Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

The lovely glass bead used in this free necklace design goes by a number of names including mermaid beads and mystic aura beads. They've even been mistaken for moonstone gemstones! They are 2 half-spheres of frosted glass fused together with an AB layer in the center, providing a mystical shimmering effect.Created by: Janet BoyingtonDesigner TipsCut chain in the center.Cut 3"" of sterling silver wire.Make a wire-wrapped loop, attached to one end of the cut chain. For step-by-step instructions on …

Created by: Summer MelaasDesigner TipsStretch and wax 2 yards of thread. Add a spare seed bead (stopper bead) about 2" into the thread.Stitch an edging stitch on one side of the GF square, following the pattern.Do not cut. Exiting from the end of the edging, continue following the pattern, one fringe at a time. At the bottom of each fringe, skip over the last bead, and run your needle and thread back up the fringe (see example). Move needle and thread over to the next bead, for next fringe.Pull …

Created by: Janet Boyington Designer TipsCut three 10" strands of gold Beadalon stringing wire. My bracelet measures about 6.5" when competed and ready to wear. Plan accordingly for larger wrist sizes.String all three wires in a pleasing pattern, using alternating arrangements of Citrine, seed beads, Preciosa crystals and pearls. Utilize bead stoppers to keep beads in place as you design your patterns.When each strand is to your liking, crimp each end (on one side) to the decorative go …

Created by: Janet BoyingtonDesigner TipsThis 10mm charm is perfect for showcasing a 6mm stamped impression.Gold-fill is harder than sterling or pewter, but not as hard as nickel silver.Place your charm on a steel block, and use a brass hammer and design stamp of your choice. New to metal stamping? See Metal Stamping 101.Following instructions on package, apply Stamp Enamel, and remove excess.When completely dry, polish letter charm with a Sunshine polishing cloth.Use a jump ring to add charm to …

Created by: Michelle HorningDesigner TipsCut a length of stretchy cord about 6" longer than you'll need for the finished bracelet, to make it easy to tie the finishing knot. Double the cord if doubled cord will fit through all your beads. Add beads in desired pattern starting with a few of the black beads:The bracelet pictured is made with twenty 8mm gemstone beads, and perfectly fits a 6" wrist.To make the same length bracelet with 6mm beads, use 26 or 27 gemstone beads.To make the same length …

Created by: Tracy Proctor of TierraCastDesigner TipsPre-stretch cord by pulling firmly from both ends a few times.Attach small binder clip or bead stopper 2-3” from one end of stretch cord.On other end of cord string bail, *one 4mm bead and one paw bead*. Repeat * through * three times.String 32 4mm gemstones or firepolish glass beads of your choice. (Tip: Three 4mm gemstones or Czech beads equals approx. 1/2". Instructions create a 7" bracelet. Adjust bead count accordingly for desired size.)Re …

Created by: Mollie Valente Designer TipsOpen the chain necklace's clasp.Thread the jump-ring side of the chain necklace through the side-to-side holes in each pearl ball bead, one bead at a time.If you are not able to match up the chain with the opposite exit-side bead hole, try this: Attach a piece of thin wire to the jump-ring side of the chain necklace. Use the wire "needle" to string on the pearl ball beads.  When done, remove the piece of wire.Suggested Supplies3 each  #20-66 …

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsTwist a jump ring to open it extra wide.Loop the jump ring around a single pearl in the pearl ball bead.Attach the loop of a French hook ear wire to the jump ring.Twist the jump ring closed.Repeat to make the second earring.Suggested Supplies2 each #20-660-011 Freshwater Pearl Bead, Ball, 10-12mm - White1 dozen (use 2 pieces)  #34-533-SUB Sterling Silver French Hook Earring Wires, Economy1 ten (use 2 pieces) #37-295-2 …

Created by: Summer Melaas Designer TipsCarefully mark spots for holes, and use smaller end of EuroTool "helicopter" punch to add holes to corners of copper blanks.Clean the blank with Penny Brite per package instructions. Rinse thoroughly and avoid touching further.Spray klyr fire onto blank, and sift on a base coat of white enamel.Mix a small amount of each enamel color that you plan to use with Klyr Fire or distilled water in separate well or container. Mix each with brush. Desi …

Created by: Megan Holden Designer TipsUse beading board or beading mat to arrange beads in pattern as shown in picture.String 10 seed beads onto a 20"" piece of beading cable and then building up on each side, add: 1 copper hogan, 6mm Dzi, spacer, 8mm Dzi, copper rondelle, 8mm Dzi, spacer, 6mm Dzi, hogan, 8 seed beads, hogan, 6mm Dzi spacer, 8mm Dzi, spacer, 6mm Dzi, hogan, 6 seed beads, hogan, 6mm Dzi, hogan and then fill to ends as needed for 16" or 18" length, with more seed beads.Finish …