Techniques & Guides

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Mixed Media 101: Creating Mixed Media Jewelry

Mixed Media 101: Creating Mixed Media Jewelry

Learn about mixed media jewelry with our free tutorials and instructional videos, then pick up some mixed media supplies to create one-of-a-kind jewelry and crafts. What is Mixed Media Jewelry? Mixed media jewelry, or mixed media crafts, are pieces created...

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Ladder Stitch Bead Weaving Patterns

Ladder Stitch Bead Weaving Patterns

Free Ladder Stitch Bead Weaving Patterns Ladder stitch forms the base row of many popular bead weaving stitches, including herringbone and brick stitch, so it's a great building block for any beader to be familiar with. However, this easy looping...

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How to Use Crimp Beads

How to Use Crimp Beads

Crimp beads are soft metal beads used in place of knots to secure clasps and beads onto un-knottable stringing material such as beading wire. To use crimps, you will need some flat nose pliers to squash the crimps, or speciality...

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How to Straighten Bent Wire and Head Pins

How to Straighten Bent Wire and Head Pins

One of the basic techniques that every jewelry maker needs to know is how to straighten bent wire and head pins . Most likely the wire you purchase, such as sterling silver wire, gold filled wire and craft wire, will...

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How to Open and Close a Jump Ring

How to Open and Close a Jump Ring

Never pull a jump ring apart! Learn how to properly open and close a jump ring for beading and jewelry making. Following these steps will put the least amount of stress on your rings. Watch our instructional video tutorial or...

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How to Make a Wrapped Wire Loop

How to Make a Wrapped Wire Loop

Learn how to make a wrapped wire loop with our instructional video tutorial or see below for written instructions and step-by-step photos. Knowing how to create a wrapped wire loop is essential for beading and jewelry-making. For more on wire...

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How to Finish with a Clamshell Knot Cover

How to Finish with a Clamshell Knot Cover

Learn how to finish your strand of beading with a clamshell knot cover. Slide bead on thread. Knot as shown. Tighten knot. Add another knot. Clip off excess thread. Apply clear nail polish to knots. Let dry. Close knot cover....

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How to Cut Jewelry Wire

How to Cut Jewelry Wire

Many of the materials used for jewelry making require a proper cutting tool and for most jewelry makers the single most useful cutting tool is a flush cutter. A standard flush cutter has two sides. One side is flat. This...

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How to Create a Simple Wire Loop

How to Create a Simple Wire Loop

Learn how to create a simple wire loop with our how-to video, step-by-step instructions and photos. For more beading basics, check out our instructional videos on Basic Beading Techniques. Place your bead(s) onto a head pin. Right after the bead,...

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