Jewelry Mediums | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

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.

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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?

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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?

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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?

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Single-Strand Necklace

Bright seed bead rocailles frame a brilliant Crystal Passions® pear with a beautiful iridescent rainbow for a gorgeous pendant necklace.

Design Idea PH36

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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?

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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?

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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.

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Ask the Experts Seed Beads Q&A

Q: Which gauge wire can be used with size 11/0 seed beads?

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Ask the Experts Loomwork Q&A

Q: What kind or size of thread do I use on the beading loom?

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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.

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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?

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Ask the Experts Number of Seed Beads in a Hank Q&A

Q: How many seed beads are in a hank?

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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?

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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.

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Artistic Wire® Oval Ear Wire Jig

The Artistic Wire® Oval Ear Wire Jig enables you to fashion smooth curves and consistent shapes for flawless results. Master the art of wire shaping and watch your earring designs take flight.

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Artistic Wire® Round Ear Wire Jig

Craft consistently flawless ear wires with the Artistic Wire® Round Ear Wire Jig, guided by these straightforward instructions for precision and ease. Perfect your jewelry creations with every graceful curve, ensuring a professional touch to your designs.

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Ask the Experts Bead Crochet Stringing Material Q&A

Q: What thread do you use for bead crochet?

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Ask the Experts Using S-Hook Clasps Q&A

Q: I don't understand how to use S-Hook clasps. Am I supposed to separate one of the S's so that the ring will slide on and off? I purchased one, but the S is too tight on both sides to slide the jump ring on and off.

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Artistic Wire® Open Ear Wire Jig

The Artistic Wire® Open Ear Wire Jig will help you create delicately perfect earrings. With these easy-to- follow instructions, you will begin crafting flawless earwires in no time.

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Ask the Experts Mother-of-Pearl Shell Q&A

Q: What kind of beading wire would I use with mother-of-pearl beads or cultured freshwater pearls?

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