Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Created by: Sondra BarringtonDesigner TipsSee the Create a Hinged Metal Memory Journal blog post for a step-by-step tutorial with images.Texturize or etch* various metal pieces for the journal and patina as desired. This project is a great way to use your stash of etched metal bits. Cut decorative circles with disk cutter, punch holes and dap**.For 3/32" diameter tubing, make hinge tabs one-half inch long. Use plenty of cut lube so that your saw blade doesn’t stick going around the tight corners …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsUse shears to cut flat wire. Texture as desired with texturing hammer or metal stamps.Create coil by wrapping at an angle around large barrel of bail making pliers (coil from the tip toward the handle to allow entire length to be done).Gently adjust the shape of the coil to match the bend of a wrist.Antique the coil and rinse, then tumble to a high shine. This also will remove sharp ends on the wire.Apply coil to suede cord and cut cord to desired length. …

Created by: Rings & Things StaffDesigner TipsThe backs of some resin flowers may be slightly concave. For better gluing results, run them over an emery board (or Vintaj® Metal Reliefing Block) to level.Allow items to dry on a non-stick gluing surface.This pair of earrings was created using pre-made resin cabochons but you can also make your own. See below for links to a carefully selected offering of jewelry-quality resins.Free Technique Sheets & How-TosBasic Jewelry-Making Technique She …

Created by: Tiffany WhiteDesigner TipsCut three pieces of 20-gauge copper wire, each 6" long.Make a wrapped loop at one end of each wire.For step-by-step illustrated instructions, see our blog article: DIY Funky Bohemian Turquoise Spike Jewelry SetChoose beads, and add them to each wire.Make a wrapped loop on the other side of each set of beads.Dip the copper parts in Novacan to antique them.Rinse with water and pat dry, then polish off the high points with an ULTRA polishing cloth.For the earri …

Created by: Jaci BostonDesigner TipsUse silhouettes of multiple teapots and teacups to make this design. No two are alike.Use rubber cement to glue the paper images to the metal.Saw vertically at all times and use cut lube; this helps ensure a longer life on the saw blade.For the handles, punch a starter hole with the 2-hole punch. This tool does not deform the metal like plier-style punches.File any rough spots. Jaci created the designs for etching, using a combination rubber stamps and hand-dr …

Created by: Swarovski's Create Your Style Design TeamDesigner TipsString onto one head pin: 1 - 4mm cube bead, 1 - 10mm #3700,>3700,>3700,>3700, 1 - 8mm #3700,>3700,>3700,>3700, 1 - 6mm #3700,>3700,>3700,>3700, and 1- 3mm metallic bicone bead.Make a simple loop (or a wire wrapped loop). New to jewelry-making? See step-by-step instructions for making wire loops: Jewelry Basics 101 - PDF.Repeat to create a total of 6 tree charms.To duplicate the pattern shown here, slide …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsAdd crystals, angel wing beads and spacers to head pins and finish with a simple loop. (See Making Earrings 101 below for instructions to make loops.)Because the large end of the dome bead is concave, it can be tricky to measure and cut the headpin for making your loop. Press your thumb or other finger against the head of the pin, to pull it up to the inside of the dome for best results.Use any ear wire you like with these designs.These angels / fairies ca …

Created by: Jaci BostonDesigner TipsCarefully plan the cutting pattern. The shape of these cuts creates decorative prongs or tabs to hold the gemstone slab bead.For this design draw the shape to be cut with a Sharpie®. For a more intricate pattern, print out an image of the design and glue it to the metal with rubber cement found at any office supply center.For tips for sawing sheet metal with a jeweler’s saw, check out our blog post.Punch holes for adding chain, and to embellish the tabs.Textur …

Design by: CREATE YOUR STYLE and Rings & Things.   Designer Tips  Due to the tiny hole size on the 2mm beads, this design will not work on a head pin. Make a tiny head on each end of the wire, by turning the wire back on itself and flattening down.To each 2" piece of wire, add crystals in alternating colors as shown. Add the bow bead after the fifth crystal.For other holiday projects using Swarovski crystals, visit CREATE YOUR STYLE Mini Projects.Free Technique Sheets & How-Tos …

Created by: Kayla HeflingDesigner TipsCreate the bird nests. For step by step instructions with images, see the How To Make A Wire Bird Nest blog post.Use 22-26 gauge wire depending on the hole size of the beads you choose for the "bird eggs".This style of wire-wrapped birds nest "baskets" work great for bracelets, earrings and pendants, because they don't have a closed-off back. You can see the bird eggs from both sides of the charm.Use jump rings to connect bird charms and nests to chain segme …