Crystallized is Swarovski's attempt to differentiate their bead brand from the figurines and other products they sell. It's the same product, nothing has changed (though I hear they are coming out with new cuts soon). I don't like it - I think it confuses the market - but be assured, nothing has changed. It is the same great product!

I've worked with Swarovski for years and to my knowledge there are no "double drilled" rivoli beads. I take that to mean two holes that are parallel to each other. Maybe you are looking for the buttons? I love these components that Artbeads offer - I use them in dozens of my designs. You can find them here: http://www.artbeads.com/3015-swarovski-rivoli-buttons.html they have a pointed back with a hole through it. Hope this helps! Betsy!

My personal experience is that they are in fact much better then seperate glues. The only seperate glue that has ever worked for me better was using epoxy. Other than that, the hot fix glue is far superior to all other fabric glues on the market.

We would recommend using E6000 to add Swarovski 2028 Flatback Rhinestones (http://www.artbeads.com/flnoho.html) to your helmet. E6000 is an industrial-strength jewelry glue, and maintains a strong hold when bonding to metal. Because it is abrasion-resistant E-6000 may be used on high-wear surfaces. E-6000 maintains its flexible bond in cold temperatures and may be used to bond items subject to vibration. You can find more information on E6000 via this link:

http://www.artbeads.com/e6000.html

To add Swarovski Flatback Rhinestones to clothing, you would use a fabric-specific adhesive such as Jewel Bond (http://www.artbeads.com/jewelbond.html). We have a picture tutorial available in our Learning Center that shows how to apply rhinestones to fabric that may be of assistance to you. You can find this tutorial via the following link:

http://www.artbeads.com/howtoapflonf.html

You can find our Swarovski birthstone color chart guide via the following link:

http://www.artbeads.com/swarovski-birthstones.html

The only Crystallized Beads that have a large enough hole to accommodate 2 lengths of 20 gauge wire are the 8mm Roundelles and Squaredelles. They can be found on our website via the following link:

http://www.artbeads.com/swarovski-squaredells-and-roundelles.html

I use Soft Flex. It comes in different weights and colors and I use whatever is appropriate for the project I am working on.

Here's one!

http://www.artbeads.com/armed-forces-key-chain-design.html

i use use Zamba Pro jewelery wire, 49 strand, 0.19 inch. It is strong, flexible and fits through most beads. it has never kinked or broken on me.

I keep track of what I spend on materials to be sure that it makes a profit. You need to consider the market where you are selling it. Some places will sell for more, but if you are selling like me by word of mouth you have to keep your prices reasonable or you won't sell it. If you can check around what similar items are selling for in shows (usually higher) and sell for a little less, you should be good.