need to know how to close silver jump rings.
Ask the Experts Jewelry Displays Q&A
Q: I was wondering if you could help me. I want to start selling my jewelry at craft shows but I have no idea what displays to use and how many to order. Do you have any advice for me? I don't even know where to start. Thank you!
Ask the Experts Luster Q&A
Q: Can you bring the shine back to mother of pearl?
Ask the Experts Barrettes Q&A
Q: I make beaded barrettes. I have tried to use glue to hold down the beadwork but eventually the glue doesn't hold. I sew beadwork onto leather/suede, should I sew through the leather/suede and the bottom part of the barrette? What is better to use, Nymo® thread or wire?
Ask the Experts Art Clay® Is Pure Silver Q&A
Q: I am interested in working with metal clay but was wondering if there is a difference between the silver clay and the pure silver that you can buy. Also, if I sold a piece of silver made from the clay, would I have to make a special note of it to the customer or could I just say it is pure silver?
Ask the Experts Ball Style Q&A
Q: I am making a turquoise necklace and want to use the silver ball chain with the turquoise. How do you connect the chain to the turquoise?
Ask the Experts Straightening Q&A
Q: I've been making feather earrings but find the feathers I am buying are curled or twisted and don't lay straight when worn. Is there a special type feather I need or is there some way to straighten the feathers out?
Ask the Experts Disposing of Liver of Sulfur Q&A
Q: After you have used a liver of sulfur bath for a fired metal clay piece, how do you dispose of the liver of sulfur? Thanks for your help.
Ask the Experts Size Q&A
Q: How does the gauge of the head pin coordinate with the size of the head pin?
Ask the Experts Flex-Shaft Q&A
Q: I have been looking at your Rotary tool located in Metalsmithing. I am a new graduate from Jewelry Design and Repair and I'm wondering if this tool can take the place of a Flex Shaft. And if I purchased this rotary tool will it do all of the same jobs done that a flex shaft does or will I still have to purchase a Flex Shaft to do some jobs?
Ask the Experts Gluing a Cabochon Q&A
Q: I have two questions:
1) How do you glue a cabochon into a setting that doesn't have a back? If I glue around the edge, I still have problems with it being too easy for the cabochon to come off.
2) Besides the metal settings that are sold, are there other ways to create a setting that would allow a cabochon to become a pendant without drilling a hole in the cabochon? Thanks.
Ask the Experts Selling Q&A
Q: Pricing: I have read and followed your suggestions on pricing, but am still unsure if I am fair, too low, or too high. I have seen some very nice work on an artist's website and found similar work priced quite low, considering the high end beads and components used. Back to square 1—how else can I determine if I am fair? Thanks for your help.
Ask the Experts Protection Q&A
Q: When I am making simple loops and otherwise finishing jewelry, my thumbnail seems to take the most abuse. Is there anything I can put over my thumbnail to keep it from damage?
Ask the Experts Non-Tarnish Silver Wire Q&A
Q: What is the best silver wire to use that will not tarnish over the years? I am going to be decorating some hair combs for a wedding.
Ask the Experts Beading Patterns Q&A
Q: I have a bracelet that is made with seed beads. I want to learn to do the pattern so I can make my own. Where would you suggest I look for great patterns to learn from? thanks!
Ask the Experts Copyrights Q&A
Q: Sometime ago you had an article about copyright laws concerning bead patterns. I just sold a necklace that I now see the author of the pattern says it has been copyrighted--not to use for sale--I am terrified, please help.
Ask the Experts Setting Stones in Earring Findings Q&A
Q: I just purchased leverback earrings with settings to set stones into. I have both cabochons and faceted stones, which one is appropriate for this type of setting? Also, can you please advise how to set the stones so I'm sure they stay secure?
Ask the Experts Painting Q&A
Q: Could you tell me what paint to use on wooden beads that doesn't chip off? What varnish do you recommend to use after you paint?
Ask the Experts Using Crimp Ends with Accu-Flex® Beading Wire Q&A
Q: I purchased Accu-Flex® beading wire and crimp ends to make bracelets. The crimp ends just fit on the end of the cord; will this be secure enough if I crimp with a crimper, or is there more to be done, maybe a drop of glue?
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