Essential How-Tos | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Secrets to Kumihimo Project 3: 8-Strand Round Braid with Beads

Join Elaine in this video from her 9-part Kumihimo series as she adds seed beads and pearls to a braid and finishes the bracelet with decorative findings.

Video Length 16:14

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Minimalist vs. Maximalist Jewelry Styles

Explore how the same jewelry materials can create two strikingly different looks—one minimalist, one maximalist—and discover which design style speaks to you.

Video Length 5:29

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5 Tips to Make Budget-Friendly Jewelry

Learn 5 practical tips for making beautiful, budget-friendly gemstone jewelry—perfect for designers who want to create accessible pieces their customers will love.

Video Length 10:18

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Video Tutorial: Iolite Bead and Cabochon Earrings

Follow along with Patti, a jewelry designer here at Fire Mountain Gems and beads jewelry studio, teaching a simple and elegant technique that can level up your jewelry making skillset with just a few materials and tools.

Video Length 14:48

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Tying Up Loose Ends: How to Creatively End Cords and Dangling Strands

Don't let your bolo or lariat necklace be incomplete. Design your piece from tip to focal with these creative cord finishing methods.

Tila Bead Bracelet Design

Explore the unique versatility of Tila® beads from Miyuki of Japan. Learn how to use these distinctive, flat, square-shaped beads with dual beading holes to craft fashionable stackable stretch bracelets.

Video Length 10:44

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Say it with Chain

Every design has a story. Learn how to share who you are and why you make jewelry so people can build a relationship with you and your work.

Choosing a Wireworking Wire

Choosing the best wire for your wireworking project makes it easier to achieve your vision for your design.

Video Length 9:03

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Learn How to Design Custom Lanyards for Identification Cards

Learn to make practical and stylish lanyards with Rose for your identification cards.

Video Length 10:56

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Polymer Clay Succulents

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

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.

Tree of Life Jewelry

The tree of life is an ancient symbol that appears in numerous cultures the world over. Learn how to incorporate them into your designs for stylish results.

The Beadmakers' Handbook

The first openly available resource for the beader and jewelry maker, the Beadmakers' Handbook includes bead-stringing designs and techniques. Download the free PDF and discover where it all began!

The Benefits of Stainless Steel for Jewelry Design

Explore the benefits and properties of this sturdy and stylish metal.

Stringing and Jewelry-Making Fundamentals

Bead stringing is the backbone of many designs; the rest can be done with a few jewelry-making fundamentals. Learn the fundamentals you need to create your own jewelry lines.

Make Your Own Beads and Components

Every jewelry artist knows the bliss of taking designs from imagination to creation. Learn about the different products that allow you to create pieces of art.

St. Petersburg Chain Stitch, How-To

Learn the St. Petersburg chain stitch with these easy, step-by-step illustrated instructions. A beautiful way to add texture and detail to your beaded designs.

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How to Use Fold-Over Bezel Link Settings

Effortlessly achieve a professional finish for your jewelry designs using fold-over bezel link settings. Learn how with these straightforward instructions!

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How to Create a Loop in Loop Chain

Craft delicate, intricate and exhilarating chain designs. These user-friendly instructions will guide you in creating your own custom links.

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Using TierraCast® BeadAligners™ with Large-Hole Beads

Discover how to use TierraCast™ Bead Aligners™—with or without Mini Bead Huggers™—to create secure, stunning designs by following these simple instructions.

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