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.
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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.
Hot vs. Cold Jewelry Connections:
Patti walks you through a range of hot and cold connections so you can see which type of connection each of your jewelry designs need.
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.
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.
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.
How to Make a Lashed Bracelet
Explore nature's charm with this lashed bracelet design. Featuring earthy leather, rainbow fluorite beads and a black lip shell button, it celebrates beauty.
Top 5 Tips for Working with Polymer Clay
Polymer clay artist Elaine shares the top five tips for working with polymer clay including baby wipes, cornstarch and more.
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.
Earrings
Join Caitlyn of Busy Beader to learn how to make these darling duck earrings in minutes.
5 Reasons Why You Should Start Making Jewelry
Join Caitlyn of Busy Beader to discover five reasons why you should start making jewelry.
Getting Started with Hammers
Discover how to choose the perfect hammer for each jewelry-making project with Patti in this product spotlight video.
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.
Twisted Fringe How-To
Tassels... with a twist! Follow along with Rose to learn how to add a fun spin using the twisted fringe beading technique.
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.
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.
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.
Gemstones Around the World
Where do gemstones come from? Discover the origins of your favorite gemstones from around the world (or beyond).
Metal Clay Kit Resources
Welcome to the online resource page for your new Metal Clay Kit! Below you will find all you need in order to get started making unique metal clay jewelry.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Multi-Strand Necklace
This crazy lace agate and Czech glass necklace project includes crimp tubes with loops, multiple chains and a side closure. Make your own with Tammy Honaman's how-to video!
Secrets to Wireworking
Join Patti on a journey through the Secrets to Wireworking. Moving from basic to complex designs, this video series covers a variety of techniques to expand your jewelry-making prowess .
Top 10 Best-Selling Chains
Are you in a chain rut? Here are top-selling chains and design ideas to help guide your jewelry production.
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.
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 - Fire Mountain
Choosing the best wire for your wireworking project makes it easier to achieve your vision for your design.
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.
Hematite OR Hemalyke™: Knowing the Differences
Read on to discover the differences between natural hematite and man-made Hemalyke™ beads and components.
Secrets to Seed Beading
Join Rose in our Secrets to Seed Beading series, where she demonstrates a range of bead stitches and techniques that will enhance your jewelry-making abilities.
6 Essential Jewelry Making Techniques You Need to Know
Follow along as Patti shares her list of top tools and materials every jewelry maker needs for various techniques.
How to Design Custom Lanyards for ID Cards
Learn to make practical and stylish lanyards with Rose for your identification cards.
Getting Started with Basic Silversmithing
Curious about silversmithing essentials? This article outlines key tools and their uses, giving you the knowledge to start your journey with confidence.
How to Loom Seed Beads
Ready to level up your beading skills? This video tutorial is designed to help you loom with clarity and confidence.
12 Jewelry Myths Debunked
Toothpaste to clean jewelry? Indestructible diamonds? Join us as we debunk these and ten other popular jewelry myths.
DIY Clasps with Artistic Wire® Findings Forms™ Jigs
Learn how to create beautiful, consistently sized wireworked hook-and-eye and toggle clasps using Artistic Wire® Findings Forms™ jigs.
Product Spotlight: Thread Cutter
Patti demonstrates the Clover Quick Cut thread cutter and highlights its advantages.
All About Earnut Jewelry Findings
Here's a helpful guide to the different styles of earring backs to ensure earrings stay in place.
A Jewelry Designer's Wish List
We asked nine jewelry artists what tools are tops on their wish lists. Let this article help you grant wishes for the creatives in your life.
Bracelet
Feeling knotty? Join Rose as she teaches you to create a two-color friendship bracelet. Express your love for friends with this heartfelt accessory.
The Modern Locket
The modern locket takes a time-honored and traditional piece of jewelry and offers up fresh versions for the modern world. See what the locket's gotten up to these days.
Metal Jewelry: Finishing and Polishing
Jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman shows how to finish and polish metal jewelry.
The Talk About Pliers
Explore the many types of pliers to help you find the right one for every project.
What Is a Cabochon?
Take a deep dive into the marvelous cabochon and its sister the cameo. Learn about how they're created and dozens of ways a designer can use them.
Bezels
Bezels are an ideal finding to use when you're working with cabochons and flat back crystals. Tammy Honaman, author and jewelry-making expert, is here to tell you all about them.
Metaphysical Properties
When jewelry makers encounter information about gemstones, they frequently discover where a stone is mined, what it's made of and the phrase "metaphysical properties." What is that information and how can a jewelry maker use it in designs?
Loving Lavender
Fall in love with lavender! See how these soothing shades can enhance your designs to create for a number of styles and timeless appeal.
Everything You Need to Know About Thread Conditioners
Feeling all tangled up in a sea of rough, frayed thread? Thread conditioners could be just the solution you need to get back on course.
Choosing Jewelry for Your Color Season
Color seasons have been applied to jewelry and fashion for decades. Find ways to match your designs to the 12 designations in this article.
Beginner's Guide to Loomwork
Explore the world of loomwork, where each bead is a pixel in your artistic vision. Learn about the looms, materials and resources you'll need in this article.
Which Metals Should You Use?
Choosing the right metal to use in your jewelry involves balancing a number of factors beyond gold vs. silver. Get the lowdown on all metal materials.
Double-Strand Bracelet and Earring Set
Add a splash of color to your life with rainbow fluorite! Join Patti in the video as she shows you how to make this stunning jewelry set.
Organic
Refers to a bead made of a carbon-based material. Many jewelry-making components composed of pearl, wood, bone, horn and shell fall into this category.
How Many Beads per Strand?
Use this handy chart to determine the number of beads per strand according to bead size and strand length, which can vary from batch to batch.
The Right Adhesive for the Job
This detailed article explains the best adhesives for a variety of projects. Learn tips and techniques suited to your design needs.
Non-Marring Wire-Wrapping Pliers
Looking for wireworking pliers that won't mar wire or metal sheet? Jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman shares pliers that won’t make marks on wire in this informative article.
A Pastel Mood
Embrace a romantic sensibility for your wedding with the pastel mood wedding style.
Single-Strand Necklace
Learn how to create a stunning wire-wrapped crazy lace agate pendant necklace using ParaWire™ in the accompanying how-to video for a beautiful presentation.
Monochromatic Jewelry
Discover why designers and style-savvy patrons around the world are embracing the modernity of this controlled-color trend.
Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set
Hand-cut rhodochrosite rondelles pair natural beauty with luxe glow, accented by warm 14Kt gold-filled beads for a soft, peachy elegance.
Earrings
Fuse sleek geometric shapes into an organic whole in these striking gold-filled and black onyx earrings. Embrace sophistication with this stunning pair.
An Earring Finding Guide
Different earring styles suit different needs, and the findings make all the difference! This handy guide explains the unique benefits of each type of earring finding.
Wireworking Tips: Wire Coils, Pliers and Jigs
Jewelry-making expert Sandra Lupo gives us the scoop on Beadalon® tools, including their banding pliers and improved Coiling Gizmo®. Learn all about these popular tools and tips for using them in this illustrated article.
Independent Lab Report
See the results of an independent lab study on Comparison Testing of three types of coated beading wires.
Product Spotlight: Celestial Crystal®
Celestial Crystal® is our line of crystal beads and components. Explore a few of our favorites and discover how to bring their dazzling versatility to your jewelry designs.
Upcycled Jewelry: Sustainable Beading for the Eco-Minded
Upcycling jewelry is an eco-minded trend that everyone can get behind. Just take existing materials and repurpose them into jewelry!
Minerals, Rocks, Gemstones, Crystals - What’s the Difference?
Looking to brush up on your understanding of geology? Dive into this informative article that explores the distinctions among rocks, minerals, crystals and gemstones.
I Dream of Druzy
Get excited about druzy jewelry! Adorned with tiny, glistening crystals, these gemstones have the potential to become the focal point of your latest jewelry masterpiece.
Learn Simmon's Polymer Clay Blend
Take your polymer clay blending skills to the next level with Simmon's polymer clay blend. Witness firsthand how this technique creates a stunningly balanced spectrum of colors.
How To Care For Plated Jewelry
This article will teach you the best practices for preserving the beauty and quality of your gold- and silver-plated jewelry pieces over time.
Negative Space in Jewelry Design
Incorporating negative space into your jewelry designs adds a distinctive touch that will set your creative efforts apart. This article explains how.
Pearl Jewelry Guide
Explore the beauty of pearls with this complete guide to types, grading, care, pricing and stylish ways to wear them.
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.
Ergonomics for Beaders
Ergonomics involves tools and techniques that help prevent injury. This article covers why jewelry makers should consider how repetitive motion, vibration, and posture affect their health, productivity, and enjoyment.
Accu-Flex® Professional Quality Beading Wire Review
Read what Paula S. Morgan of about.com has to say about Fire Mountain's Accu-Flex Professional-Quality Beading Wire in her expert review.
Face Shape and Jewelry Choices
Learn how to create beautiful jewelry to flatter any face shape.
Size Does Matter: Making Jewelry with the Proper Fit
It's an old joke, in some circles: size doesn't matter. Yet, jewelry that doesn't fit simply doesn't get purchased. And if purchased, could get returned, with cost to the jewelry maker in both money and reputation. This is especially important for...
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