The Beading Gem

Not too long ago, a reader named Vivian emailed me. She asked, "I make jewelry and want to do some wire wrapping using aluminum wire. I know how to work with copper but aluminum is new for me. Where can I buy this aluminum wire? Is there a specific one for jewelry? Will the finished pieces last long? Will they tarnish?"

Reader Gay found my blog through my Full Persian chain maille video on Youtube.  It proved enormously useful enabling her to complete her bracelet.


In her email she also asked, " I am desperately looking for a video on "Turkish Round" but can't find one anywhere. I bought a book with the pattern in it but cannot figure it out this way! "

Most leather tutorials involve either thin cording or flat pieces of leather.  Then a blog reader, Anna, asked how molded leather jewelry is made.  So here they are - 3D leather flower tutorials!

Image from About.com Beadwork

 The Reader Question thread is where I pick an email or comment question to answer.  I don't claim to know all the answers but I do my best to help.

Question : Pearl, Hi, do you have a tutorial or instructions how to make a toggle clasp out of a button??  I am so tired of buying toggles, I would like to make my own.  Thank you, Marsha Durkin of PinkAngelWing on Etsy.

Answer :  Bought toggles are great for when you run out!  However, it always adds to the piece if all the components are hand made so it is is worth making your own.

The Reader Question thread is where I pick an email or comment question to answer.  I don't claim to know all the answers but I do my best to help.

Linda :This is an inexpensive fresh water pearl earring that my husband bought for me as a 'cheer up' gift during a bad time for me.  This has emotional value and limited other value.

The beading thread  broke on one earring.  I have all the pieces.  I have tried to figure out how to re-bead the earring with no success.  Could you point me in the direction to repair this? 

The Reader Question thread is where I pick an emailed question or comment to share.  I don't claim to know all the answers but I do my best to help.

Shaylynn of Shealynn's Faerie Shoppe posted this comment, "Random question-- do you know of any good uses for broken/cracked/uncut-hole beads? I've amassed a little collection and feel bad throwing it out!"

The Reader Question thread is where I pick a comment or emailed question to answer. I don't claim to know all the answers but I do my best to help.

Roxann from Beadaddict sent me this email : "I was wondering if you had any success in creating a 3 strand pearl necklace (or bracelet) that keeps a very dense twist. 

Image via Wikipedia
The Reader Question thread is where I pick a comment or emailed question to answer. I don't claim to know all the answers but I do my best to help. 

Steampunk Necklace by Urbandon on Etsy

The Reader Question thread is where I pick an emailed question from a reader to share with you. I don't claim to know all the answers but I do my best to help.

Question
Celeste : Pearl, I enjoy your newsletter very much but I would like some feedback from you or clarification.

First of all, I hope that the Steampunk thing isn’t running out of steam yet, as I just purchased a couple thousand dollars worth of antiqued brass and copper findings, pewter base.  I have tons of antiqued plated silver too.  Gold color is boring and cheap looking to me.

I I sometimes get questions from readers who email me. I can't claim to know all the answers but I do my best to try and help. As some of these inquiries might be of interest to other readers, I will post selected questions and answers from now on.  Your name will not be used if you'd rather not.

Ode to Copper Coiled Wire Necklace by Pearl