For drilling soft metals like silver and copper, you can use hardened steel drill bits that are sold at hardware stores, if you can find a small enough size. Diamond coated bits are good if you are drilling something harder, such as glass or a harder metal. I get diamond bits from jewelry supply companies [...]

Using some basic wire techniques that I’ve already written about – how to make simple loops, wrapped loops, head pins, and earwires – you can make your very own earring designs using just wire and a couple of beads. First, you need two earwires. You can buy them, or make your own. Then, you need [...]

Making earwires is fairly simple. All you need is some 20 or 21 gauge wire (I usually use sterling silver or argentium silver, but you could use any kind of metal that doesn’t make your ears itch – in the example photos, I’m using 20g copper), a small round object to use as a mandrel, [...]

Wrapped loops take a bit more work than simple (open) loops, but are much more secure, especially if you work with thin wire. The tools you need are the same: Piece of wire about 2″ long (or a head pin Flat or chain nose pliers Round nose pliers Wire cutters And here is my photo [...]

One of the most basic techniques for making jewelry with wire is a simple loop. What you need: head pin, eye pin, or about 2″ long piece of 22g wire flat or chain nose pliers round nose pliers wire cutters bead(s) that fit on the wire Here’s how you do it: Using the flat or [...]

I thought it might be useful to post links to some of my past how-to articles for any new readers to my blog. Now that I’m looking at the list, I can think of a bunch more to write – so check back soon if you want more jewelry and craft tutorials. Is there a [...]

I could write an article on soldering, but there’s already a good one with basic info over at H. Palleiko Designs blog. One thing I would add to her directions is this: wear a ventilator mask and work in a well ventilated area. Fumes from flux, solder, and your torch are things you probably don’t [...]

Wirework is a fun way to get started working with metal, and I have continued to use basic wire techniques in my jewelry making even after learning other metalsmithing techniques. You can make beautiful jewelry using only wire and beads, but it helps to have the right tools. In a previous post I talked about [...]

Pickle is used to clean oxidation and flux residue off of metal. It is an acidic solution that you can buy from a jewelry supply store, or you can make a do-it-yourself version at home. Pickle can be stored in a glass jar or a ceramic crock pot. It works faster if it’s heated up, [...]

Seed beads are the small glass beads people use in intricate beadweaving projects. They come in various sizes which vary slightly by manufacturer, but in general, the larger the number, the smaller the bead. One of the most common sizes is size 11. If you look at the wall of seed beads at your local [...]