Essential How-Tos | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

How to Use the Artistic Wire® CONETASTIC™ Hourglass Mandrel

Follow these instructions for the Artistic Wire® CONETASTIC™ tool to create custom coiled wire double cones. Developed by metalsmith Sandra Lupo, it includes three sizes of two-piece hourglass mandrels.

Design Idea F64H

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How to Assemble the Beading Station Organizer

Assemble the beading station organizer using these illustrated step-by-step instructions from the manufacturer.

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How to Use Patina Gel

Patina gel by Cool Tools is a sulfur-based antiquing solution in a stable form for use on bare clean copper, bronze or silver. This illustrated tutorial guides you through each step.

Design Idea B12V

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How to Use the Artistic Wire® CONETASTIC™ Inverted Mandrel

From the ingenious mind of metalsmith Sandra Lupo comes the Artistic Wire CONETASTIC mandrel for creating custom wire-wrapped cones. Use this tutorial to create three different sizes of inverted cones using these full instructions.

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How to Attach Pop Clasps

Pop clasps feature glue-in ends for attaching jewelry cording. See how to add cord with these illustrated instructions.

Design Idea BB9G

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Terminating Leather Strands with Cones

Learn how to elegantly terminate leather strands with cones in this simple tutorial.

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Soldering Iron Owner's Manual

Owner's manual for using a soldering iron in jewelry making. It contains all the information to safely and properly set-up, operate and maintain your soldering iron.

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How-To Secure Drops to an Ear wire with Peg

Add a top-drilled component to a fishhook ear wire with an extra-long peg to create easy earrings with this 3-step tutorial.

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Art Clay Gold 22k - Clay Type

Art Clay® Gold Clay creates pieces made of 22Kt gold after firing. This tutorial includes guidelines for preparation, molding, drying, kiln firing and finishing this clay material—plus handling tips and safety precautions.

Design Idea F93D

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How to Make a Peyote Stitch Mandala

Create intricate beaded mandalas with ease by following these straightforward instructions. Your beadwork has never been more extraordinary!

Design Idea D18R

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Fusing Glass Frit in a Slumping Mold

Fusing glass frit can be a beautiful and creative expression of glasswork. Here are tips and techniques for fusing glass, including four firing schedules for a glass kiln.

Design Idea BBB9

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How to Use Grommets

Metal grommets safeguard the edges of stringing holes in large-hole beads. This four-step guide walks designers through the process of securely gluing a grommet into the bead.

Design Idea AB5Q

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How to Load the Metal Clay Syringe Pen™

Confused about the mechanics of loading a metal clay syringe? Check out these simple instructions and you’ll be on your way to crafting in no time!

Design Idea G12Q

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How to Use a Brooch Converter

Follow the three-step instructions and transform a horizontal or vertical brooch into a stylish pendant using a brooch converter.

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Ball Chain Connectors

Using ball connectors is a pinch. Learn how in this step-by-step tutorial.

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How to Make Your Own Clay Cutters

Learn how to make your own clay cutters to create custom designs using metal sheet and polymer clay.

Design Idea J33C

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Glue Crystal Flat Backs

Crystal transfer sheets make precision designing and crystal embellishing easy.

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Prometheus® Bronze Clay Instructions

Explore the fascinating process of working with Prometheus® Bronze Clay, from handling wet clay and troubleshooting common errors to successfully firing your design in the kiln. Everything you need to master this art is right here.

Design Idea G33Y

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Prometheus® Copper Clay Instructions

Unlock the world of Prometheus® Copper Clay with this comprehensive text tutorial. From crafting jewelry and ornaments to sculpting statues, unleash your creativity and bring your imaginative designs to life.

Design Idea G33Z

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Artistic Wire® Toggle Jig

These photographic instructions show you how to use the Artistic Wire® toggle jig to create perfect clasps every time.

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How to Use Ring Findings

Learn how to assemble multi-hole ring findings using stretch cord with this step-by-step guide for creating custom, comfortable rings.

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Art Clay® Silver Clay

Learn the steps for using Art Clay® Silver Clay for jewelry-making: preparation, molding and drying, kiln firing and finishing. This tutorial includes handling tips and safety precautions.

Design Idea F93F

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How to Open and Close a Pop Clasp

Pop clasps are perfect for breakaway styles like lanyards and badge holders. They “pop” open when pulled and snap shut when pressed. See how to use them in these instructions.

Design Idea BBA9

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How to Create a Resin Pendant

Create a framed resin pendant—like a window into another place or time—using photo-illustrated instructions by jewelry-making expert Tammy Honaman.

Design Idea BA5Z

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