Categories

Ask the Experts Making Necklaces with Leather Cord Q&A

Q: Question: I want to make necklaces with leather cord. I must buy supple cord so that it falls "flowing" around neck, not stiff. Nothing is mentioned about your leather spools. Please advise, I need all colors, all sizes, and all must be very flexible. Thank you.

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Jewelry Torch Recommendations Q&A

Q: I want to do professional jewelry making. I have a micro torch but my pieces are bigger and usually are 10 gauge sterling silver. Can you recommend a torch?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Wire for Heavy Beads Q&A

Q: I am creating a necklace with rather heavy beads and am thinking about using 22 ga wire but have no idea how to finish it. I don’t think there’s a crimp big enough...HELP!

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Best Wire for Hook Clasp Q&A

Q: If I want to make an S-hook shape out of a sterling silver round wire to join the ends of a bracelet, is half hard the best? I know that dead soft is way too soft and malleable, and I think full hard would require way too much force to be able to shape by hand with needle nose pliers.

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Beading Wire for Waist Beads Q&A

Q: Is Tigertail good for making waist beads? And if so, which strand is best?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Best Glue for Metal Q&A

Q: How can I seal the glass lockets with stained glass in them so a young child cannot access the glass inside them? What kind of glue would seal the lockets?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Seed Beads Q&A

Q: Hello, I am looking for non-tarnish seed beads to use in my jewelry work. It is so disappointing when the lovely bright metal seed beads go all dark and they spoil the look of my beaded pieces. Can you help please? Thank you.

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Elastic Cord Q&A

Q: I live in Denver, CO and I have a problem with elastic cording breaking. My guess is it due to the lack of humidity. What would be the best elastic cording to use that will last?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Drill Bits Q&A

Q: Can you please tell me what type of drill along with drill bits I will have to purchase to drill through the stones like quartz crystal? I currently use a water pump lapidary tool by Gunther but the drill bits are too expensive and they don’t last. I’m looking for another alternative.

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Polymer Clay Q&A

Q: Can polymer clay be painted on with water-based paints? Before or after baking? And what kind of sealer do you use on finished product?

Read the Answer

Ask the Experts Wire for Suncatchers Q&A

Q: I am making a sun catcher to go outside, hanging on a tree. It will have seed beads (#11 the smallest) as well as large glass beads. What is the strongest wire to use that will go through these beads twice, and will not rust? Do I really need to run the wire through twice?

Read the Answer

How to Use the Versa-Loom™

Craft beaded bracelets and other pieces with precision using the Versa-Loom™ bead weaver. Set up and use this tool with these comprehensive instructions.

View Instructions

How to Use the Vintaj® One-Step Looper Pliers

Transform a challenging task into a breeze with the Vintaj® One-Step Looper Pliers! Easily shape head pins to perfection for all your jewelry designs.

View Instructions

Diana Rose Chua

When I was 12 years old, my mom gave me crystals. I was mesmerized by how shiny they were and I loved the way the light bounced off of them.

Read About

Earrings

These heishi drop earrings are sure to add a touch of boho style to any fashion.

Design Idea 720D

View Design

Warping a Mirrix Loom for Beadwork with the Shedding Device

Bead weaving on a loom is more convenient with a shedding device. Here's how to warp a Mirrix loom for bead weaving while accommodating the shedding device.

View Instructions

How to Use the Kemper® Clay Square Hole Cutters

Cutting perfectly square holes into or shapes from clays and clay resins is easy with this two-step tutorial for the Kemper® clay cutters.

View Instructions

Earrings

Create the popular Christmas tree earrings by stacking three sizes of Crystal Passions margarita beads in majestic green, accented with golden findings, stardust beads, and Preciosa crystal rondelles.

Design Idea PH2Z

View Design

Using the Elastacord™ Bead Threader

Never has it been easier to string beads than with the Elastacord™ Bead Threader. These concise instructions tell you everything you need to know to use this convenient tool.

Design Idea EA5B

View Instructions

How to Use the Artistic Wire® CONETASTIC™ Hourglass Mandrel

Follow these instructions for the Artistic Wire® CONETASTIC™ tool to create custom coiled wire double cones. Developed by metalsmith Sandra Lupo, it includes three sizes of two-piece hourglass mandrels.

Design Idea F64H

View Instructions

How to Assemble the Beading Station Organizer

Assemble the beading station organizer using these illustrated step-by-step instructions from the manufacturer.

View Instructions

How to Use Patina Gel

Patina gel by Cool Tools is a sulfur-based antiquing solution in a stable form for use on bare clean copper, bronze or silver. This illustrated tutorial guides you through each step.

Design Idea B12V

View Instructions

How to Use the Artistic Wire® CONETASTIC™ Inverted Mandrel

From the ingenious mind of metalsmith Sandra Lupo comes the Artistic Wire CONETASTIC mandrel for creating custom wire-wrapped cones. Use this tutorial to create three different sizes of inverted cones using these full instructions.

View Instructions

How to Attach Pop Clasps

Pop clasps feature glue-in ends for attaching jewelry cording. See how to add cord with these illustrated instructions.

Design Idea BB9G

View Instructions

Explore Resources

Tags

Ask the Experts Making Necklaces with Leather Cord Q&A