Q: What flux can you use with solder wire? I'm planning on using 24 ga tarnish resistant copper wire. Thanks.
Ask the Experts Fine Silver Q&A
Q: Can Hill Tribes items be fired with metal clay? This is technically fine silver; but, will it mess up any design?
Ask the Experts Heishi vs. Rondelles Q&A
Q: What is the difference between heishi and rondelles, and how do you determine the hole size?
Ask the Experts Posts Q&A
Q: I would like to take the long earwire off a dangling earring and replace it with a post or something other than the long wire. Can it be done?
Ask the Experts Wire Q&A
Q: I am designing a piece which uses mostly seed beads (11/0) on a fine wire, which has to bend and then double-back through some small gem beads a second time. The wire has to be thin enough to go through 4mm gem beads twice, but still hold the shape to which I bend it. What do you suggest?
Ask the Experts Metal Allergies Q&A
Q: I'm making a necklace with a pendant for a sister-in-law who has metal allergies. The pendant measures 3.5" long. I thought of making the necklace long enough to slip over the head so no metal findings would be used, but with the pendant so long, it would hang too low to look good. How would you finish a shorter necklace (16-17") without using metal findings?
Ask the Experts Scale to Design Q&A
Q: How do I know what size split ring, jump ring and wire to use on a project?
Ask the Experts Measurement Q&A
Q: I have a caliper and I would like to know how to measure an earring finding for a leverback.
Ask the Experts Peyote Stitch Q&A
Q: What is the easiest way to read a peyote stitch pattern without getting lost?
Ask the Experts Multiple Strand Bracelets Q&A
Q: I would like to make a stretch bracelet with three strands, how do I connect them so they stay together? Thank you.
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?
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?