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Ask the Experts Earrings Q&A

Q: I purchased clip-on earring, silver-plated, 18x8mm perforated hoop. What is the best way to attach beads to this item? I have tried several ways and none are satisfactory. Glue? Thread? wire?

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Ask the Experts Headpins Q&A

Q: How do you make your own headpins?

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Ask the Experts Toggle Q&A

Q: What's the trick to using a toggle clasp on a bracelet? Every time I use a toggle clasp on a bracelet, it is almost impossible to get the toggle through the loop to connect. What am I doing wrong?

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Ask the Experts Cording Q&A

Q: Help! I'm trying to find cording that will knot well, is sturdy and visually appealing (like macrame) as much as the beads. I am making a Shekere, which is a percussion type instrument made from gourds. I will also need to know what size beads will fit with the diameter of the cord you recommend.Thank you so much!

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Ask the Experts Thread Q&A

Q: Should you use heavy Silkon thread for bracelets with large gemstones or Acculon? I had a bracelet break using Acculon and crimps and didn't know if Silkon would be better or stronger.

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Ask the Experts Wire Q&A

Q: I want to string some beads for outdoors. What wire could I use that would not rust? Thanks

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Ask the Experts Personalizing Jewelry Q&A

Q: I was at SeaWorld and saw a vendor bending wire into people's names to wear as a necklace. Are there instructions on the method used to twist wire into names? And how do they stay intact and not stretch out of shape after wearing for a time? Thank you for your time.

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Ask the Experts Peyote Q&A

Q: I am beading a bracelet that is odd count flat peyote (Delica size 11 beads). I am beading it by holding it in my fingers, but when I set it down flat on the table top, it is wavy on the edges. If I flatten the top, the bottom becomes wavy. If I flatten the bottom, the top becomes wavy. Doesn't matter if I use single needle or two needle. What am I doing wrong and can I fix it or should I take it all apart and start over and be careful not to do what?

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Ask the Experts Shells Q&A

Q: I have collected lots of abalone shells. What is the best way to drill holes in the shells, shine, polish, etc., to make jewelry?

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Ask the Experts Beading Q&A

Q: I'm just starting out in beading. My interest is in beaded bracelets and necklaces. I'm starting with bracelets first. To prevent waste, how long do I need to make the beading wire before I cut it? How much extra do I leave? 1 - 2 inches? Thank you

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Ask the Experts Oxidized Q&A

Q: I have read that both copper and sterling silver can be oxidized using Liver of Sulfur or ammonia. During the oxidizing process, both metals will go through a range of color changes before getting to the antique-look. My question is: are you supposed to use some kind of sealant on all pieces that have been oxidized BUT not to the point of the antique-look. For example, oxidizing copper until it turns blue. None of the articles that I've read mention use of sealants. Thanks very much!

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Ask the Experts Wire-Wrapping Q&A

Q: What type of half-round wire do you recommend for wire wrapping jewelry?

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Ask the Experts Thread Q&A

Q: How do I thread silk thread through a needle so that there is not two layers of thread that makes it too thick to go through the beads?

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Ask the Experts Needle Q&A

Q: What type of needle is used for beading with Power Cord? Thank You

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Ask the Experts Beading Wire Q&A

Q: What is the difference between "tigertail" wire and regular beading wire? Which is the strongest for lanyards and badge holders? Thanks

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Ask the Experts Wire Gauges Q&A

Q: What is the best gauge wire to use with the wire jig? The best gauge to make jump rings?

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Ask the Experts Wire Q&A

Q: What kind of wire do you use to make a hoop earring?

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Ask the Experts Storage Q&A

Q: I have read that you cannot store polymer clay in certain plastic containers as it leaches some of the binding chemicals. Is it okay to store the clay in the bottles that prescription medicines come in as I save them to store beads, etc in? Thank you for your wonderful site and jewelry making components.

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Ask the Experts Finishing Q&A

Q: I've made a necklace using wire and thread (Accu-flex wire around the circumference with Fireline thread creating loops that vary in length), but I don't know how to finish it. Is it OK to crimp FireLine and soft Illusion cord?

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Ask the Experts Metal Allergies Q&A

Q: Which wire is best for people who have allergies to nickel? Also, which wires hold up the best with wear and tear?

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Ask the Experts Wire Wrapping Q&A

Q: Is there an easy way to hold wires together when wire-wrapping? Could I use large crimp beads as a holder?

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Ask the Experts Jump Rings Q&A

Q: I've seen Chainmaille sites online and thought, "Wow, that looks cool! I want to make it!" How can I cut the wire to make jump rings, without it flattening the end of the cut part? I know I can buy machine made jumprings that are perfectly shaped and cut, but I want to make my own, so I can fabricate the entire piece. I've been using regular wire cutters, and am looking for a cutter that won't flatten the jumpring ends. Thanks

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Ask the Experts Solder Q&A

Q: How do I solder gold-filled wire?

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Ask the Experts Seed Beads Q&A

Q: What is the difference between a round-hole seed bead and a square-hole seed bead? Are the two interchangeable?

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