- Anchor Bead
Can be either a bead
held in place with at least two threads, holding
the bead in place, or a bead through which two (or
more) threads cross, holding it and beads next to
it in position.
- Absorbency
The capacity a material
has to take in water or other fluid.
- Anvil
Used in coordination with a
hammer, the anvil is a smooth surface on which metal
and wire are shaped against.
- Appliqu�
A piece of fabric attached
(usually sewn) to a separate piece of fabric.
- Armature
The framework that paper
mache is molded on to form the desired shape. Commonly
made from cardboard, tin cans, wire or inflated
balloons.
- Artists linen
An un-pressed linen
which serves as a background in embroidery and painting.
Can also mount and frame finished projects.
- Assemblage
Any sculpture or design
formed with a variety of materials, sometimes accented
by painting, drawing or photography.
- Backstitch
A stitch used in embroidery
to secure a line of seed beads to a cloth backing.
A simple stitch is used to initially attach between
one and three beads, and then the thread is put
back through at least one of the beads. The backstitch
is completed with another simple stitch.
- Bagging
The process of removing paint
and glaze by dipping a bag in turpentine.
- Barrel Clasp
One of the most secure
ways to fasten together two ends of a necklace or
bracelet. One end fits into the other, screwing
into place until locked. Attached to jewelry with
knots or crimp beads.
- Bead Loom
Used in hand weaving beaded
fabrics. The loom holds each row (aka "warp")
of thread. Can be constructed from metal, wood or
plastic. Completely fabric accumulates on roller
on each end of the loom.
- Beeswax
A natural wax used in handmade
candles. Beeswax improves the smell (adds sweetness),
burn time and softness of a candle.
- Bisque
Unglazed ware
- Blots
An Asian painting technique.
Brushes are dipped in ink, with drops allowed to
fall on a blank paper, which is then folded and
pressed. The image revealed when the paper is unfolded
is the basis of a design.
- Blowpipe
Used in glass working. Molten
glass on the end of the hollow, metal tube (usually
iron or steel) is blown into the desired shape.
- Bradawl
The tool used to punch holes
in a wooden object, for hanging.
- Brayer
A small, hand-held roller that
evenly spreads ink when stamping.
- Breaking Pliers
Pliers specifically
designed for breaking glass when working with mosaics
and similar projects. Jaws are wide and straight
to improve your accuracy.
- Brick Stitch
A technique used extensively
with Native American beadwork. Thread is drawn through
one bead and then looped around the thread of the
row above it, then returning through the original
bead. Another bead is added and the process repeated.
- Brooch Backs
A small, flat surface
with a pin backing. Used as a base for brooches
and other creations designed to be worn.
- Bugle Beads
Cylindrical glass beads
available in a variety of lengths, colors and finishes.
- Burnish
To enhance finish (making
it glossy) by polishing.
- Candle scent
Used in candle making
to add pleasant aromas to the finished product.
Available in either wax or liquid form, it is added
to the candle wax prior to pouring or dipping.
- Casting (Slip-casting)
A mold-making
process using a plaster mold. Water in the liquid
is absorbed by the mold, shortening the dry time
required.
- Casting off
A knitting technique that
allows you to remove your needles without damaging
your project.
- Casting on (Binding on)
The knitting
technique used to start a new project.
- Castor oil
Used in soap making. Soap
produced using castor oil softens and soothes skin.
- Cathedral Glass
Richly colored, transparent
glass, used to create stained glass pieces.
- Ceylon Bead
Made of opaque glass,
this pearl-like bead is used in seed beading.
- Chain stitch
A single stitch used
in knitting and crocheting.
- Chain-nose Pliers
Used to bend, crimp,
wrap and otherwise shape craft wire, these needle-nose-type
pliers are often must-haves in jewelry making. Jaws
are available with teeth (to get a secure grip)
or smooth (to avoid damage to the wire).
- Charlotte Beads
Seed beads with small
flat facets cut onto the surface (aka "true
cuts" or "one cuts").
- Circular needles
Two knitting needles
joined with a flexible nylon cord.
- Clear shellac
A transparent sealer
used to prevent bleeding when decorating wood.
- Clip-on Earring
A device used to wear
earrings without requiring the wearer to have pierced
earlobes. Available in a variety of styles, all
have a flat surface on which a design can be adhered.
- Cloisonn�
The effect created when
different colors of enamel are fired onto a metal
background. Creates a stained glass look. Generally
used for small items, such as jewelry, beads and
buttons.
- Cocoa butter
Adds a moisturizing quality
to handmade soap. without changing the color of
the final product.
- Coconut oil
Used in soap making. Produces
a better lather and a harder (longer lasting) bar.
Used with other oils that provide moisturizing qualities.
- Coiling
The process of rolling clay
into strands, which are then wound into a variety
of shapes. A smooth appearance can be achieved by
blending the creases between each coil.
- Collage
Artwork achieved by assembling
designs and pictures from individual sources (magazines,
photographs, etc.) onto a background.
- Color-Lined Beads
Clear glass beads
with color inside the bead's hole.
- Continuous Hoops
Circular earrings.
Ideal for displaying beads or as the base for other
creative additions (wire art, feathers, etc.).
- Copper
A soft, inexpensive metal.
Deep reddish-brown in color, it is popular for use
in jewelry making. Can be polished to a high sheen,
and lacquered to reduce oxidation (oxidized copper
takes on a green color).
- Couching
Used in needlework, when
a fine thread is used on a fabric. Individual stitches
are barely visible, while several can be used to
form a detailed design.
- Counted thread
Used in embroidery.
Spaces on the fabric are counted to determine thread
placement.
- Crackling
A painting technique in
which water-based and oil-based paints are layer
on each other. Due to the difference in drying times,
the result is multiple, randomly placed breaks in
the paint.
- Craft knife
A cutting tool with a
sharp blade, useful in a variety of projects.
- Crimp Beads
Used in jewelry making
to secure ends of necklaces or bracelets. At the
end of an unknotted thread, fold the string over
and slip the crimp bead over it, leaving a loop
of the desired size. Using pliers, squeeze the bead
to hold it in place.
- Cross stitch
Used in embroidery. Designs
are created by counting squares in the fabric, and
filling the spaces with small "x"s that
cover each square.
- Cut-out
A design technique used in
paper crafts. A design is cut out of a piece of
paper (has the same appearance of a stencil). This
paper is then applied to another paper product (such
as a card or scrapbook page) of a different color.
- Cut-running Pliers
Used primarily
in glass cutting, their curved jaws ensure an even
pressure that helps achieve curved pieces of glass.
- Deckle and Mold
The name of the two
frames (always the same size) that hold the paper
as it dries. The mold is a mesh screen which is
stretched across the frame. The deckle is placed
on top of that to form the shape of the paper.
- Decoupage
Defined as "cutting
out," decoupage involves cutting images or
designs from paper (usually decorative) and applying
them to any of a variety of surfaces (works equally
well on wood, glass, ceramic, cardboard). Images
are secure with a decoupage medium, or other clear
acrylic adhesive.
- Decrease
When one less stitch is used
on a row to decrease the width of a piece.
- Delica Beads
Cylindrical glass beads
having thin walls and large holes. Also known as
"antique" or "delicious" beads.
- Dip and carve wax
Wax that is designed
(by adding paraffin) to create softer wax that is
easier to carve without cracking or breaking.
- Distress
When a piece is intentionally
given a worn, aged look.
- Double-point needles
These knitting
needles are pointed at both ends for work on items
with no seam (such as socks and mittens). Available
in a variety of lengths.
- Ear Screws
An earring base. Clip-on
style, but with a screw that further secures the
earring to the ear.
- Embossing
Either the process of adding
textured items to the pulp of handmade paper (e.g.,
adding leaves when still wet) or heating embossing
powder over a fresh rubber stamped image (e.g.,
powder heats and turns shiny.
- End Coils
Used in jewelry making to
attach leather or rattail cords to other earring
apparatus (e.g., clasps, jump rings).
- End Cones
Pieces used in jewelry making
to cover the ends of finished pieces (such as beaded
chains or thick thread).
- Eye Pins
Straight wires with a small
loop on the end. Generally used to string beads.
- Eyeglass Holders
Small loops of elastic
(sometimes made of flexible plastic) that fit onto
the earpieces of eyeglasses. Attached to a chain
or string and used to hold eyeglasses around the
neck of the wearer.
- Feather cutting (feathering)
A technique
used in decoupage that results in paper edges resembling
feathers.
- Findings
Tools and equipment used
by a crafter.
- Fire-polished Bead
A bead undergoing
a process which heats it until the outermost layer
melts, creating a high-gloss finish after cooling.
- Flat Knitting
A section of fabric
created by repeatedly working the same rows.
- Flat-nosed Pliers
Pliers used for
shaping wire. Jaws are flat and tapered to make
twisting and curling easy. Available with smooth
jaws to avoid marking wire.
- Flush Cutters
Every sharp wire cutters
that leave a clean cut (filing not required). These
are wire cutters that have sharp blades; they cut
wire flush, leaving no burrs to file away.
- Flux
An ingredient that bonds and
lubricates metal surfaces being soldered. Flux prevents
oxidation and increases adhesion between metals.
- Foot
The base of an object (e.g.,
vase or planter) designed to keep it stable.
- Foxtail
A chain made from a strong,
delicate form of nickel. Generally used for stringing
beads.
- Fusible Hem Tape
An iron-on tack that
hold cloth edges (e.g., hems) easily and without
sewing. Also known as fusible webbing.
- Gauge
In wire or sheet metal, the
measurement of its thickness. In fabric, the number
of stitches and rows per square inch.
- Gemstone Bead
A generic term referring
to any bead made of a semiprecious stone or mineral
(e.g., amber, ivory).
- Glass Cutters
Used with mosaics or
stained glass work, this tool cuts glass with a
single-edged steel wheel.
- Glass Nippers
See "Nippers"
- Glaze
A clear liquid thinly applied
over paper mache to seal and protect the finished
piece.
- Glycerin
Used in soap making, it softens
and protects skin.
- Grommets
Also known as "eyelets"
or "washers," these metal rings are used
to reinforce holes made in fabric (e.g., drawstrings,
laces).
- Grout
A cement-type material used
between tiles on mosaics (and other projects) to
strengthen the hold, increasing the permanence of
the finished product. Available in a variety of
colors.
- Grout Sealer
A transparent liquid
applied to a finished mosaic to protect it from
the elements.
- Grozing Pliers
The rough, arched jaws
of these pliers are used to cut and trim glass.
- Gusset
A technique used in knitting
that places a triangular piece in the garment under
the arm (or at the base of the thumb) to increase
the range of motion allowed by the clothing.
- Hand-building
A term to identify any
type of manual manipulation of clay. Coil and slab
techniques are among the most common.
- Hand milling
The process of creating
a harder soap by taking a bar of handmade soap and
grating, melting and remolding it.
- Hemp Cord
Used primarily for macram�,
this cord (created from hemp) resists fraying and
holds knots well.
- Hex-Cut Beads
Six-sided glass beads.
- Highlight
To use a lighter shade of
paint in a particular area.
- Hook and Eye Closure
Equipment used
for fastening a variety of objects (works with jewelry,
clothing and more). One side is curved metal (the
"hook") and slides into a loop (the "eye")
to hold the items in place.
- Imitation Sinew
A durable cord made
from waxed polyester. Generally used with heavier
beads.
- Iridescent Beads
A generic term referring
to any bead with a multicolored, shiny finish, which
is achieved by metal salts.
- Jeweler's Rouge
An abrasive mix for
polishing metal.
- Jig
A flat board covering in jutting
pegs used for shaping wire.
- Jojoba oil
An oil used in handmade
soaps. Moisturizes skin.
- Jump Ring
Wire circles used to connect
jewelry pieces.
- Kevlar
In jewelry making, string made
from this extremely strong material is less likely
to stretch than other materials. Prone to fraying.
- Kneading
Manipulating clay with the
hand resulting in a uniform texture.
- Knot Cups
Used in jewelry making,
these metal pieces hide and hold knots at the ends
of strings used to make necklaces and bracelets.
- Lampworked Beads
Handmade glass beads.
- Layering
Used in paper mache, the
process of repeatedly placing paper and glue on
a surface.
- Linseed oil
Thinly coated over dry
paper mache projects to waterproof and protect them.
- Liquid Silver Beads
Fine tubes of
silver strung together in Native American jewelry
making.
- Liver of Sulfur
A chemical compound
to speed the oxidation of some metals, creating
an antique look.
- Lobster Clasp
Used in jewelry making,
often as a necklace clasp.
- Luting
A process used to join two
pieces of hard, dry clay.
- Macram�
A decorative art form general
consisting of thick rope knotted into a variety
of designs, including wall hanging, plant hangers
and more.
- Mandrel
A form used when making coils
and bends with wire. This is a sturdy, straight,
cylindrical form used to create coils and bends
in wire.
- Marbling
An effect created after combining
oil-based paint and water.
- Matte
A flat finish.
- Melt and pour
A process used when
making soap. The soap base is melted and poured
into a mold to harden.
- Memory Wire
Used in jewelry making,
this tough wire is made of steel and is permanently
coiled.
- Metallic Beads
These beads, also known
as "galvanized" beads are glass, are painted
and baked, making the surface resemble metal.
- Mold
Any hollow form used to hold
materials to a specific shape.
- Mosaic
A look created by placing small
pieces of a specific material (such as tile or glass)
into a design. Can include flat materials (e.g.,
glass) or three dimensional objects (e.g., broken
pottery).
- Multi-Strand Clasp
Used with jewelry,
this piece is specifically designed to hold more
than one strand.
- Needle Size
The number assigned to
a needle to convey its circumference.
- Niobium Wire
Available in a variety
of colors, this wire is strong, light-weight and
hypoallergenic.
- Nippers
A tool used with mosaics for
very accurate breaking of glass and tile. Available
- Nymo
A nylon thread coated with wax
often used in beadwork.
- Olive oil
Often added to handmade
soap to create a mild soap with lots of lather.
- Opal Beads
Glass beads with an appearance
similar to the opal gemstone.
- Opaque crystals
Used in candle making.
Makes a pure white and vivid colors.
- Painted Beads
Generally brightly colored,
these beads are often painted, but can also be dyed.
- Palm oil
Used in soap making. Increases
hardness, making for a long-lasting bar of soap.
- Paraffin Wax
The primary ingredient
in most handmade candles. Available in a variety
of melting points, for different types of molds.
- Pattern
Detailed instructions for
completing a sewing project.
- Picking up
A knitting technique used
when starting to stitch fabric in a different.
- Plaster of Paris
A mixture made from
white powder that hardens when dry.
- Polishing Cloth
A piece of fabric
treated with a chemical to clean precious metals.
- Polyester Cord
Used in beadwork. Durable.
Resists shrinking and fraying.
- Pony Beads
Larger than standard seed
beads, but with a similar shape. Can be made of
plastic, wood or plastic.
- Potato-cut
Using potatoes to create
designs. The potato is cut to reveal a smooth surface,
in which the design is carved. Color is added and
then the potato is stamped onto paper.
- Pressed Glass Beads
Made by machine,
these glass beads are available in a variety of
colors.
- Pressing
Placing clay between two
molds to create the desired shape.
- Pulp
Used to make paper, commonly
made from bits of paper and water. Adhesives, colors
or other objects (such as leaves) are sometimes
added.
- Quilting Thread
Strong thread commonly
used with bead embroidery.
- Ragging
Using turpentine to affect
the color of a cloth. Material is dipped into the
chemical, creating a dappled look.
- Rattail, Mousetail, and Bugtail
Terms
used to identify the thickness of satin cord, from
thickest to thinnest. Available in a wide range
of colors.
- Releasing agent
A material (such as
petroleum jelly) used to keep paper mache from sticking
to the mold as it dries.
- Rivets
Used to reinforce stress points
of fabrics or garments.
- Round-nose Pliers
A tool used in wire
crafts to make loops. Tapered jaws.
- Row
One length of horizontal stitches,
from edge to edge.
- Satin Beads
Glass beads that looks
striped.
- Scale model
A proportionate, small
version of a full-sized object.
- Scraper-board
Black card covered in
a white, chalky layer. That layer is scraped away
to create a white on black design.
- Scratch-built model
Something created
from all raw material (no pre-made parts).
- Screen Printing
A process of transferring
paint or dye to a fabric. A mesh screen is pulled
tightly across a frame. A squeegee moves the pigment
through the screen.
- Scumble
Using a coat of opaque or
semi-opaque paint to change the color of an existing
image.
- Seed Beads
Cylindrical glass beads
available in a variety of colors. Numbered to indicate
size (the larger the number, the smaller the bead).
- Semi-gloss Beads
Glass beads with
a frosted finish.
- Separator Bar
Used in beadwork. Inserted
in between decorative beads, they ensure the finished
necklace or bracelet will lie flat and will reduce
tangling. Usually made of metal, but are available
in a variety of styles.
- Shell Heishe Beads
Small round or
cylindrical beads created from natural shells.
- Shellac
A material used to seal finished
mosaic creations.
- Silamide
A nylon thread used in bead
work.
- Silicone Spray
Used in candle making,
it is sprayed in the mold prior to pouring to ensure
easy removal of the hardened candle.
- Silver Lined Beads
Glass beads with
a mirror-type lining in the holes. Usually square.
Also known as "rocailles."
- Single-edged razor blade
Used in model
making, ideal for cutting balsa wood.
- Sister Clasp
A mechanism used to join
two pieces of thread or cord when creating jewelry.
- Skein
Yarn ready to be turned into
a creation. One long piece coiled to avoid tangling
and to increase ease of use.
- Slab-built
Clay creations used by
blending together several flat pieces of the material
bound together with slip.
- Slip
A creamy blend of clay and water
used to coat or embellish bisque.
- Sponging
A painting technique in which
a sponge is dipped in paint and applied to a desired
surface. Using two complementary colors results
in a marbled effect.
- Spring Ring
A mechanism used to join
two pieces of thread or cord when creating jewelry.
- Stearine or Stearin (stearic acid)
A
fatty acid used in candle making. Makes for harder
candles (decreasing drip) and allows for easy removal
from the candle mold. Darkens colors by making candles
more opaque.
- Stencil
Patterns to allow for a perfect
design every time. Used in a variety of craft projects.
- Stippling
A painting technique that
results in a speckled look.
- Stylus
A sharp, pointed instrument
used for marking, writing, or engraving.
- Tallow
Used in soap making, this ingredient
(rendered from beef fat) produces a hard soap with
abundant lather.
- Tempera
A painting technique employing
water and egg yolk.
- Template
A reusable guide to consistently
duplicate a shape.
- Terra Cotta
Usually red in color,
this earthenware material is an excellent insulator.
- Tesserae
Materials used when creating
mosaic pieces (e.g., glass, tiles, broken dishes).
- Three-Cut Beads
Beads with irregularly
shaped facets on their surface.
- Tigertail
A braided stainless steel
wire, covered in nylon. Used to string beads with
sharp edges.
- Tile Nippers
See "Nippers"
- Tiles
Made of ceramic, available in
a variety of colors and textures. Generally easy
to cut or break for use in mosaic work.
- Tin snips
A tool used to cut sheet
metal.
- Torpedo Clasp
See "Barrel Clasp"
- Tracing and coloring
Line-drawing
an existing image, usually to be colored or decorated
separately.
- Trowel
A tool used to spread cement.
- Vitreous glass
Durable, manufactured
glass pieces, they are smooth on one side and textured
on the other. For use in mosaics.
- Watermarks
Slightly raised designs
or logos in paper. Can be created in handmade paper
with a fine-gauge wire designed attached to the
screen on the mold.
- Wax dyes
Used in candle making, these
wax square are melted into the paraffin wax during
processing.
- Weathering
The result of exposing
clay to the elements to break down the finish. Can
also be achieved with paint.
- Wedging
Kneading plastic clay to remove
air pockets trapped in it and to achieve the desired
texture.
- Wheat germ oil
Used in soap making.
Moisturizes skin and creates a rich lather.
- White glue
A quick-drying, versatile
adhesive. Can also be used as a sealant.
- Whiteheart Beads
Available in a variety
of colors, the core of these glass beads is an opaque
white. An inexpensive alternative to colored glass
beads.
- Wick
Strings in candles designed to
feed the flame with wax from the candle. A variety
of wicks are available (e.g., flat braids, wire
or square braids).
- Wick holders
A small piece of metal
securing the wick to the base of the candle.
- Wicking needles
A tool used in candle
making.
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