Jewelry Making Resources | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Kumihimo 101: A Cord-Making Technique for Jewelry

Discover the rich history and diverse applications of kumihimo, a Japanese style of braiding that gathers multiple strands into artistic cording.

Jewelry for Sensitive Skin:

Discover effective solutions for jewelry-sensitive skin in this informative article.

Chandelier Earrings

For a touch of drama, craft bold chandelier earrings. The sway of dangling pendants catching the light will set off any look to perfection.

Negative Space in Jewelry Design

Incorporating negative space into your jewelry designs adds a distinctive touch that will set your creative efforts apart. This article explains how.

Crocheting with Beads

Explore the mechanics of integrating beads into your crochet designs with these insightful tips.

PC's Corner - Tail Waggin' Tales

These crafted tales are an episode in the lives of Fire Mountain's mascot dogs, beginning with Cecil and continuing with his nephew PC.

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Earrings

Shimmering droplets of ocean spray cascade from these elegant earrings, complemented by the gleam of silver. The chic interplay of cool tones captivates with subtle twinkles.

Design Idea PM2R

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Collar-Style Necklace

Madlen Zhorzholiani's "Sun in the Sea" necklace takes you on an under-the-sea adventure. The captivating interplay of colors is surpassed only by the intricacy of the beadwork.

Design Idea PM3Q

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Using Crowdfunding and Subscription Sites to Sell Your Jewelry

These platforms provide unique opportunities for you to connect directly with your target audience, generate funding and establish a loyal customer base.

Bracelet

Add warmth to rainbow fluorite's cool blues and greens with antique copper-plated beads in a graceful flower shape. The mix of round and faceted fluorite beads adds a distinct touch to this elegant bracelet.

Design Idea PK2R

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Double-Strand Necklace

Get inspired to add a touch of realism to your jewelry designs with this gorgeous seed-beaded butterfly necklace.

Design Idea PM3J

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"Butterfly Explosion" Inspirational Bead Mosaic

Crafted with precision using seed beads, "Butterfly Explosion" vividly captures the delicate beauty of butterflies in flight. The mosaic's detailed design and vibrant colors showcase the artist's exceptional skill and creativity, making it a standout piece.

Design Idea PM3S

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Single-Strand Necklace

This abstract pendant is complex and simple, elegant and raw, gritty and refined. With its dark cord, this edgy necklace is perfect for the spirit of a new generation.

Design Idea PL25

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Single-Strand Necklace

The red tones of this pendant's copper wire wrapping enhance the beauty of the green focal stone; its freeform design complements the asymmetry of the stone.

Design Idea PL24

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Single-Strand Necklace

With a sultry golden radiance reminiscent of a volcanic hot spring, this necklace emanates avant-garde allure and embodies original style.

Design Idea PL22

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Two-Piece Necklace and Earring Set

Crafted with meticulous detail, this captivating necklace and earring set features a silver-finished steel charm in the shape of a heart with a cutout design, complemented by a smaller single-sided heart charm in gold-finished steel. The set is elegantly accented with a silver-plated brass curb chain and gold-plated brass ear wires designed as round hoops adorned with open hearts.

Design Idea QC2K

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Bib-Style Necklace

Jennifer Stephens' "Pacific Tidepool" necklace blends various bead sizes and textures, capturing the essence of tidepools while exuding avant-garde beauty and balance.

Design Idea PM3H

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Bib-Style Necklace

Irina Oleinik's "Dragon" necklace was a finalist in our 2023 Jewelry-Making Contest. This masterpiece of seed beading is destined to make a dramatic entrance!

Design Idea PM3G

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Wyatt White

Award-winning inventor, jeweler and instructor specializing in wire wrapping and wire techniques.

Pearls in Men's Jewelry

One of the most surprising trends to take men's fashion by storm in recent years is pearl jewelry. Read on to learn stylish ways to create stylish pearl designs for the men in your life.

Earrings

Tiny crystal bead presents, adorned with silver-plated bows, dangle from these festive earrings, creating a delightful and celebratory ambiance.

Design Idea D22D

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Earrings

At first glance, these earrings look like coral in their gold-toned settings. Surprise! They’re actually lightweight cheesewood dyed a lovely light orange.

Design Idea H70L

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Get Cozy with Knit Polymer Clay

Take your polymer clay skills to cozy new levels with this knit trend. Learn how to incorporate knit clay techniques into your jewelry lines and more with this article.

The Glorious Pearl

Explore the beauty of pearls with this complete guide to types, grading, care, pricing and stylish ways to wear them.

Shedding Light on the Story of Hanukkah

Discover the rich traditions of Hanukkah and gain the insights you need to create stunning Hanukkah jewelry designs.

The History of Sámi Jewelry

The Sámi are Native Europeans with over 400 years in creative experience. Read on to learn how to create jewelry inspired by this rich culture.

Secrets to Polymer Clay with Christi Friesen

Polymer clay expert and renowned artist, Christi Friesen is back in the studio to lead us through this exciting 10-part series outlining her top techniques and secrets to creating with polymer clay.

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Japandi Trend

Explore the union of function, minimalism and Scandinavian "hygge" through the world of Japandi design.

Wedding Day Traditions

Uncover the tradition of 'old, new, borrowed, and blue' in bridal jewelry. Drive business growth by incorporating these symbolic elements.

Floating Lockets

Fill glass lockets with special beads, charms and more for highly customizable jewelry.

SEO Tips to Boost Traffic to Your Website

Explore how to improve your online visibility with these simple SEO tips.

How to Use PPC to Drive Traffic to Your Website

Explore how to market your jewelry-making business effectively using PPC ads.

Incredible Inedibles: Mini Polymer Clay Food

Feast your eyes on the "Incredible Inedible" trend where mini polymer clay food takes center stage in jewelry designs—fun, quirky and absolutely adorable! Just don't eat it.

Polymer Clay Succulents

Capitalize on the growing popularity of succulents' eye-catching aesthetic by using sculpted polymer clay to form plants sans soil.

Shape Symbolism in Jewelry

Learn how you can choose shapes to add specific meanings to your jewelry.

Locked Up: How Lock and Key Jewelry is Sweeping the Fashion Stage

Locks and keys carry an innate sense of mystery and symbolism. Discover the many ways in which locks and keys continue to take the jewelry world by storm.

Bracelet

Add dynamic energy to your design by adding a touch of asymmetry to the smooth flow of round beads. This substantial bracelet blends the dark sheen of rainbow obsidian and the matte luster of palo santo beads, heightened by the striking introduction of slender copper discs.

Design Idea QC2M

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Single-Strand Necklace

Revitalize your style with this exquisite silver-plated brass necklace featuring a rolo chain and a stunning focal point—an open rounded rectangle encrusted with clear cubic zirconia—for a touch of timeless elegance.

Design Idea QC27

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Single-Strand Necklace and Earrings Set

This necklace and earring set, as cool and refreshing as an ocean breeze, features Crystal Passions® and amazonite beads. The necklace, with its distinct square drape, is perfectly complemented by a sky blue leather cord, harmonizing with the tranquil hues of the amazonite.

Design Idea PK24

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Single-Strand Necklace and Earrings Set

A square drape sets this aquamarine and blue aventurine set apart, with gold accents adding a touch of shimmer to its misty hues.

Design Idea PK25

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Earrings

Add a splash of drama with these sparkling earrings. The elongated shape of the earwires lends an element of elegance to the design.

Design Idea QD33

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Oh So CHARMing

Charms are perennial favorites in the realm of jewelry embellishment. Use them to create themes, personalize designs--even keep your keys handy! Read on to learn more about these timeless pieces.

How to Be an Online Seller

Dive into the world of online sales with expert advice from our marketing pros.

Closing the Sale: Keeping Buyers Interested in Your Booth or Website

Take a look at this Q and A article with craft sales consultant and author Donald Clark. He gives advice on keeping customers interested in your products--both online and in person.

Australia's Influence

A journey down under is one you'll never forget. Discover the amazing wildlife, vast deserts and breathtaking horizons to inspire your designs.

How to Layer Necklaces

Master the trend of layering necklaces with some helpful tips and design ideas.

Get the Most Out of Social Media

Find out how to use social media to boost your jewelry-making business in this article. Don't miss these must-read tips and helpful information.

Everything You Need to Know About Jeweler's Saws

Find everything you need know about jeweler's saws in this video and informative article. Learn the tips and tricks to using a jeweler's saw to get the design you want.

How to Sell Your Handmade Jewelry on Instagram

Instagram is one of the hottest ways to promote and sell handmade goods. Read on to learn how Instagram's popularity boom can boost your jewelry-making business.

The Price is Right

Learn the art of pricing your products to make a profit. This article explains the importance of factoring in all the labor, material and overhead costs for each hand-crafted item.

Ergonomics for Beaders

Ergonomics involves tools and techniques that help prevent injury. This article covers why jewelry makers should consider how repetitive motion, vibration, and posture affect their health, productivity, and enjoyment.

The Many Uses of Accu-Flex®

Discover the versatility of Accu-Flex® professional-quality beading wire—perfect for a wide range of jewelry-making techniques, beyond just stringing.

Accu-Flex® Professional Quality Beading Wire Review

Read what Paula S. Morgan of about.com has to say about Fire Mountain's Accu-Flex Professional-Quality Beading Wire in her expert review.

Using Metal Clay with a Mold: Tips, Tricks and Troubleshooting

Avoid a sticky situation with these tips and tricks for molds and metal clay.

DIY Branded Packaging: Create Your Own Branded Packaging

The right packaging for your jewelry can make a big impact that keeps people coming back. Find tips on branding and packaging for business success in this article.

Global Chic: Boho Polymer Clay Jewelry

Learn how to use polymer clay to create offbeat boho jewelry designs.

Face Shape and Jewelry Choices

Learn how to create beautiful jewelry to flatter any face shape.

The Soft Side of Jewelry: Crochet and Knit

Explore how to use the well-loved arts of knitting and crochet in your jewelry and gift-giving projects.

Let's Talk Hobbies

Regularly immersing yourself in a hobby can be beneficial for overall health, both mind and body. Discover how to find your passion and pursue a hobby that brings you joy.

Amazing Hill Tribes Silver

Take a fascinating trip to Thailand, no passport required, with this article about the skilled artisans behind Hill Tribes silver.

Chunky Chain Jewelry

This trend is back, and bigger is better. Explore how chunky chain jewelry is melding 80's style with modern, industrial glamour to take the fashion world by storm.

Budget Building 101

The most important factor in maintaining a small business is creating and sticking to a budget. Read on for a step-by-step explanation of how to create and maintain a budget.

Solve the Pricing Mystery

It's easy for handmade entrepreneurs to get caught up in a pricing quandary. Are my prices too high, too low, and how do I know if they're just right?

Proper Packaging Pays Off

After your creations are packaged in a pretty manner it's time to ship them to their destination. Explore this article for practical ways to keep product safe during transit.

Princesscore Jewelry

It's time to channel your inner royalty with princesscore, a pretty fairytale-inspired trend that feels magical.

To Copyright or Trademark That is the Question

The differences between copyright and trademark, and which to choose to protect your creative designs, are explained by Daniel Grant from Handmade Business magazine.

20 Little Known Tax Break Tips

Discover 20 secret tax break tips for small business owners and self-employed individuals. Maximize savings, so you can enjoy more of life's leisure moments.

Best Foot Forward

Put your best foot forward with fun anklets, be they single or stacked. Learn more about this hot trend and how you can incorporate it into your summer look.

Geek-Chic Jewelry: Part 4 - Anime

Are you an otaku or a weeb? Do you love making jewelry that makes people say "oh, sugoi desu!"? Then the anime trend is for you!

Traveling with Beads

All the other places you can create: bus stop, train ride, automobile, etc. Beading is as portable as knitting, so here are ideas for traveling with jewelry-making supplies.

Beaded Tassel Jewelry

Tassels have been incredibly popular on runways and in modern street fashion. Read on to learn how adding beads has transformed this trend into something entirely new.

Polymer Clay Tools

Working with polymer clay can be a hassle without the right tools. This article discusses the most important tools for polymer clay and the design possibilities they provide.

Making Braided Belts

Jump on the braided belt trend and design your own on-trend look. Discover more about this style and learn the braiding techniques.

Crimp Tubes

Crimp tubes are THE finding to keep your stringing projects intact and crimps have come a long way from the days of the little round piece of metal you "crush flat" to secure inflexible beading wire.

Pair Wedding Jewelry to the Dress

Congratulations, you found the dress of your dreams! Now it's time to accessorize. Not sure where to start? This guide is here to help you look your absolute bridal best.

5 Tips for Creating a Layered Look with Chain

Whether your brand aesthetic is Less is more or Less is a bore, the layered necklace trend is one your customers can express with your jewelry designs.

Size Does Matter: Making Jewelry with the Proper Fit

It's an old joke, in some circles: size doesn't matter. Yet, jewelry that doesn't fit simply doesn't get purchased. And if purchased, could get returned, with cost to the jewelry maker in both money and reputation. This is especially important for...

The Eras of Jewelry

Explore the differences between Victorian jewelry and Art Deco, Modern and Art Nouveau. Set the way-back-machine, because we're traveling through time for this one.

Animal Print - A Fashion Attraction

Animal print is one of the most enduring patterns of all time. Explore their history and how to incorporate them into your jewelry designs.

Sugar Rush: Sweet Jewelry Treats

Get ready for a sugar rush of inspiration from the world of candies and desserts! Indulge your creative sweet tooth with this appetizing article highlighting sweet-themed jewelry designs.

Charm Bracelets

Charm bracelets are no longer a thing of the past! Learn more about how this trend is experiencing a resurgence in this article.

Western Jewelry

Whether city slickers or local yokels, the fashion world is calling designers out at high noon. Will you say howdy to Western trends?

Find Your Audience!

Pin-pointing your niche market is a little like finding a needle in a haystack. On its own, your handmade art or craftwork--the needle--is shiny, creative, and one-of-a-kind.

Beaded Brooches

Brooches have long been a popular accessory for adding a touch of style and elegance to any outfit. Discover design ideas and inspiration to make your own beaded brooches.

Jewelry Displays That Attract Buyers

Whether you're setting up for online photos, retail jewelry displays, or a craft-show booth, it's important to set the right stage for selling your jewelry.

Perceived Values

I suggest you price the work to be attractive to you--profitable. I've written about this before and devote a chapter in my book to getting the price right. Basically, all pricing must start with accurate information about the cost of materials.

Creative Freedom

Discover the individual stories behind a community of gifted entrepreneurs that are adorning the world, piece-by-piece.

13 New Rules of Handmade You Need to Know

Selling handcrafted wares can be a daunting prospect. Here are 13 expert tips from professional sellers to help you achieve success in your business.

Wedding Guest Jewelry Etiquette

You're invited to their big day but unsure what is appropriate attire. Our guide illustrates the jewelry related DOs and DON'Ts of wedding guest decorum.

PANTONE® 2024 Color of the Year: Peach Fuzz

Discover Pantone's 2024 color choice, described as a “velvety, gentle peach tone, whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body, and soul.”

Belt

Craft your unique belts using cone findings and parachute cord. Enhance creations by embellishing them with dazzling Crystal Passions® for a truly memorable and stylish fashion statement.

Design Idea E724

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Tropical Weddings

Tropical-themed weddings are a perfect way to create a special day that feels like a vacation for you and your guests.

Astrological and Zodiac Jewelry

Astrological and zodiac jewelry continues to play to people's need for self-expression. Read on to find some of the latest ways to design with this trend.

Jewelry Maker's Guide to Gift-Giving: 10 Things Every Gifter Should Know

Gift-giving can be stressful for all of us at times. This article gives you ten tips to help you in your gift-giving endeavors.

The History of Egyptian Perfume Bottles

Unearth the history of ancient Egypt's perfume bottle industry and learn a little about Egyptian culture along the way.

How to Strengthen Hands and Fingers

How many times have you been working on a beading project, only to have your fingers and hands seize from cramping and fatigue, which force you to take a break?

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