glossary
Browse Terms by Alphabet
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Whether you've come across an unfamiliar term, or are just looking to increase your craft vocabulary, this glossary can help.
A
- 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.
- Appliqué
- 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.
B
- 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.
C
- 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.
- Cloisonné
- 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-outA 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.
D
- 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.
E
- 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.
F
- 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.
G
- 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.
H
- 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 macramé, 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.
I
- 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.
J
- 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.
K
- 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.
L
- 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.
M
- Macramé
- 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.
N
- 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.
- Nymo
- A nylon thread coated with wax often used in beadwork.
O
- 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.
P
- 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.
Q
- Quilting Thread
- Strong thread commonly used with bead embroidery.
R
- 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.
S
- 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.
- SisterClasp
- 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.StylusA sharp, pointed instrument used for marking, writing, or engraving.
T
- 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.
V
- Vitreous glass
- Durable, manufactured glass pieces, they are smooth on one side and textured on the other. For use in mosaics.
W
- 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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