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Tips and techniques, musings and more.

VIDEO: How To Tie Off Bead Weaving Thread
How-To How-To

VIDEO: How To Tie Off Bead Weaving Thread

I face a conundrum whenever I have to write about tying off thread. It something we do at least once in every bead weaving project, but putting it into words has been challenging. Below is a video for anyone who wants or needs a demonstration of one technique to tie off your bead weaving thread.

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Nine How-To Tips for Using Paste Flux
How-To How-To

Nine How-To Tips for Using Paste Flux

There are a lot of types of flux to use when you are soldering for jewelry and each of them is a little bit the same and little bit different from the others. In our classes and at home, I like to use Handy Flux paste flux to prevent firescale along my seam. If you're starting out with Handy Flux paste, you might find yourself frustrated with jumping solder chips, dried out flux, or ineffective protection. Here are nine tips to make it really work for you!

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How to Make Sanding Sticks for Jewelry & Metalworking

How to Make Sanding Sticks for Jewelry & Metalworking

To put it simply, sanding sticks are great. Particularly when you need good, firm pressure behind the sandpaper to accomplish your task. I like to use sanding sticks when I need to sand down edges and corners of sheet, to sand bezels and in tight spaces. They also save my tender, over-worked fingers from the ravages of the sanding job!

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