Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Created by: Amy MickelsonDesigner TipsUse 6 wavy disks with the dapping set, to create domed bead caps to fit the rotund trade beads. Flatten the rest with a nylon hammer to create 12mm brass heishi.String the beads on the stretch cord in a symmetric design. For visual interest, use varying diameters of plastic and metal heishi.Cut the cord so you have about 2" extra at each end.Tie a surgeon’s knot next to one of the rotund trade beads. They have larger holes and you can hide the knot in the ho …

Created by: Jaci BostonDesigner TipsSee step-by-step blog article: How to make wrapped leather braceletsStart with extra leather and thread; cutting off any excess is better than not having enough.For security, add additional stitches on the first and last beads.Stay focused, the figure-eight stitching is easily done, but it is also easy to make a mistake.When using bead thread, like size D Superlon, double the thread and string through the beads twice.This bracelet uses 23 6mm beads and has an …

Created by: Jaci BostonDesigner TipsCreate a template from a copyright-free image.Glue your image pattern to the metal with rubber cement, and cut along the pattern with a jeweler's saw.Keep the saw blade well lubricated to create ease while sawing.To avoid breaking your blades, keep the saw upright, without tilting, while you're sawing.Punch holes prior to texturizing the skulls.You can use any sort of hammer to give your metal a unique texture.Use a nylon or a rawhide mallet to flatten out you …

When everything about your day has been difficult, here's a bracelet to help turn it around.Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner Tips No tools required!  Here's one thing in your day, that's the opposite of difficult.Simply spring open one of the bracelet's loops, and slide the charms on one at a time, making sure they all face the right direction. Make sure you like the way they are hanging, and re-hook the loop.Smile, and let your bracelet quietly express the words you can't say out …

Created by: Rita Hutchinson   Designer TipsUsing files and sanding sponges, refine the ends of the cuff bracelet until it is smooth and comfortable to wear. Adjust shape by hand as desired, to fit your individual wrist.The length of ribbon needed to braid onto this bracelet will vary depending on width and tightness of braid. This ribbon is about 10mm wide, and a bit less than 2 feet of ribbon (including knot and tail) was used.Fold ribbon in half, wrap around bracelet (from the inside) whe …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsMake wire-wrapped loops with the pearls, and add a jump ring to each charm. For instructions on wire-wrapped loops, and best way to open and close jump rings, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF)This steel bracelet is springy. You can free one side of the bracelet, allowing you to string on the wrapped loop pearls and the button, and then lock it back into place.The shank on all the TierraCast buttons with shank are large enough to string onto these bracelets. Mix …

Create this project using large-hole gemstone beads of your choice, 1mm cotton or leather cord, and your favorite button as the clasp.Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsCut cording and fold in half. Using the button as a guide, make a loop that just barely fits over the button and tie an overhand knot with both pieces of leather.String first bead and add a simple knot. Continue.When you have reached the desired length, thread the cord through the button shank from opposite sides and knot. B …

Created by: Jan RobertsDesigner TipsThe economically-priced chatons used in this design are real leaded-glass crystals!Pre-plan your design so the clay doesn't dry out before you've finished placing your embellishments. This is especially important on a large object like a belt buckle.Follow the manufacturer's instructions to apply the clay to the buckle blank.The Jewel Setter is an excellent tool for picking up and placing the crystals.To save time, you can leave the metal beads on the string, …

Created by: The Swarovski Crystal CREATE YOUR STYLE Design Team   Designer TipsUsing alcohol, clean off all the links and set aside to dry.Using one 10mm 4470 Scarlet fancy stone, glue into matching finding. Repeat four times; set aside to dry for 24 hours.Using one head pin slide on one 6mm Rouge Pearl and make a simple loop. Repeat 23 times and set aside. (Use 1-step looper or see Jewelry Basics 101 - PDF).Using two small jump rings, attach each jump ring separately to the same …

Created by: Rita Hutchinson   Designer TipsSqueeze out a few drops of patina (or your favorite metallic acrylic paint) on the craft sheet. Apply patina to the edges of the cuff, and then dry-brush patina sparingly to the surface of the bracelet.Let Patina dry.Set crystal stones in settings with nylon jaw pliers. (Smooth down further with burnishing tool or back end of Sharpie as needed).Determine placement of crystal settings, and press awl through the holes in the setting to mark hole loca …