Essential Resources

How to Use a Pin Vise to Twist Wire

Add a custom twist to wirework designs by creating custom twisted wire-wrapping wire using the pin vise. Watch the silent animation to see how this process works—or use the full written step-by-step instructions below the video.

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How to Solder a Jump Ring with Solder Paste

Soldering jump rings closed helps create a secure connection in jewelry. Follow along with Chris as he walks you through the tools and steps needed for this handy skill.

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How to Assemble and Use a Pin Vise

Learn how to assemble and use a pin vise from the silent animations—or follow along with the full written step-by-step instructions below the video.

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How to Use Fancy Bezel Settings with Cabochons

Set cabochons quickly and elegantly within fancy bezel settings using a bezel pusher or bezel roller. Watch the silent animation to learn this professional technique, or use the full step-by-step instructions below the video.

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How To Use Coiling Gizmo® Deluxe Econo Winder

A pair of videos show how to set up and use this handing wireworking tool that helps you create beautiful wire coils for your jewelry projects. The silent animation video offers a short-and-sweet overview; the longer video from Beadalon® walks the designer through the entire process. Also includes written step-by-step instructions below the videos.

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How to Use a Wire-Rounder Tool/Pin Vise

Learn to make custom fishhook ear wires and other copper, brass and precious metal wire ends smooth and wearable with wire rounders.

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How to Use the easyknotter®

Create beautiful knotted pearl jewelry with the help of the easyknotter. See how to use this handy tool for even, professional knots every time in no time.

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How to Use Magnetic Barrel Clasps

Learn how easy it can be to attach and use magnetic barrel clasps, making easy-on and easy-off jewelry.

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How to Create a Wrapped Gear and Crystal Rivoli Focal

Learn how to make a wrapped gear pendant using wire and a crystal rivoli with these helpful instructions. The animated instructions make this design effortless to create.

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Using Ball Chain Connectors

Silent animation shows how to use ball chain connectors to terminate or add length to a section of ball chain.

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Using a Jeweler's Saw as a Pearl/Bead Reamer

Quickly and easily enlarge the stringing holes of cultured pearls and soft gemstones such as malachite by using the blade of a jeweler’s saw. Watch the silent animation to see how it’s done, or use the full written step-by-step instructions below the video.

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Warping for Bead Weaving

Learn how to set up (or warp) the Mirrix looms for bead weaving from this video tutorial straight from Mirrix Looms. Watch to learn two ways to weave beads on a loom—with or without the shedding device.

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Using EUROTOOL®

What CAN’T you do with Four-in-One Beader’s Delight pliers by EUROTOOL®? This handy pair of multi-purpose pliers feature a long nose, flat jaw, closing groove and side cutter—all in one! Ideal for travel, classes and small creative workspaces.

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How to Use Two-Sided Bezel Settings

Easily set Crystal Passions® fancy stones or flat-backed cabochons using these these two-sided calibrated bezel mounts. Rose shows you how it’s done—all it takes is pliers and a prong pusher to create stunning pendants for jewelry.

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How to Use the Wire Curling Mandrel

Hand make your own consistently sized jump rings and wire coils from soft metal wire using the wire curling mandrel set. Watch the silent animation to see how these tools work, or use the full written step-by-step instructions below the video.

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How to Create a Chainmaille Love Knot

Chainmaille artist Sue Ripsch teaches the love knot, also known as the mobius weave technique to create earrings, bracelets and other jewelry designs.

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How to Create a Full Persian Chainmaille Weave

Sue Ripsch, author of Classic Chain Mail Jewelry teaches the full Persian chainmaille weave. She demonstrates using shower rings in place of jump rings to make it easy to follow along.

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How to Use the Hidden Crimp End Clasp

Hidden crimp end clasps give a finished, professional look to any strung bead design. Learn how to incorporate them into your jewelry creations with these animated instructions.

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How to Use the Miracle Mount™ System

The Miracle Mount™ system was designed to hold sparkling Crystal Passions® fancy stones and gemstone cabochons. Rose explains how jewelry designers can add loop and peg inserts to create customized links, centerpieces and stations.

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Threaded Plastic Clasps

Twist-in or screw clasps look like double beads when closed, giving jewelry designs a smooth, continuous appearance. Silent animation shows how to use them in jewelry designs. Also included are full step-by-step instructions below the video.

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How to Use the Fancy Hinged Clasp

Learn how to easily attach a fancy hinged clasp in this quick video tutorial.

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How to Clean, Condition and Sharpen Your Clay Blades

Keep your jewelry clay blades from getting dull and rusty by following these tips from renowned mixed media artist Lisa Pavelka for cleaning, conditioning and cleaning your polymer clay blades the right way.

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How to Make Faux Dichroic Jewelry Components Using Apoxie® Sculpt

Learn how to create faux dichroic designs with jewelry-maker Lisa Pavelka in this detailed step-by-step video.

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How to Add Photographic Images to Components

Follow these steps to add photographic quality images to flat beads, polymer clay and other surfaces with waterslide image transfers created by renowned mixed media jewelry artist Lisa Pavelka.

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How to Use the Eyelet and Rivet Setting Tool

Silent animation displays how to use the eyelet and rivet setting tool to connect multiple layers of metal, leather or other materials for cold connection or mixed media designs. Below the video are full written step-by-step instructions.

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How to Add Photographic Images to Apoxie® Sculpt

Add photographs to Apoxie® Sculpt clay adhesive with waterslide image transfers by following along with this tutorial led by Lisa Pavelka, award-winning mixed media jewelry artist and instructor.

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How to Create Steampunk Gears and Embellishments Using Metal Clay

See how to create steampunk gears and embellishments from metal clay as you follow along with this jewelry-making project by award-winning artist and author Lisa Pavelka.

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Using Rivets and the Rivet Setting Tool

Rivets add texture and dimension to any jewelry design. These animated instructions explain the basics of using rivets and the rivet setting tool.

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Creating a Polymer Clay Steampunk Fish

Learn with polymer clay artist Christi Friesen as she guides you to create your version of her steampunk fish using Premo! Sculpey® in a step-by-step tutorial.

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How to Use Half Bracelet Components

Learn how to use half-bracelet components in this quick demonstrative video. Make simple bracelet designs.

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How to Use Adjustable Ring Findings

Learn how to use an adjustable ring finding using a ring mandrel and pliers, while also adding bling into the setting, with this detailed tutorial and video.

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How to Use the Tri-Bead Roller™

Make use of scrap clay or match polymer clay focals using this handy roller tool to create identical round, oval and bicone bead shapes. Polymer clay guru Christi Friesen shows it works and offers tips from her experience. Follow along with her or use the written instructions below the video.

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How to Make Gemstones "Pop" in Polymer Clay

If a rhinestone doesn't have a foil back, then the stone can lose shine when set in polymer clay. Christi Friesen, award-winning jewelry artist, shows a trick for ensuring rhinestones stay sparkly no matter what they're set in.

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How to Make Silicone Molds

Christi Friesen, polymer clay artist and guru, is here to teach a simple trick of how to make a silicone mold out of a two-part molding material for creating consistent jewelry components from found objects.

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How to Use a Jump Ring Maker

Create your own round jump rings in the sizes and metals you want using the jump ring maker. Watch the silent animation to see how this tool set works or follow the written step-by-step instructions below the video.

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How to Adjust the Angle of the Proxxon™ Table Vise

This animated video shows how to adjust the angle of the Proxxon™ table vise so you can get the exact angle and position you need when clamping jewelry supplies.

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Ball Chain Bead Tips

Discover the art of using ball chain bead tips to elegantly finish off your ball chain projects.

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How to Use Cupchain Connectors

Use sparkling cupchain without soldering! Silent animation shows how to insert the end of a length of cupchain into the connector finding and secure it in place. Below the video are full written step-by-step instructions.

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How To Use a Thread Burner

Thread burners make a clean burn and seal the ends of thread. This handy how-to video shows why a thread burner is a versatile tool ideal for any thread project.

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How to Use the Rotary Hole Punch Tool

Hand-held rotary punch is ideal for leather work—and this silent animation shows how to use it. Also includes full written step-by-step instructions below the video.

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Herringbone Stitch

Add the spiral herringbone stitch to your seed bead repertoire. Whether you’re just getting started or are a seed bead pro, find everything you need to know in one place.

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Opening Jump Rings and Split Rings

Learn how to easily open jump rings and split rings with this video tutorial.

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How to Use Brads and Washers on Leather

Using brads and washers on leather is a foundational skill for mixed media and cold connections jewelry designs. Watch the silent animation—or follow the full written step-by-step instructions below the video—to learn this technique.

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Sassy Spirals Techniques

Lisa Pavelka walks you through the process of making your own bead caps, wire cages and spiral accents in beginner friendly wire working tutorial videos.

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How to Use The Magic Finding™ and Pliers

Silent animation displays how to use Magic Finding™ crimps, Magic Finding Omega inserts and Magic Finding Pliers. Below the video are full written step-by-step instructions.

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Fold Over Clasp

A low-profile clasp that is less likely to tangle or snag on clothes or hair than other styles. It folds shut, closing securely and locking with a quiet snap.

Foil

A thin leaf of metal placed behind a gem or stone to heighten its color or brilliance.

Creating an Eye Pin from a Length of Wire

Silent animation displays how to create an eye pin from a length of wire. Below the video are full written step-by-step instructions by jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman.

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Facet

A flat surface or plane on a cut gemstone. The movement of light from one facet to another creates the sparkle and flash of a stone.

Using Waterslide Image Transfers

Welcome to our tutorial on using Waterslide Image Transfers for your creative projects!

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Fiber Optic Glass

This glass gets its name from its similarity to Cat's Eye Quartz and the unique way the two materials refract light. Also called Cat's Eye Glass.

How to Open Magnetic Clasps

Learn the easy way to open magnetic clasps without risking damage or losing the magnets.

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Earwire

A thin piece of wire used to support ear jewelry. Ear wires come in many styles. The fishhook is popular often with a ball or coil to balance the finding.

Ear Thread

An earring form consisting of a short post with attached chain. The post serves as a "needle," allowing the chain to be threaded front-to-back through the ear.

Earstud

A finding, usually metal, used to create ear jewelry. The post or stud passes through the ear, and is secured by an earnut on the back. Also see Earpost.

Earpost

A finding, usually metal, used to create ear jewelry. The post or stud passes through the ear, and is secured by an earnut on the back. Also see Earstud.

Ear Cuff

A half-circle band or ring of metal pinched around the side or middle edge of the ear. Some styles have a dangle or a chain to an earstud on the same ear.

UNIVERSAL™ Magical Crimper Pliers

Jewelry designer Rose can't help but be excited when telling you about a pair of magical crimping pliers that turns a crimp tube into a round crimp bead. Don't blink, you might miss it!

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Weighing with Digital Scales

Discover the precision of digital scales for your crafting needs when accuracy in weight measurement is essential.

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How to Use the Crystal Katana Embellishment Positioner

The Crystal Katana is an invaluable tool when working with small crystals and embellishments, allowing you to easily grip and position them.

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Gold Filled

Explore the precise technical definition of "gold-filled" within this EncycloBEADia® entry.

EUROTOOL® Nylon Jaw Looping Pliers

In-house jewelry designer Jamie Smedley shows the benefit of EUROTOOL® nylon jaw pliers when working with jewelry-making wire you don’t want to mar or scratch.

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Gauge

The measurement of the thickness of wire or metal sheet: the higher the number, the thinner the metal.

Fishhook Clasp

A lightweight clasp with a fishhook-shaped interior hook which is inserted into an oval box. The hook stops jewelry from falling off if the clasps are opened.

Using EUROTOOL® Coil Cutting Pliers

We're diving into the world of jewelry-making with EUROTOOL® Coil Cutting Pliers -- designed to effortlessly handle wire coils. Complete with comfortable cushion grip handles and a center spring for smooth cutting action.

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Druzy

Name given to a layer of tiny quartz crystals which have formed on a gemstone.

Drop

A component that dangles from another component or the jewelry's body. A drop has one top loop or hole and any range of bottom loops or holes, including none.

Fire-Polished

A process in which beads are machine faceted, then polished by glazing inside a red-hot glass oven. This softens the edges and gives the beads a smooth feel.

Druk Bead

A high-quality round pressed glass bead imported directly from the Czech Republic.

Fringe Bead

A mostly round drop bead, created by Miyuki of Japan. Perfect for edges and the termination of a row of beadwork.

French Wire

Tightly coiled, fine wire that forms a flexible tube. Used to conceal and protect stringing materials from abrasion by metal jewelry findings. Also bouillon.

Donut

A flat component with a large center hole, usually round. Named after the pastry doughnut, the donut component is often used as a centerpiece.

Measuring with Calipers

Calipers make measuring small things, like beads and holes in beads, a snap.

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Dulling

Brushing a metal surface, sometimes with a matting punch or powder, to give it a duller (matte) finish.

Delica® Bead

Explore the rich origins and meticulous manufacturing process behind Delica® seed beads.

Adjustable Clasp

Has a short length of chain to vary the necklace length by attaching the clasp to different links of the chain. Includes Hook-and-Eye and Lobster Claw Clasps.

Adhesive

(see also Glue) A liquid, semi-liquid, gel or film that adheres or bonds items together. E-6000® and G-S Hypo cement are adhesives.

Collar

A broad, choker-like necklace of three or more strands that fit snugly on the neck. Length is 14 to 17 inches. Known as a plaque de cou if it has a front clasp.

Dead Soft

A term used for wire that is extremely malleable and can be bent easily into a myriad of shapes.

Add-a-Bead Clasp

A clasp narrow enough to allow large-hole beads to slide over the clasp and onto the chain or cord. Can include Bayonet Clasp or Bead Clasp styles.

Dichroic Glass

A glass material containing ultra-thin layers of metal oxides. The micro-layers create different layers and patterns of light refraction within the glass.

Czech Glass

Glass, usually in the form of beads, created in the Czech Republic. Also called Bohemian glass or Bohemian crystal.

Ceylon

The use of Ceylon before a bead color name indicates the addition of a luster coating or the inside coloring of an opalescent bead.

Cowrie/Cowry Shell

A shell, commonly white but also available in colors and patterns, which is smooth and glossy with a long, narrow, slit-like opening.

Using Spacer Bars in Multi-Strand Designs

Spacer bars are a great way to bring structure—and style!—to your multi-strand jewelry creations. Expert jewelry designer Tammy Honaman shows how they work in this video.

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A Complete Guide to Jooltool™

View in-depth how-to videos courtesy of Jooltool™ and renowned mixed media artist Lisa Pavelka that unveil the magic behind the Jooltool polishing system.

Video Series

Forming Complex Wire Shapes

Although jewelry wire is often used to support other components, it can also take center stage. Learn how to make sculptural wire pendants in this informative video with jewelry designer Sandra Lupo.

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Fine jewelry

Fine jewelry is jewelry that uses at least 14Kt gold or other precious metals and precious gems like diamonds, sapphires, rubies or emeralds.

Forming Basic Wire Shapes

Handmade wire components can take any jewelry design from "okay" to "wow!". Learn how to make an S-clasp, pendant hanger and bead cage with this how-to video with renowned metalsmith Sandra Lupo.

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Finding

A jewelry-making term for any metal component used to connect and/or assemble jewelry.

Flux

A liquid or paste used in metal soldering. Flux lowers the temperature of the metal surfaces to increase bonding and protect them from oxidization.

How to Use Magnifiers

Discover the art of using magnifiers in this informative video guide.

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Cat's Eye (Glass)

(also called Fiber Optic Glass) Created with manmade fiber optic glass, cat's eye refracts light in a way reminiscent of the oblong center of a cat's eye. This center appearance of movement is caused by chatoyance, which is defined as changeable luster or shine.

Flush-Cutting Pliers

Pliers used to trim headpins, eyepins, wire-wrapping wire and cable-style beading wire. The outside surface of the curved blades creates a flat, flush cut.

Cathedral Glass

Made by pressing glass into a steel mold, coating with color, then grinding and polishing every facet. The color coating remains on the ends of the beads.

Costume Jewelry

A category of jewelry is generally thought of as jewelry made from base metals, glass, plastics and other synthetics. It may also be comprised of shell, wood and other organic materials. Costume jewelry can be artisan-made or mass produced.

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