Ask the Experts Wire Q&A
Q: I want to string some beads for outdoors. What wire could I use that would not rust? Thanks
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Ask the Experts Beading Wire Q&A
Q: What is the difference between "tigertail" wire and regular beading wire? Which is the strongest for lanyards and badge holders? Thanks
Bracelet and Earring Set
Translucent pastels bring the understated glitter of ice flake quartz into a springtime look, while antiqued finishes on silver beads and findings add a vintage vibe.
Bracelet and Earring Set
Elevate your style with our exquisite earrings and bracelet featuring stunning lilac stone and yellow calcite beads, accented with silver-plated brass for a touch of elegance.
How to Make a Sterling Silver Pendant Setting
Create a custom cabochon setting using these step-by-step instructions. This project tutorial explores bench jeweler metal fabrication techniques such as sawing, soldering, filing and polishing.
Ask the Experts Proper Gauge Wire for Wrapped Loops Q&A
Q: What gauge wire is recommended for making wrapped loops? I've tried the 22 and 24. They are too soft, for me, to work with. Would a lower gauge wire work best? I'm a newbie at this. Also, what would be the equivalent gauge size of a wire diameter of, say, .014 or .015"? I've seen only diameters of wires given, and I have no idea how to determine what the gauge would be.
Ask the Experts Seed Bead Stitches Q&A
Q: I am pretty new at beading and I am in love with seed beads. I am trying to do a two-row base for a necklace. I have tried peyote and square stitch. How do I get the tension right? I end up with it wiggly, or spiral, or twisty, anything but flat. Thanks.
How to Add Color to Vitrium® Clay
Vitrium® clay—an air-dry resin clay—comes in transparent white or opaque white. Add color to either type using these two simple steps.
Ask the Experts Pinch Bails on Briolettes Q&A
Q: When using a sterling silver pinch bail on a briolette, does pinching it together make a secure attachment, or should I be using some type of glue on the bail?
Ask the Experts Add-a-Bead Chain Q&A
Q: What is "Add-a-bead chain"? What technique secrets apply to this type of chain?
Ask the Experts Tennis Bracelet Stringing Material Q&A
Q: I saw a tennis bracelet pattern in Bead and Button book. I have made quite a few of them for gifts for my family although I used 6mm bicone crystals instead of the 4mm the instructions called for. The best one I've made so far was for myself, it was made using 6mm crystal AB. What I'm asking you is this: The pattern calls for mono filament beading thread. I am wondering if this line is going to get cut using the bicone crystals? Also, the pattern calls for a box clasp, mine keeps coming apart every time I wear it--what else can I use instead?
Single-Strand Necklace
Bright seed bead rocailles frame a brilliant Crystal Passions® pear with a beautiful iridescent rainbow for a gorgeous pendant necklace.
Ask the Experts Briolettes Q&A
Q: I purchased a string of tourmaline briolettes with the holes cut at the top from Fire Mountain. I want to attach them to a gold filled chain (like a string of fish) for earrings. The problem is the holes are much too small to attach with head pins. I have the 26 gauge gold-filled wire from your catalog--but in a dilemma to get the half-hard or full-hard through to make the twisted loop attachment?
Ask the Experts Stringing with FireLine® Q&A
Q: I've been using Accu-Flex® wire in my necklace and bracelet projects, but I'd like to explore other stringing materials. In particular, I'd like to know how to select the appropriate weight of FireLine® and how to finish off ends attractively and appropriately.
Ask the Experts Seed Beads Q&A
Q: If gluing seed beads to a flat surface, is there a spray or glue to put on top to make sure they stay smooth and secure to the object?
How to Use Slide Tube Clasps
Seeking a way to unite your cords without forcing them to tie the knot? Join them in peaceful harmony with slide tube clasps and these easy instructions.
Ask the Experts Accu-Flex® Beading Wire Q&A
Q: Which gauge of Accu-Flex beading wire is smallest? Does Accu-Flex beading wire fray?
Annealing Metal
With these instructions, you will master the art of annealing, a process that softens metal, allowing you to shape it according to your creative vision.
Ask the Experts Seed Beads Q&A
Q: Which gauge wire can be used with size 11/0 seed beads?
Ask the Experts Loomwork Q&A
Q: What kind or size of thread do I use on the beading loom?
Tinning Copper Foil
Learn this "stained glass" technique that adds a silver rim to the edge of your glass, and is often referred to as tinning.
Ask the Experts Crimping Q&A
Q: Sometimes when I am working on a bracelet or necklace, the crimp bead breaks off, and I have to start all over again. What am I doing wrong?
Ask the Experts Best Knot and Glue for Elastic Cord Q&A
Q: What kind of knot do you tie when using elastic cord for a bracelet so it is secure when you're done beading?
Art Clay® Silver - Paste Type
Learn the steps for using Art Clay® Silver Paste for safely filling molds, embellishing porcelain and glass, connecting clay pieces and attaching silver wire.
You supply the creativity, we supply everything else! ®