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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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.
Ask the Experts Rotary Grinding Tool Q&A
Q: What do I use to drill a hole in a cabochon? I can't find anything to go through.
Ask the Experts Disinfecting Jewelry Q&A
Q: Is there a way to disinfect jewelry when we are selling at our community market that won't damage stones or wire? Customers like to try on pieces to see how they fit, but if they don't buy them, the necklaces/rings/bracelets need to be disinfected before someone else tries them on? How??
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 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 Wire Cutting Pliers Q&A
Q: Hi, Wire Cutters—Can you explain the difference between end cutter and flush cutter? Which cutter should I use to cut memory wire? Thank You.
Ask the Experts Metal Stamping Q&A
Q: I just started metal stamping and am having some difficulties ... the stamps don't seem to be going through well enough to leave a good impression. If I hit it harder, though, it is bending the metal. Is the problem with the stamping blanks I am using, or are they all about the same?
Screw-Tite Crimps™
A type of crimp finding featuring a screw inside the barrel that securely holds beading wire when tightened, for easy adjustability.
Quick And Easy Earrings For Holiday Bazaars!
Generate extra income this holiday season with these straightforward Christmas projects crafted for selling at holiday bazaars.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How to Assemble the Beading Station Organizer
Assemble the beading station organizer using these illustrated step-by-step instructions from the manufacturer.
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.
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.
Terminating Leather Strands with Cones
Learn how to elegantly terminate leather strands with cones in this simple tutorial.
Soldering Iron Owner's Manual
Owner's manual for using a soldering iron in jewelry making. It contains all the information to safely and properly set-up, operate and maintain your soldering iron.
How-To Secure Drops to an Ear wire with Peg
Add a top-drilled component to a fishhook ear wire with an extra-long peg to create easy earrings with this 3-step tutorial.
Fusing Glass Frit in a Slumping Mold
Fusing glass frit can be a beautiful and creative expression of glasswork. Here are tips and techniques for fusing glass, including four firing schedules for a glass kiln.
How to Use Grommets
Metal grommets safeguard the edges of stringing holes in large-hole beads. This four-step guide walks designers through the process of securely gluing a grommet into the bead.
How to Load the Metal Clay Syringe Pen™
Confused about the mechanics of loading a metal clay syringe? Check out these simple instructions and you’ll be on your way to crafting in no time!
How to Use a Brooch Converter
Follow the three-step instructions and transform a horizontal or vertical brooch into a stylish pendant using a brooch converter.
How to Use Ball Chain Connectors
Using ball connectors is a pinch. Learn how in this step-by-step tutorial.
How to Use the Artistic Wire® Toggle Jig
These photographic instructions show you how to use the Artistic Wire® toggle jig to create perfect clasps every time.
How to Use Ring Findings
Learn how to assemble multi-hole ring findings using stretch cord with this step-by-step guide for creating custom, comfortable rings.
How to Create a Resin Pendant
Create a framed resin pendant—like a window into another place or time—using photo-illustrated instructions by jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman.
Single-Strand Necklace
Clusters of sparkling red rubies and lustrous freshwater pearls hang daintily from gold-filled chain on this elegant necklace
Triple-Strand Necklace
This multi-strand necklace by Matthew MacMinn can be made in silver and Crystal Passions® peridot green, or opt for the colors you or your customers like most.
Earrings
The gemstones in these delicate earrings infuse this design with the essence of early morning rain. Follow our free tutorial to make your own pair.
Pouch
Use peyote stitch with seed beads and 4mm fire-polished glass beads to create a luxurious small accessory case. Courtesy of Preciosa®, complete with step-by-step instructions.
How to Use Beadswax®
Unlock the full potential of your projects with Beadswax® as your adhesive. The straightforward instructions that follow provide all the guidance you need to craft your stunning beaded masterpieces
Viking Knit Made Using the Lazee Daizee™
These illustrated instructions show how to make Viking knit wire jewelry with a Lazee Daizee™ tool. Incorporating this technique into your creations is a snap!
Cutting Glass with Glass Nippers
Lean how to safely nip small pieces of glass with these step-by-step instructions.
How to Use Gilders Paste®
Gilders Paste is a professional wax-based medium that can be mixed and layered for an endless color palette that won't fade. Learn how with this informative article.
Fusing Glass in a Microwave Kiln
Learn how to fuse glass at home with these helpful tips and a microwave kiln.
How to Use Bulldog Crimps™
Using Bulldog Crimps™ is easy. They work ideally as temporary crimps for stringing beads and holding multiple strands together for display or organization.
How to Use the Kumihimo Plate to Create Flat Braids
Learn to create a new twist on kumihimo braiding and friendship bracelets with this guide. Using a square plate, it’s easy to create flat designs.
Peg Leg™ - Wire-Wrapping Jig
Create small wirework components using the hand-held Peg Leg wire-wrapping tool. Follow these written instructions to set up and use this handy tool.
How to Use Cord Coils for Lantern Chain
Shiny cord coils with loop ends create a neat finish to lantern chain.
Single-Strand Necklace, Bracelet and Earrings Set
Celestial jewelry is always a stylish choice and these wire-wrapped quartz moons are radiant.
How to Use a Hotfix Transfer Sheet
Want to design your own bedazzled embellishments with hotfix transfer sheets? Here's how.
How to Use 2-Part Pendant Settings with Crystal Passions® Flat Backs
Learn how to easily use two-part pendant settings to mount Crystal Passion® flat backs.
How to Assemble and Use the Wrapit Loom™
With the Wrapit Loom™ tying station, you can say goodbye to the complexities of intricate bead-stringing and hello to a hassle-free way to craft beautiful bracelets. With this easy-to-use tool, you can create stunning bracelets without getting tied up in knots.
How to Use Suncatcher Connectors
Unleash your creativity and transform ordinary glass beads into dazzling suncatchers with our step-by-step guide on how to use connectors for a radiant touch to your space.
Embellishing Adjustable Charm Bracelets
Adding charms to your bangle charm bracelet is a breeze with these easy-to-follow instructions.
Artistic Wire® 3D Bracelet Jig
This handy how-to video from Beadalon® explains how simple it is to use the Artistic Wire® 3D bracelet jig. Creating wire cuff bracelets has never been easier!
Beaded Backstitch
A stitch that is used often in bead embroidery is the backstitch. This stitch is used to frame the components adhered to the beading medium.
How to Use Sure-Set Mountings
Sure-sets are precision cast mountings with seats that fit most stone girdles. Use standard pliers or simplify the job with our notched setting pliers.
Step-by-Step Approach
Learn how to use a wireworking jig with this step-by-step tutorial. Includes tips and tricks from the makers of the WigJig.
Stretchy Cord Bracelet
Stretch your skills with this fun, easy bracelet project! Judy Hendrix guides you through making stretch bracelets in this fun and colorful tutorial.
The Basics of Color
A complete range of color effects can be found in jewelry. With an understanding of classic color theory, your creations can be visually pleasing and earn rave reviews.
Memory Wire Bracelet
Have you tried Memory Wire yet? This great design is just the beginning of what you can do with Memory Wire.
Cork Clay
Cork clay is easily shaped and refined into a solid core for firing hollow metal clay beads and sculptural pieces. Learn the benefits and how to use it with this tutorial.
Stone Setting
Bezelite settings take all the mystery and headache out of stone setting. Get great results in seconds! They are made for faceted stones and most cabochons.
Assembling the Professional Beading Loom
Set up the Professional Beading Loom using these written step-by-step instructions. Although designed for use with Delica® beads, designers can use any seed bead sized 11/0 to 15/0 on this loom.
How to Create a Seed Beaded Toggle Clasp
Learn how to make your own seed beaded toggle clasps for the ultimate in one-of-a-kind jewelry.
African Helix Stitch
Follow along with jewelry-making expert Rose as she teaches the basics of an African helix stitch and how to develop your own unique designs using this uncommon stitch.
How to Create a Cellini Spiral
You can master the Cellini spiral after following these step-by-step instructions. Extra-large images that show you exactly where everything goes.
How to Create the Chevron Stitch
The chevron stitch is a versatile seed-beading technique that is perfect for all kinds of decorative and jewelry-making uses. Learn how it's done with this how-to video hosted by Rose.
How To Remove the End on a Caprice Chain
Easily create necklaces and bracelets with large-hole beads and bead keepers using caprice and Dione® Easy-On chains. These chains have two 8x5mm end caps. One has a clasp and the other unscrews for easy bead stringing. Clear images demonstrate every step in this how-to.
How to Create a Flat Chenille Stitch
Expand your bead-weaving skills by learning how to make the flat chenille stitch. This complex beading pattern uses little seed beads, but don't fret, large images accompany the instructions to help you form each row correctly.
Bloodstone
With an incredibly storied past, bloodstone was called "the Stone of Babylon," then later "the stone of martyrs," thought to have drops of Jesus' blood and believed to make rain.
Jasper, Brecciated
Jasper was popular in the ancient world for its medicinal and spiritual values, and has been used for centuries by cultures around the world for its unique properties.
Chrysoprase
Chrysoprase is a birthstone for May, which has traditionally symbolized happiness, enterprise and prudence. It is a powerful gemstone that brings good fortune and prosperity.
Coral
Coral is a highly prized substance believed to be endowed with mysterious sacred properties. Coral has been called the "garden of the sea" because it was once believed to be a plant.
Goldstone
Though not a stone--or gold!--goldstone is still a beautiful "gemstone" material. Its creation is shrouded in urban legend, including the result of alchemy or on accident by Italian monks.
Fluorite
Looking for the perfect gemstone to help you concentrate? Fluorite, the stone of discernment and aptitude, may be just what your next handmade jewelry design needs.
Jasper, Dalmatian
Dalmatian jasper, better known as Dalmatian stone, is an opaque, white spotted gemstone with brown and black that will make people turn around and look back at jewelry featuring it.
Jasper, Flower
When you see someone wearing flower jasper, it's like unexpectedly seeing a bouquet of warm, sunny colors. Flower jasper is thought to lift spirits and bring joy; perfect for jewelry!
Jasper, Fancy
Jasper is an opaque chalcedony that comes in a wide variety of colors. Fancy jasper is known for its scrumptious color palette of mauves, lilacs, creams and greens all mixed together.
Quartz, Cat's Eye
Cat's eye quartz is thought to bring good fortune—sounds like a great reason to use it in jewelry! There are more reasons cat's eye quartz is ideal for jewelry, too, especially men's designs.
Agate, Crazy Lace
A relatively young stone found exclusively in Northern Mexico, crazy lacy agate is known not only for its stunning banded patterns, but its powerful healing energies.
Agate, Fossil
Agate gemstones, especially fossil agate with its visible ties to the past in the form of fossilized life inside, have a deep connection to the Earth.
Agate, Botswana
The most royal of agates, Botswana agate is famed for its extra-fine banding of white, black, shades of grey and occasional touches of pink or salmon hues.
Garnet, Hessonite
While garnet is mostly known as a rich, red stone, garnet is actually a larger group of minerals. Hessonite garnet is a specific grossularite form known for warm, yellow to reddish tones.
Agate, Green
According to modern healers who use gemstones, green agate increases compassion, generosity and mental as well as emotional flexibility.
How-To Use Hot-Fix Applicators
Attach flat back crystals with Hot-Fix™ coating to various materials using a Hot-Fix™ applicator. Follow these simple steps to bond crystals to a range of materials, including textiles.
Jade, Nephrite
As the West views diamond, the East views jade. Jade became the preferred material for objects d'art in China, with the value of certain varieties exceeding their weight in silver and gold.
Hemalyke™
This very shiny, metallic grey manmade material is exactly what its name says it is: Hemalyke™, a "look alike" for natural hematite, but without the cost.
Jasper, Leopardskin
Tawny, supple, sinuous, graceful--all words associated with the leopard and with the way your customers can feel when they wear your jewelry that features leopardskin jasper.
Howlite
Cauliflower isn't typically associated with gems, but howlite grows in cauliflower-like masses. The stone is incredibly versatile--often used as an inexpensive alternative to turquoise.
Gluing a Half-Drilled Gemstone or Pearl onto a Peg Earstud
Create classic post earring designs with only a peg earstud and a half-drilled bead or pearl. Simple how-to walks designers through each step.
Labradorite
Unearth the beauty and legend of labradorite. Discover the history of this stone, where it's commonly found, metaphysical properties and ideas for incorporating it into jewelry.
How to Use Freeform Mountings
With these simple instructions, you can master the art of freeform mountings and create stunning necklaces and earrings that are sure to impress. Learn how to securely set gems and craft beautiful jewelry pieces with ease!
Quartz, Lemon
Did you know lemon quartz is created by heating amethyst, yellow quartz and iron together at extremely high temperatures? What else will you learn about this brilliant, yellow gemstone?
Obsidian, Mahogany
Obsidian's naturally dark, glossy color makes it fashionable for men and women's jewelry. It can be easily incorporated into vintage, gothic, Celtic and other designs from classic to modern.
Jasper, Moukaite
A popular gemstone choice for men's jewelry, moukaite jasper colors cover a wide range of warm earthtones that can include brick red, cream, brown, gold and mauve.
Iolite
Iolite is known as the water sapphire, Viking's compass and stone of clear vision. An intruing stone with a unique history, iolite is pleochroic--another fun reason to include it in jewelry.
Moonstone, Multicolored
Named for its sheen, moonstone is the most well-known feldspar. This moonstone is a mix of warm oranges, neutral whites and cool greys—making it an ideal gemstone for all seasons.
Jade, Malaysia
This gemstone may resemble jade in some aspects, but Malaysia "jade" is a trade name used for translucent quartz that has been expertly dyed and available in a myriad of colors.
Marcasite
Explore the captivating history of marcasite and delve into its physical properties. Discover how it is used to craft jewelry with a subtle, timeless elegance.
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