Good question Cindi. The spokes remain stationary and fit through a tiny hole in the rim. A little screw with a tube is threaded over the spoke and tightened. Hold the spoke with a pair of pliers but not to near the rim and use a screwdriver to take the little screw off. Buy flat plates and small pieces of glass to wedge the plates and to fill in the gaps. You can layer plates if you have a plain colored one with a clear one that has a floral or snowflake pattern. You do not need to take many spokes off. I loosen most of them and then take the screws off of three on the same side that are right together. Than I place one plate up and slide it around to the far side. I place the next plate face down and slide it tightly against the first plate. This will allow them to overlap and keep them from moving about. Then I replace the three spokes using the screws I removed. I then turn the wheel and tighten each spoke a little until all are secure. Spokes on most wheels will bend a little allowing you more glass options. If you find any glass lids of old sugar bowls or butter dishes with little knobs on them they look lovely with the knobs sticking out between the spokes. Once you get started you will have fun and be looking for colored glass everywhere you go. Look for saucer sizes as large plates are not the best. If you get started and have trouble send me a treemail and I will respond and we will make a plate wheel. smiles
