Julie

A: Hello Julie,
Using jewelry wire with crimps and clasps is the simplest and most secure method for finishing your beaded strands.  If you are referring to string such as beading cord you can knot at the end of the strand but if you want the jewelry item to be removable you still need some sort of clasp or closure. Traditionally the cord is attached to a clasp and then knotted and glued. If you are trying to avoid a clasp, you can make a sliding knot closure. This works best with a heavier cord such as hemp or silk cording.
   
To make the sliding closure:
Overlap the two ends of the cord. Take the end of the cord on the right, and tie a simple overhand knot over the cord on the left. Then take the end of the cord on the left, and tie a knot over the cord on the right. Knot the ends of the cord to prevent fraying.  Trim if necessary. 
 
Sincerely,
 
Bailey Beader
www.artbeads.com

I need to know if this thread is small enough to work with the seed beads, if it is I would like to get some ordered yet today

 A: Thank you for your inquiry. The Nymo Waxed Nylon Thread is small enough to work with the seed beads you are working with. You can view our entire selection of Nymo Thread by clicking here.  We hope this information is helpful, and look forward to working with you soon.

Have a question you’d like to ask Bailey? Email her at artbeadsblog@gmail.com or post your question to our blog.

Have a question you’d like to ask Bailey? Email her at artbeadsblog@gmail.com or post your question to our blog.

A: We don’t carry any kits making Dichroic Glass but we do carry a product called Magic Glos that can be used to create the effect of dichroic pieces.  For further instructions on creating faux dichroic glass I’d suggest looking into Lisa Pavelka’s method of creating faux dichroic glass using polymer clay and Mylar-backed foils.
 
Check out page 5 in this .pdf file
http://www.buttons.com/PDFs/Catalogs/LisaPavelka.pdf
 
Sincerely,
  
Bailey Beader

Have a question you’d like to ask Bailey? Email her at artbeadsblog@gmail.com or post your question to our blog.

Thanks for your answer.

Patricia

A:  Hello Patricia, After receiving your question I tested the bead reamer on a Swarovski pearl. While the hole did enlarge, the pearl coating around the hole became rough and unsightly. Because of this, I would hesitate using the bead reamer on Swarovski pearls.
 
Sincerely,
  
Bailey Beader

Have a question you’d like to ask Bailey? Email her at artbeadsblog@gmail.com or post your question to our blog.

A: “AB,” or Aurora Borealis, is a bead treatment inspired by Northern Lights. It is a coating (usually on one side) applied to glass beads that creates a rainbow or iridescent effect. The effect was invented in 1955 by Swarovski in partnership with Christian Dior.

Have a question you’d like to ask Bailey? Email her at artbeadsblog@gmail.com or post your question to our blog.

A: For most clear and regular-colored crystals, it is fine to dry clean. However, avoid dry cleaning AB finishes or other special finishes.

Have a question you’d like to ask Bailey? Email her at artbeadsblog@gmail.com or post your question to our blog.

A: Hi Jerry,
Thanks so much for your question. Crimp beads and tubes are really the best way to secure beads when working with jewelry wire. Crimping is so quick and easier than knotting and using glues. A well done crimp allows you to cut the tail of the wire strand right up to the crimp, you can use crimp covers over the bead or tube or you can hide the crimp in a larger bead or cone. A basic pair of crimping pliers such as TOOL-100 is a worthwhile investment.
Bailey

Have a question you’d like to ask Bailey? Email her at artbeadsblog@gmail.com or post your question to our blog.

A: Organza Ribbon is a great way to get a very feminine look quickly and easily. To string the beads on, use a piece of strong stringing material. Fold the stringing material in half and pass the ribbon through the loop. String the ends through your bead, and the ribbon will follow. To help keep your ribbon looking nice, work from the center out, using both ends of the ribbon, and don’t use beads with sharp or jagged edges that could cut or damage the ribbon. To finish your necklace you can tie the ends of the ribbon to a clasp, use a beadtip, or simply tie a bow.

For detailed techniques to use this product, please click HERE or visit the Handy Tips section of the Learning Center and click on how to string beads on organza ribbon.

Have a question you’d like to ask Bailey? Email her at artbeadsblog@gmail.com or post your comment to our blog.

A: The difference is in the amount of gold. Gold-plated products have a very thin layer (seven-millionths of an inch) of gold, while 14K/20 gold-filled products must have at least one-twentieth of their entire weight in 14K gold. What this means for you as a beader is that gold-plated items, while cheaper, will not last as long. Eventually the thin gold layer will rub off. Gold-filled items, however, will remain gold for a lifetime if cared for properly. The occasional silver spot is from solder holding joints together. Unless you are using harsh chemicals or abrasives, the gold layer will stay gold for years to come!

Have a question you’d like to ask Bailey?  Email her at artbeadsblog@gmail.com or post your comment to our blog.