Essential Resources

Matching Gemstones to Eye Color

Match your eye color with gemstones: aquamarine for blue, jade for green, and topaz for brown. Explore our curated or full collection to create your perfect piece.

Tension (or Stop) Bead

A tension bead (or stopper bead) holds your work in place. To make one, string a bead larger than those you are working with, then pass through the bead one or more times, making sure not to split your thread. The bead will be able to slide along but will still provide tension to work against when you're beading the first two rows.

Stringing

A technique in which beads are gathered on a strand. Beading wire, needle and thread and other materials are used for stringing.

Learn the Dot Stitch

Embark on your creative journey with seed beads today by mastering the fundamentals of the dot stitch. Follow along with Rose in this step-by-step video tutorial.

Video Length 4:55

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The History of Glass Beads

Discover the history of glass bead making, with roots in Ancient Rome and evolving through innovative techniques spurred by the advent of industrialization.

Tubular Herringbone Stitch

Begin with a foundation row of ladder stitch. Join the ends together to form a tube. String 2 beads. Pass down through the next bead and up through the bead after it. Repeat around the tube. At the end of the round, pass through the first beads of the previous and current rounds to step up to the new round.

Netting (Single Thread)

Begin by stringing a base row of 13 beads. String 5 beads and go back through the fifth bead from the end of the base row. String another 5 beads, skip 3 beads of the base row, and go back through the next. Repeat to the end of the row, passing through the fifth, fourth, and third beads of those just strung and exiting from the third. Turn the work over and go back across the same way.

How-To: Single Strand Slider Bracelet

Join Caitlyn of Busy Beader as Elaine shows how to make a slide-clasp knot closure for stylish bracelets.

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Pass Through vs. Pass Back Through

Pass through means to move your needle in the same direction that the beads have been strung. Pass back through means to move your needle in the opposite direction.

Flat Herringbone Stitch

Begin with a foundation row of even-count ladder stitch. String 2 beads, pass down through the second to last bead in the ladder, and up through the next bead. String 2 beads, pass down the next bead and then up through the following. Repeat to the end of the row. To end the row, pass back through the last bead strung. To begin the next row, string 2 beads and pass down through the second to last bead of the previous row. Repeat, stringing 2 beads per stitch and passing down then up through two beads of the previous row. The 2-bead stitch will cause the beads to angle-up in each row, like a herringbone fabric.

Tubular Peyote Stitch

String an even number of beads and make a foundation circle by passing through them two more times, exiting from the first bead strung. String 1 bead and pass through the third bead of the foundation circle. String 1 bead and pass through the fifth bead of the foundation circle. Continue adding 1 bead at a time, skipping over 1 bead of the first round, until you have added half the number of beads of the first round. Exit from the first bead of the second round. String1 bead, pass through the second bead added in the second round and pull thread tight. String 1 bead and pass through the third bead added in the second round. Continue around, filling in the ''spaces'' 1 bead at a time. Exit from the first bead added in each round.

Ladder Stitch

Using two needles, one threaded on each end of the thread, pass one needle through one or more beads from left to right and pass the other needle through the same beads from right to left. Continue adding beads by crisscrossing both needles through one bead at a time. Use this stitch to make strings of beads or as the foundation for brick stitch. For a single-needle ladder, string 2 beads and pass through them again. String 1 bead. Pass through the last stitched bead and the one just strung. Repeat, adding one bead at a time and working in a figure-eight pattern.

Flat Peyote Stitch

One-drop peyote stitch begins by stringing an even number of beads to create the first two rows. Begin the third row by stringing one bead and passing through the second-to-last bead of the previous rows. String another bead and pass through the fourth-to-last bead of the previous rows. Continue adding one bead at a time, passing over every other bead of the previous rows. Two-drop peyote stitch is worked the same as above, but with two beads at a time instead of one.

Learn How to Make a Beaded Picot Edge

Begin your creative journey with seed beads today by mastering the fundamentals of bead embroidery. Join Rose and follow along to learn how to create a beaded picot edge in this step-by-step video tutorial.

Video Length 5:44

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Learn the Potawatomi Seed Bead Stitch

Embark on your journey of creating with seed beads today by learning the fundamentals of the Potawatomi stitch through this step-by-step video tutorial with Rose.

Video Length 6:26

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Right-Angle Weave (Single Needle) Stitch

The right angle weave (RAW) is a basic jewelry-making stitch often used with seed beads and crystal beads. String 4 beads and pass through them again to form the first unit. For the rest of the row, string 3 beads, pass through the last bead passed through in the previous unit, and the first two just strung; the thread path will resemble a figure-8, alternating directions with each unit. To begin the next row, pass through the last 3 beads strung to exit the side of the last unit. String 3 beads, pass through the last bead passed through, and the first bead just strung. *String 2 beads, pass through the next edge bead of the previous row, the last bead passed through in the previous unit, and the last 2 beads just strung. Pass through the next edge bead of the previous row, string 2 beads, pass through the last bead of the previous unit, the edge bead just passed through, and the first bead just strung. Repeat from * to complete the row then begin a new row as before.

Right-Angle Weave (Double Needle)

Using two needles, one on each end of the thread, string three beads on one of the needles and slide them to the center of the thread. String a fourth bead, passing one needle through from left to right and passing the other needle through from right to left. String one bead with each needle, then pick up one more bead and pass one needle through from left to right and pass the other needle through from right to left. Continue for desired length of row. To work the next row, repeat as for the first row, stringing new beads only onto the right thread and passing back through beads from the first row with the left thread. To make a row-end decrease, simply stop your row short and begin a new row.

Tubular Chain Stitch

Begin your creative journey with seed beads today by mastering the essentials of tubular chain stitch. Follow the step-by-step video tutorial with Rose.

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Learn Quilling With Seeds Beads

Embark on your creative journey with seed beads today by mastering the fundamentals of quilling with seed beads. Follow along with Rose in this step-by-step video tutorial.

Video Length 9:06

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Getting Started with Hammers

Discover how to choose the perfect hammer for each jewelry-making project with Patti in this product spotlight video. She introduces the chasing hammer, mallet, texture hammer, and ball peen hammer to help you select the right tool for every job.

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How To Do a Net Stitch

Embark on your creative journey with seed beads today by mastering the fundamentals of net stitch. Follow along with Rose in this step-by-step video tutorial.

Video Length 9:24

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Elaine's Top 5 Polymer Clay Tools

Elaine shares the top five tools for working with polymer clay. Discover how to use these tools, including a roller machine, a clay extruder and more.

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Gold-Plated

Items have an industry standard of .15 to .25 mils thickness of gold which is plated to the surface of the base metal.

Learn the Flat Cellini Seed Bead Stitch

Embark on your creative journey with seed beads today by mastering the fundamentals of the flat Cellini or three-dimensional stitch. Follow along with Rose in this step-by-step video tutorial.

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Product Spotlight: Easy DIY Jewelry with Links

Discover the different links available and how to use these components in jewelry making to save time and create beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces.

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Gemstones Around the World

Where do gemstones come from? Discover the origins of your favorite gemstones from around the world (or beyond).

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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Cleaning Glass Enamels

Discover the reasons and techniques for cleaning enamel prior to application, through these simple illustrated instructions.

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5 Ways to Use Cabochons

Watch this video to discover 5 creative ways to use cabochons in jewelry making! Learn how to craft stunning pendants, rings, earrings, charms, and more with these versatile stones.

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Plated

Learn about plated metals: what they are, why they're used in jewelry, and how to take care of them so they stay looking their best.

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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The Big 3 Brands of Crystal Beads

Love the look of crystal, but unsure which brand to shop? Discover the highlights of each of the top three crystal manufacturers.

Colorfastness in Beads and Jewelry-Making Supplies

Avoid color bleed in beads! Learn all about colorfastness, how to identify what jewelry-making supplies are colorfast and tips for protecting color in your creations.

Anodized

Learn the meaning of "anodized" and how it enhances both the visual appeal and durability of jewelry pieces.

Seven Principles of Design for Jewelry-Making

Turn jewelry making into an art form with these 7 key design principles. Learn how balance, movement and more can inspire new heights of creativity.

The Gemstone Information Manual by the American Gem Trade Association

The Federal Trade Commission Guides for the Jewelry Industry as revised April 10, 2001 are designed to prevent unfair or deceptive trade practices.

The Story Behind the Boss' Bead Bag

Discover the story of the Boss' Bead Bag, a unique mix of beads born from a serendipitous accident. Get your hands on a bundle of beading goodness in one grab bag!

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.

Royal Blues

Discover the timeless allure of royal blue and draw inspiration for your most profound blue creations.

Gemstone Optical Properties

Optical properties refer to the way gemstones interact with light. Color, interference and inclusions are all examples of optical properties. The first optical property is also the most obvious--color.

Easy on the Eyes—Tips to Improve Your Work Area

Good light is so important when beading. Here are some ideas about lighting and other ways to improve the beading workspace.

All About Jump Rings

Delve into our extensive jump ring resource. Here you'll find a wealth of information about one of the most versatile jewelry-making resources, from sizes and materials to chainmaille weaves.

Six Ways to Create Cold Connections

No need to be a blacksmith to join metal to metal—you can use cold connections! Here are 6 ways to connect metals (or other materials) without using fire or electricity.

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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How Glass Beads are Made

Glass beads have been a favorite jewelry-making supply for thousands of years. Learn about the ancient techniques used to craft various types of beads.

Top 7 Ways to End Jewelry Chain

View this helpful guide to the top 7 ways to finish jewelry chain from our in-house jewelry-making experts.

Geometric Jewelry

Explore how to use geometric shapes for limitless design possibilities.

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