Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

The twisting curves and swirls of Laguna Lace Agate pair beautifully with TierraCast's "Infinity" link. Created by: Michelle Horning Designer TipsFor step by step macramé knotting instructions, see our blog article: DIY Shamballa-Style Macrame Bracelet Tutorial.When using a link, cut the anchor cord in half, and attach each half to the link with a lark's head knot.Cut your working cord in half, too. Pick a side, begin knotting and work your way to the end, then repeat on other other si …

Created by: Kameron FoxDesigner TipsThese earrings and matching bracelet were created using the step by step instructions on page 92 ofBeautiful Wire Jewelry for Beaders: Creative Wirework Projects for all Levels (#62-879>62-879 ) by Irina Miech.Create four “S” shaped pieces using bail-making pliers and 18-gauge wire.File the ends smooth with a file and cup bur.Hammer the components flat.Before attaching the crystals, the bronze knots were tumbled for 3 hours to clean, shine and remove rough …

Created by: Sondra BarringtonDesigner TipsCreate the COPPRclay links according to the manufacturer's instructions. Like most other metal clays, COPPRclay must be fired in a kiln. COPPRclay shrinks approximately 20% from package to finished product.Use common household items to deeply texture clay.Apply WinOx with a cotton swab, allow to dry, and remove excess on high points with sanding sponges.Free Technique Sheets & How-TosBasic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet (PDF)Suggested Supplies0.5 gr …

Created by: Mollie Valente Designer TipsAttach the eye pin loop to the crystal pear charm (twist loop open and closed).String on beads in the following order: 3mm silver-plated heishi bead,4mm bicone bead, 3mm silver-plated heishi bead,4mm bicone bead, 3mm silver-plated heishi bead,6mm bicone bead, 3mm silver-heishi bead.Form the start of a wrapped loop at the unfinished end of the beaded eye pin.Prior to wrapping the loop, attach the beaded head pin to the loop of the p …

Created by: Michelle Horning  Designer TipsFor step by step macramé knotting instructions, see our blog article: DIY Shamballa-Style Macrame Bracelet Tutorial.Beads can be strung onto the bottom of the anchor cords before anchoring to the board, and slid into place as you workTight knots make it difficult to sew the tails back into them, and you can break your needle. You will most likely need to use pliers to get the needle through. Make sure to sew the tail back through the enti …

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDisclaimer: I can't take credit for this design -- I made it at TierraCast's Tucson 2019 Event, copied 93.6% from one of their examples. I love how many variations are possible, and how it sparkles in the Arizona sun!Designer TipsGlue crystal into 2-loop setting using Swarovski adhesive. Allow to dry.Cut 2 pieces of 2mm leather, each 5 to 7" long. (5" pieces will give you a very petite bracelet; 6"" for an average wrist.)Double a piece of cord, string through the but …

Designer TipsStamp "Love" or desired word or pattern on 19mm brass disk, and antique it using Novacan. (See Metal Stamping 101)Punch a hole near the top of both disks using the 1/16" side of the 2-hole punch, or your favorite plier punch.Dome the disk. See Blog Article: How to Dome and DapGive the domed disk a matte look using #0000 steel wool, or polish to a high shine with an Ultra polish pad.With one piece of wire, make a wrapped loop attached to the charm. Add a metal bead, crystal bead, and …

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsUnspool approximately 20" of copper wire. Pull it smooth with flat nylon-jaw pliers.Trim the end neatly (flush) with flush cutters.Make 6 equal sized coils using ring bending pliers.Using good flush cutters, snip each coil apart so you have 6 identically-sized links. Carefully trim ends so the ends of the links line up flush. If you have any gaps, your solder join will not look good and will not be secure. (See copper soldering blog part 2 for tips.) Ass …

Created by: Cindy MorrisDesigner TipsClean the glass pieces.Cut images, phrases and paper to fit the glass slide. Glue images and words to the paper.Sandwich paper between the glass pieces and carefully wrap the glass with copper-foil tape. To create a tight seal, burnish the foil to the glass (a Sharpie pen handle makes a great burnishing tool).Use soft solder to seal and finish your pendant. Helpful techniques can be found in our blog post (linked below) and in Lisa Bluhm's book Simple Soldere …

Created by: Tracy Designer TipsMaking a wrapped style bracelet is a great way to use a variety of hemp colors of hemp that are too short for other projects.The knotted pattern is created using the half-knot spiral (a.k.a. spiral stitch).For step-by-step macramé instructions, see: Rings & Things blog post: How to Macrame a Hemp BraceletSuggested Supplies1 each #60-244 Adhesive, Loctite Ultra Gel Control SuperGlue1 pkg [use 3 colors] #61-210-10-00 Cord, Hemp Cord, 10lb Test1 pkg of 5 …