How to Use Screw-Tite Crimps™
Learn what makes Screw-Tite Crimps™ different and how to use them for a secure hold.
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Beeswax
Wax used in beading to make the surface of a thread smooth and slightly sticky. This keeps fibers together and protects against fraying and water damage.
Brass
An alloy of copper and zinc which creates a metal with a bright gold-like color.
Barrel Clasp
A low-profile clasp with a threaded closure, which is twisted or screwed to open and to close. See also Bead, Screw and Torpedo Clasp styles.
Product Spotlight: Quartz Crystal
Jewelry-making expert Stephanie Girdlestone is here to show you how sparkly and shiny A-grade quartz can be. Something you can't always get with just pictures.
Barrel Bead
A tubular bead which that is wider across the center and narrows at the ends, with a flat non-tapering end. It is shaped like an old wooden barrel.
Ask the Experts Cabs & Faceted Stones Q&A
Q: What is the difference between a gemstone setting designated "low profile" and a setting that does not have the low profile designation? If I have an 8mm stone can I use either setting?
Create Compliments® Jewelry
Enjoy a preview selection of elegant jewelry from the Create Compliments® Jewelry line exclusively available at Fire Mountain Gems and Beads.
Baroque Pearls
An irregularly shaped pearl, whether natural, cultured or manufactured. Can also refer to a highly- embellished artistic style from the 1600s to 1750s.
Why I Like Premo! Polymer Clay
Renowned polymer clay artist Christi Friesen explains her favorite qualities of Premo! polymer clay and why it's her top choice for clay creations.
How-To Use Bead Tips
Bead tips give jewelry designs a clean and professional finish. In this video, learn how to use bead tips to conceal and protect knots while creating a secure connection.
Using the Xuron® Maxi Shear™ Flush-Cutter
Learn more about Xuron® Maxi-Shear™ flush cutter jewelry pliers in this informational video.
Xuron® Flush-Cutters
Xuron® deluxe flush-cutters made smooth, precise cuts on jewelry wire—even in tight spaces. Learn more about these American-made pliers in this informational video.
Bronze
An alloy of copper and tin which creates a metal with a dark golden-brown color.
Intro to Jump Rings
Jewelry-making expert Tamara Honaman shares how handy and versatile jump rings are for connecting components.
Bar-and-Ring Clasp
A two-piece clasp with a T-shaped bar and a loop. The loop is usually a circle, but sometimes other shapes are used. See also Toggle Clasp.
Bracelet
A form of jewelry worn around the wrist created from leather, fibers, plastics or metals. Some bracelets are used for medical or identification purposes.
Brooch Convertor
A finding used to convert a brooch into a pendant. Styles are available for horizontal or vertical pins.
Bolo
Find the definition of "bolo," a popular neckwear item.
Bent Chain-Nose Pliers
Chain-nose pliers with bent jaws, used to reach into tight places or odd angles. The bent tips allow access into all areas without blocking the line of vision.
Bangle
An inflexible circular bracelet, often narrow. Some styles may be hinged, however, most bangles have no clasp and must be slipped over the hand to be worn.
How to Add Textured Finishes to Metal
Brush up on your metal-finishing techniques by learning how to add matte and brushed textures to metal by following along with jewelry-maker Hazel Wheaton.
How to Straighten Wire
Love wirework, but hate prepping your supplies? This video tutorial from Hazel Wheaton shows you easy, effective ways to straighten out your wire for any project.
How to Use Dimple Forming Pliers
Love the look of embellished metal pieces? This video from Anni Pennington shows you how to use dimple-making pliers to decorate your jewelry components.
Wire Heart Earrings
The minimalist design of these wire heart earrings is perfect as-is or with a few customizations. Follow along with Naomi Fujimoto in this handy how-to video.
Blister Pearl
A pearly excrescence formed inside of the shell of a mollusk (oyster) enclosing a foreign body, such as a bit of mud or parasite. Often irregular in shape.
Bail Pendant Mount
Bonds to any flat-backed item to make a pendant.
Abalone
An iridescent mother-of-pearl harvested from certain saltwater mollusks. Paua shell is a variety of abalone.
Discover the Art of Bead Embroidery
Join Jody Young for "Unlock Your Heart," her 8-part seed bead embroidery video series. It begins with the basics, then moves through other techniques.
Ball Joint Clasp
A clasp which uses pressure on the ball portion to keep the clasp closed.
How to Make a Simple Loop
Watch as Tammy Honaman, author, jewelry-making expert and educator, shows how easy it is to create simple loops in wirework designs.
How to Create a Diamond Chain Stitch
Follow along with this video to create the diamond chain seed bead stitch. This stitch is ideal for jewelry, hat bands, clothing decorations and more.
How to Use a Wire Jig
A wire jig lets you consistently make great shapes from wire. Learn how to make a variety of designs with this how-to video and instructions.
Product Spotlight: Preciosa Czech Crystal
Join Patti as she explores the beauty and history behind Preciosa Czech crystal beads and components.
6 Ways to Finish Tubular Bead Stitches
Not quite sure how to bring your tubular bead project to a close? Never fear! Rose is here to teach you 6 great options for putting the finishing touches onto your fabulous beaded pieces!
5 Steps: How to Rehydrate Old Metal Clay
Has your metal clay gone bone-dry? We'll show you how to bring it back to life! LauraLynn demonstrates how in just 5 easy steps: break up, grind, sift, rehydrate and reform!
How to Use Hollow Diamond-Coated Drill Bits
Rose demonstrates the creative potential of diamond-coated core bits. Watch as she transforms materials into wearable jewelry with just a simple drill hole.
Top Six Types of Bails
Explore ice picks, up eyes, donut bails and more! See how these top bail types quickly and easily transform your favorite jewelry-making elements into finished pieces.
Product Spotlight: Metal Clay
Get to know metal clay and the tools you'll need to make your own one-of-a-kind jewelry designs.
Obsidian: Lava Glass
Said to possess powerful protective qualities and a warrior’s fighting spirt, obsidian has been adored by humans since the Stone Age.
How to Cast Resin Pendants
Casting with resin is easy and fun with flexible, silicone molds. Learn how to use these faceted molds to create personalized three-dimensional drops, pendants, wire-wrapping elements and more.
How to Make a Quilter's Knot
Do your knots pull through the material? Try this! Jewelry designer Rose demonstrates how to create a quilter's knot with two easy steps in this handy tutorial.
How to Create a Spiral Rope Stitch
Follow along as Rose shows how to create the spiral rope stitch. This stitch looks elegant and complex, but is actually quite simple to make!
How To Anneal and Texture Metal
Join Patti to learn how to anneal and pickle different metal surfaces before texturing them with specialty hammers.
How to Make Seed Bead Fringe
Follow along with our video instructions and learn how to add fabulous fringe to your seed-beaded creations.
Product Spotlight: Must-Have Jewelry-Making Pliers
The right tools make all the difference! Join Rose to learn about the most popular jewelry-making pliers and how to use them for secure crimps, neater loops, and perfect coils.
Secrets to Seed Beading: What's In My Seed Beading Tool Kit?
Take a peek inside Rose's seed bead toolbox as you prepare to tackle the projects of her 10-part Secrets to Seed Beads series.
Video Secrets to Polymer Clay Project 5: Secret Stone Brooch
Learn how to create a mysterious brooch in the fifth project of this series. Christi shows you how to create your own polymer clay bezel to capture your favorite cabochon in beautiful details.
You supply the creativity, we supply everything else! ®