jewelry findings are the metal items that finish off a piece of jewelry

Plastic buttons come in a wide variety of bright colors. They may be round or square, flat or textured. Plastic buttons are also available in fun shapes such as hearts, flowers, letters, or symbols.
Shank buttons are buttons with a threading hole in the back. They may be made from plastic, glass, wood, or metal.
Shell buttons are elegant and distinct. They may be made from white or colored shell, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some shell buttons are delicately carved, adding a particularly elegant look to any project.
Flax twine is a cord made from linseed, the same material used to make linen. Traditionally used to wrap brown paper packages, flax twine is sold at many art supply stores .
Flexible metal wire is used to make open jump rings (page 8) . Any gage of wire is fine, as long as it is stiff enough to hold the shape of the ring. I general use 20 or 24 gage (0.9 mm or 0.6 mm) wire.
Floss elastic cord is great for making bracelets or necklaces that don't require a clasp. It comes in a variety of widths, so be sure to choose one that is thin enough to fit into your smallest bead or button hole.

jewelry findings are the metal items that finish off a piece of jewelry. They may be made from stainless steel, pewter, sterling silver, or gold. Always choose high quality findings, as you don't want them to rust or break whi le you are wearing your jewelry.
Barrettes come in various lengths and widths. You can buy them at craft stores, bead stores, and accessory shops.
Clasps are those things we fiddle with when putting on and taking off necklaces
and bracelets. The projects in this book use lobster claw clasps, but you can choose any clasp that complements your design (and is easy to open and close!).
Crimps are small metal tubes that are used to hold beads and other material in place. For instructions on how to use crimps, see page 8.
Ear wires turn small (or not so small) beaded masterpieces into dangling earrings. Small hoop earrings can also be used as a base for earrings.
Headpins are straight pins with a flat base at one end. For instructions on how to make dangling beads with headpins, see page 8.

Materials Beading Thread

Beading thread is durable thread, often made from nylon or silk. Unlike sewing thread, it is very strong, and doesn't tear or stretch. Beading thread comes in various widths-when working with seed beads, be sure to select a thread that is very thin. Beading thread also comes in various colors. Because it is usually visible in the finished piece, be sure to choose a color that complements your design.
Beads are available in a vast array of colors, shapes, sizes, and materials. The projects in this book use the beads described below, but feel free to use any beads you like.
Gemstone beads are made from semi-precious stones such as quartz, lapis, and agate. They come in numerous styles, including chip, minichip, faceted, and round. Gemstone beads are often sold by the strand.
Glass beads come in vibrant colors, diverse shapes, and a wide range of sizes. Glass beads are often sold in assorted packages, giving you a maximum selection of styles.
Pearl beads are delicate beads made from freshwater or cultured pearls. Glass pearl beads are similar to real pearl beads, and considerably less expensive. Pearl beads come in a variety of shades, and may be smooth or textured. They come in a variety of shapes, and add an elegant touch to any piece of jewelry.
Seed beads are small round beads that come in a wide variety of colors and finishes. They are sized by aughts (rather than inches or millimeters): the higher the number, the smaller the bead. The projects in this book use size 11 beads and size 8 beads. Seed beads are often sold by weight-the quantity of beads per unit varies according to the size and brand.

Buttons are available in an endless variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and materials. Craft stores and sewing shops are excellent starting points for finding buttons, but don't limit yourself to these options. You'll be surprised at how many wonderful buttons you see almost anywhere you look. You may have a stash of loose buttons hidden away in a drawer or sewing kit-don't forget to check out vintage jackets and coats that might be hanging in your closet. There are also great buttons to be found at garage sales, flea markets, and second-hand clothing stores.

The projects in this book use the buttons described below, but don't let yourself be limited! Use whatever buttons catch your eye, tickle your fancy, and make you smile.