Jewelry Making Resources | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Ask the Experts Email Marketing Q&A

Q: I sell my jewelry online from my own website. I'd like to send follow-up emails to clients, but I don't want to annoy them. What's the best way to stay in touch after the sale?

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Ask the Experts Beading Loom Q&A

Q: What should I consider when buying a beading loom?

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Ask the Experts Using Beading Cones with Multi-Strand Designs Q&A

Q: How do you make multi-strand necklaces and fasten the wires to a cone-style clasp? How do you attach the cone to the clasp?

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Ask the Experts How to Thread Beading Needles with Ease Q&A

Q: I have a major problem threading a size 10 or 11 beading needle with a wire threader, but need to use a thin needle for peyote stitching with seed beads. I use a Wide Eye needle for loomwork and have great success with it, but the needle is too long for off-loom stitches. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you.

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Ask the Experts Heated vs. Dyed Colored Stones Q&A

Q: What is the difference between "heated" and "dyed" colored stones?

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Ask the Experts Keeping Jump Rings Closed Q&A

Q: When I close my jump rings, they won't close enough to keep from letting the other jump ring slide out and have the piece come apart. The space is very small, only enough for my fingernail. I use the tool I purchased from you that looks like a ring and fits on the finger.

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Ask the Experts Ball Chain Q&A

Q: How do I attach a clasp to ball chain? What type of clasp do I use?

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Ask the Experts Head Pin Gauge for Earring Dangles Q&A

Q: What is the best gauge head pin to use for 2'' dangle earrings? I'm looking for something that is thin enough to work with, but thick enough that the earrings won't bend too easily. Thanks.

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Ask the Experts Using Spacer Bars Q&A

Q: I want to make a wide bracelet. What do I use to join the rows of beads together?

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Tinning Copper Foil

Learn this "stained glass" technique that adds a silver rim to the edge of your glass, and is often referred to as tinning.

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Ask the Experts Fixing Bracelet and Necklace Tension Q&A

Q: I am having trouble with the tension on my bracelets/necklaces when doing the second side of them. No matter how much I pull the wire through the crimp bead there is always a gap between the crimp and beads. What can I do?

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How to Use the Artistic Wire® Professional Deluxe Coiling Gizmo®

Use the Artistic Wire® Professional Deluxe Coiling Gizmo® to create tight wire coils and form them into coiled shapes. This photo-illustrated tutorial shows each step.

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Ask the Experts Beading Thread Q&A

Q: I am looking for a thread/cord that WON'T STRETCH and can be used with heavier beads and knotted to finish. I have read that Dandyline braided beading cord is a good one, but you don't carry it. So, which is the correct one to use? Also, I would like it to come in colors. Thank you.

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Ask the Experts Crimping Q&A

Q: Sometimes when I am working on a bracelet or necklace, the crimp bead breaks off, and I have to start all over again. What am I doing wrong?

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How to Use the Artistic Wire® Wire Straightener

Crooked wire got you all bent out of shape? Let the Artistic Wire® Straightener Tool smooth things out. Here’s how!

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Ask the Experts Setting Up a Website Q&A

Q: How do you set up a website to sell your jewelry?

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How to Use the Artistic Wire® Wire Knitter

Experience the delicate allure of knitted wire, as light as a feather yet intricately captivating. Learn how to use the Artistic Wire® Wire Knitter with these simple instructions and enmesh yourself in a whole new world of jewelry design.

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Ask the Experts Beading Needles Q&A

Q: What needle should I purchase that will go through both beads and fabric, in order to bead fabric?

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Ask the Experts Drilling Q&A

Q: I recently came upon and purchased several pieces of natural quartz in various sizes. Mostly spear or column shaped. I know most times these are wire wrapped for wearing, but I was wondering about drilling a hole to string them that way. Would that be possible? If so what kind of drill bit should I use? Should I do anything to prepare the quartz before that? Thanks.

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Ask the Experts Adding Thread to Peyote Tube Q&A

Q: I'm new to beading but have started working a peyote-stitched tube with seed beads. I need to add additional thread to extend the length of the tube. Any suggestions?

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Ask the Experts Best Knot and Glue for Elastic Cord Q&A

Q: What kind of knot do you tie when using elastic cord for a bracelet so it is secure when you're done beading?

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Ask the Experts Bail for Single Pearl Q&A

Q: What do I use for a bail with a single pearl?

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Ask the Experts An Extra Hand with Multiple Bead Strands Q&A

Q: When working on a multiple strand necklace, what advice do you give as far as handling the ends while you're beading? I've tried it and sometimes drop a line and my beads go everywhere!

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Ask the Experts Metal Allergy Q&A

Q: I am allergic to nickel, sterling silver and gold plating. I used to use brass barrel clasps, but I am now having problems finding clasps that are not gold-plated. Can you recommend something besides 10Kt gold? I purchased some findings from other companies that claimed they were ''hypoallergenic,'' but they weren't.

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Ask the Experts Choosing the Right Bail Q&A

Q: How do you select the right size bail? I want to use the bails for donuts and other pendants. The pendants are generally medium to large size.

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Ask the Experts Will Silver-Plated Beads Patina Q&A

Q: Will silver-plated pieces get the antique color that regular silver gets, get a bad color or never change color?

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Ask the Experts Crimp Covers to Disguise Slack in Piece Q&A

Q: How do crimp covers work? How do they take up slack on jewelry without restringing?

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Ask the Experts Value of Dyed Q&A

Q: Are dyed, heated or stabilized gemstones less valuable than the natural ones? And what is the difference between them?

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Ask the Experts Using Devcon Jeweler's Epoxy with Pearls Q&A

Q: Is your Devcon Jeweler's 2 Ton Epoxy safe for freshwater pearls? Thanks.

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Ask the Experts Mixing Metals Q&A

Q: I'm looking for information on mixing different metals within one jewelry piece. Specifically, I'm wondering if there would be any bad reactions between brass and sterling silver. Is there somewhere I can find that kind of information? Thanks.

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Ask the Experts Selling at Shows Q&A

Q: In terms of selling my jewelry at shows, should I look for events where I'll be the only one selling the kind of jewelry I make, or one where there are others who do similar kinds of jewelry?

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Ask the Experts Stringing Material for Knotting Pearls Q&A

Q: What size silk thread should I use for knotting pearls?

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Ask the Experts Cleaning Beads Q&A

Q: When I buy beads in bulk, they often have a white powdery substance in the bead hole. I am using a small file or a fine drill bit to clean out some of them, but there must be an easier way to do this.

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Art Clay Silver - Paste Type

Learn the steps for using Art Clay® Silver Paste for safely filling molds, embellishing porcelain and glass, connecting clay pieces and attaching silver wire.

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Ask the Experts Delicate Wrapped Loop Wire Necklace Q&A

Q: Which wire works best when doing a wrapped loop necklace or earrings? Or which gauge? I want it to look delicate.

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Ask the Experts Using Story Cards to Sell Jewelry Q&A

Q: My work will be sold in a gallery, but I won't be there to sell it. I'd like to include some information that prospective buyers can read. What's the best way to do that?

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Ask the Experts Enamel Paint Q&A

Q: I want to paint silver charms with enamel. What kind is the best paint and what is the proper procedure?

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Ask the Experts Selling Upscale Jewelry to a Casual Crowd Q&A

Q: My work is "upscale," yet at shows, people are often wearing casual clothing that isn't a good fit for my jewelry ... any ideas on how to deal with this?

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Ask the Experts Gold-Finished Versus Gold-Plated Q&A

Q: Is there any difference between gold-finished and gold-plated, or is it just a new way to market gold plate?

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Ask the Experts Beginners' Guide to Stringing Materials Q&A

Q: HELP! I have just started to bead and have some questions about what kind and what size of thread/wire I should use with my projects. What do all the numbers/gauge/sizes mean?

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Hole Punch Pliers

Tutorial shows how to punch holes in flat pieces of aluminum, brass, copper, plastic and more with this lightweight, one-handed tool. No electricity required!

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Ask the Experts Finishing a Necklace with Large-Hole Glass Beads Q&A

Q: I am making a necklace with glass beads, but when I put on the crimp bead to hold the bead in place, the hole in the bead is bigger than what the crimp bead holds. What do I do to keep my glass bead in place?

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Ask the Experts Knotted Gemstone Necklace Q&A

Q: I would like to knot some gemstone beads. Is a bead tip sturdy enough to hold the heavier gemstone rounds and nuggets? What are the options for attaching a clasp if a bead tip is not used? Can a knotted strand be attached to chain?

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Ask the Experts Making Your Own Neckwire Q&A

Q: How do you bend 16- or 18-gauge wire into a neckwire or choker?

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Ask the Experts Stringing a Continuous Necklace Q&A

Q: How do I string a continuous necklace without using a crimp bead?

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Ask the Experts Illusion Cord Q&A

Q: How do you attach beads to "illusion" cord?

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Ask the Experts Strengthening Necklaces Q&A

Q: I am using Accu-Flex® 7 strands (.012") and crimp beads with pearls and other beads. Some of the necklaces get broken after a while. What can I use to make them stronger?

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How to Use Artistic Wire® Kumihimo Weights

Perfect your wire jewelry crafting with the easy-to-use Artistic Wire® Kumihimo Weights, an indispensable tool for creating flawless pieces. Discover how these weights can enhance your jewelry-making skills and streamline your designs.

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Ask the Experts Choosing the Right Stringing Material Q&A

Q: I was wondering which thread to use when stitching a necklace using a mix of beads, including seed beads and crystals. I would love a thread that is really strong and available in several colors.

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Ask the Experts Rosary Eye Pins Q&A

Q: I am making a rosary and am looking for the thickest and strongest eye pin. I have had trouble with the loops stretching open under normal stress. Any suggestions?

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Artistic Wire® Oval Ear Wire Jig

The Artistic Wire® Oval Ear Wire Jig enables you to fashion smooth curves and consistent shapes for flawless results. Master the art of wire shaping and watch your earring designs take flight.

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Ask the Experts Making Tiles Into Pendants Q&A

Q: I want to make a necklace out of small tiles, but I can't put a hole in them. I need a type of ring to glue on the top to put the beads through. What is it called, and how do I find them?

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Ask the Experts Making Watch Bands Q&A

Q: Hi! I'm new to beading and love it! I want to make bands for my existing watches that have a bar. What do I use to start? Is there a special finding?

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Artistic Wire® Round Ear Wire Jig

Craft consistently flawless ear wires with the Artistic Wire® Round Ear Wire Jig, guided by these straightforward instructions for precision and ease. Perfect your jewelry creations with every graceful curve, ensuring a professional touch to your designs.

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Ask the Experts Bead Crochet Stringing Material Q&A

Q: What thread do you use for bead crochet?

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Ask the Experts Using S-Hook Clasps Q&A

Q: I don't understand how to use S-Hook clasps. Am I supposed to separate one of the S's so that the ring will slide on and off? I purchased one, but the S is too tight on both sides to slide the jump ring on and off.

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Artistic Wire® Open Ear Wire Jig

The Artistic Wire® Open Ear Wire Jig will help you create delicately perfect earrings. With these easy-to- follow instructions, you will begin crafting flawless earwires in no time.

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Ask the Experts Hemalyke™ Information Q&A

Q: I am very interested in learning more about your Hemalyke™ and how it is produced. I will be sending a large order very soon for the magnetized Hemalyke. I need to know more information since I'll be making and selling jewelry containing your trademarked hematite substitute.

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Ask the Experts Mother-of-Pearl Shell Q&A

Q: What kind of beading wire would I use with mother-of-pearl beads or cultured freshwater pearls?

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Ask the Experts Finishing a Multi-strand Necklace Q&A

Q: I believe the answer is a no-brainer but I cannot figure it out. I would like to find out how to finish off a multi-strand necklace, particularly when done on thread. When I go to How-To's, it brings up design ideas. I see the picture and the list of materials, but for the life of me, I cannot find instructions to go with it. How do I find what I want?

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Artistic Wire® Hook and Eye Clasp Jig

Craft your custom hook-and-eye clasps effortlessly using the Artistic Wire® Hook and Eye Clasp Jig. Take control of wire with ease by following this step-by-step tutorial.

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Ask the Experts Best Wire for Earwires Q&A

Q: In general, what is the best gauge and hardness of wire recommended for making earrings?

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Ask the Experts Attaching Beads to Leather Q&A

Q: How do I attach beads or crystals to leather ~ as in a leather cross or even a halter for a horse?

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Ask the Experts Finishing Silk Thread Q&A

Q: If I am making a necklace with silk thread, do I make a knot at the end using a tube crimp and then crimp the tube or just leave it?

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Ask the Experts Fast Seed Bead Stringing Q&A

Q: My wife uses size 14 and size 15 seed beads to make little purses, and she is always saying she wishes she had a way to string the beads onto her needle that would be faster and easier than from a saucer and one at a time. I have heard about a bowl that you turn and the beads string onto the needle; is there such an item? Please let me know if you have any ideas.

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Artistic Wire® Connector 1:5 Jig

Add depth and complexity to your jewelry designs with custom connectors. The step-by-step instructions for using the Artistic Wire® Connector 1:5 Jig will walk you through the process of shaping wire into two distinct patterns.

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Ask the Experts Alternatives to Gold and Silver Q&A

Q: With the price of gold and silver being so high, I'm thinking of using alternative metals, such as pewter or copper. How do other metals compare when used in jewelry?

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Ask the Experts Closing Crimp Covers Q&A

Q: How do I close crimp bead covers without marking them? They are too tough to close by hand.

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Ask the Experts Metal Beads Q&A

Q: What are liquid silver beads and how do you use them?

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Ask the Experts Ribbon Crimp Ends Q&A

Q: How do I use ribbon ends on my loomworked bracelets? Every time I attach one I crush some of the beads because the clamp doesn't seem large enough to cover the beads. I've seen other examples of loom and off-loom bracelets with these ends attached, but I don't know how to properly attach them. Do you have any bar clasps that are made specifically for stitched bracelets and necklaces or some kind of instructional resource on how to use the ribbon clasp on beadwork?

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Ask the Experts Heirloom Jewelry Q&A

Q: I have almost a dozen old family beads. I think they were originally on a bracelet but the old thread has rotted. The beads are 20 x 14mm black rounded rectangles, the back is flat, and the front is faceted. They each have two holes running the short way across the bead. I would like to incorporate the beads into a necklace. One problem is how to go back and forth between beads with a single hole and beads with a double hole. Another problem is how to have the beads lay flat. When they are part of a bracelet they lay in a straight line, but of course a necklace curves when it's worn, so the beads tilt. Thank you.

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Ask the Experts Bent Needles Q&A

Q: No matter how hard I try, my needles always get bent while I'm beading--what am I doing wrong?

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Artistic Wire® Connector Diamond Jig

Create perfectly balanced and symmetrical jewelry connectors with the Artistic Wire® Connector Diamond Jig. Follow these step-by-step instructions and let your creativity get wired.

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Ask the Experts Flexible Bracelet Stringing Materials Q&A

Q: What is the best wire for making a flexible bracelet and the best stretch cord size?

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Ask the Experts Acquiring a Wholesale License Q&A

Q: I don't have a question about jewelry-making but I was wondering if you could tell me how to go about getting a wholesale license? I have no idea how to go about this and I have had no luck searching the internet.

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Ask the Experts Dyed Beads Q&A

Q: How do I wash dyed beads?

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Ask the Experts Faceted Gems and Cabochons Q&A

Q: What are your items that will hold Faceted Gems and Cabochons? Is it best to use glue? If so, what kind?

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Artistic Wire® Round Connector Jig

Infuse your jewelry designs with graceful curves and an airy touch by fashioning custom connectors using the Artistic Wire® Round Connector Jig. These clear and concise instructions will make the creation process a breeze!

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Ask the Experts Hill Tribes Silver Beads Q&A

Q: Sometimes it's hard to string large Hill Tribes silver beads onto Accu-Flex® beading wire as the wire curves before it's through the bead hole. And if I'm working with multiple wires, inevitably one makes it through the bead hole, but I have to struggle to get the rest to cooperate. How can I get the wire through without getting frustrated?

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Ask the Experts Enlarging Pearl Holes Q&A

Q: I was adding a few pearls to my latest design and some of them wouldn't fit onto my needle. I was able to use other pearls in the same strand to finish the necklace, but how can I make use of the pearls that didn't work the first time?

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Ask the Experts Restringing Czech Seed Beads Q&A

Q: I'd like to restring Czech seed beads quickly onto Nymo thread, any ideas on how to do that without taking the seed beads off and stringing with a needle, one by one?

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Artistic Wire® Teardrop Connector Jig

Sculpt your designs into delicate teardrops with the Artistic Wire® Teardrop Connector Jig. Let these user-friendly instructions guide you in effortlessly crafting your own custom jewelry connectors.

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Ask the Experts Basic Jewelry-Making Tools Q&A

Q: What tools do I need to make jewelry?

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Ask the Experts Making Consistent Loops Q&A

Q: When working with round and square precious-metal and color-coated wire, how can I make the same size loops so my project has a consistent look?

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Ask the Experts Reducing Eye Strain Q&A

Q: How do you recommend I relieve eye strain when working with seed beads?

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Ask the Experts Men's Earrings Q&A

Q: What kind of earrings would make good men's earrings to hang dagger or spider drops from? And if I buy the round rubber or leather cord, black, 3mm, for a man's necklace what clasps or crimping beads do I use on the ends to secure and fasten?

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Ask the Experts Attaching a Center-Drilled Pendant Q&A

Q: What is the best way to attach a center drilled pendant to a necklace?

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Ask the Experts Beads for Leather Cord Q&A

Q: What size beads can you use with leather cord?

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Ask the Experts Thread Size for Peyote Stitch Q&A

Q: I am learning to do the Peyote stitch. What size thread do you recommend I use?

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Ask the Experts Secure Eye Pins and Head Pins Q&A

Q: What is the most secure way to attach an eye pin or head pin to a design?

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Ask the Experts Cutting Accu-Flex® Beading Wire Q&A

Q: Would you recommend a particular wire cutter for .019 size, 49 strand Accu-FlexÂ® beading wire?

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Ask the Experts Polymer Clay Q&A

Q: I have just recently gotten into experimenting with polymer clays. I remember hearing or reading somewhere, before I got into clay, that there is a two-part mold-making material that is intended for clay use. I'd like to make some of my own molds. What are my options that will complement the nature and characteristics of the clay?

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Ask the Experts Bead Fixative Q&A

Q: If I spray fixative on a bracelet made with some dyed cylinder beads, will the fixative hurt the skin after it dries? What do you recommend to seal in the color—other than not using the beads? I already made some bracelets, though I can avoid using those beads in the future. Thanks.

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Ask the Experts Tassels Q&A

Q: How do you use ''T'' drilled beads and end beads? Also, how do you make tassels?

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Ask the Experts Chainmaille Q&A

Q: I have discovered the joys (and tribulations) of working with jumprings in making chainmaille jewelry. Besides soldering the rings closed, is there a special glue that can be used? I love working with jumprings of all sizes and would like to know that the jewelry I make will stay together. Thank you!!

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Ask the Experts Ankle Bracelet Length Q&A

Q: What is the average length for making an ankle bracelet?

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