Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Created by: Veronica Greenwood   Designer TipsThese bracelets follow the step-by-step illustrated instructions from Tiffany's 2015 Beaded Infinity Knot Bracelets project in Rings & Things' blog, but updated with new colors, and with tiny faceted gemstones mixed in with the seed beads. One other change, is that Veronica used 6mm gemstone beads at the end, instead of covering the crimp beads with a crimp cover.There's no right or wrong combination -- use 1 or 2 colors, or a whole omb …

Created by: Kameron FoxDesigner TipsThese earrings and matching bracelet were created using the step by step instructions on page 92 of Beautiful 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: Mollie Valente   Designer TipsCustomize the word blank:Place the word blank on the steel block and create a dappled texture with the ball peen side of the chasing hammer.Use the bracelet-bending pliers to curve the word band.Apply Vintaj® Patina™ to the words and use a damp paper towel or baby wipe to remove the excess.Finish the bracelet:Use a ruler and hobby knife to cut the leather strip to length.Measure and mark the leather strip for placement of the word blank holes (2mm) …

Created by: Veronica GreenwoodDesigner TipsThoroughly clean your blank with Penny Brite. See our enameling blog article for tips, precautions and basic instructions for preparing the piece for enamel, and for torch firing enamels.Add scoops of desired colors of enamel into depressions in an artist's palette. Add a small amount of Klyr-Fire or distilled water (about 40% liquid to 60% enamel powder). Use the pretty cobalt bottle to add drops of water. It won't really mix like paints, but it will a …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesign by: Swarovski's Create Your Style Design TeamDesigner TipsAdd a crystal teardrop bead to a head pin (narrow side towards the head of the pin), add a rhinestone wheel bead, then a round crystal bead. Make a simple loop. Repeat for other colors of teardrop beads.Cut the chain evenly in half.Use chain-nose pliers to twist a head-pin loop open to attach icicle light to chain in desired location, and twist loop to securely close. Leave 2 open links between each light …

January 21 is Squirrel Appreciation day in the United States. Celebrate these quirky Sciuridaes with us!Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsPlace the squirrel charms on the rubber block and polish the high points with the 3M sanding sponge. Use a EuroTool polishing pad to create a shiny finish.Attach a finished squirrel charm to the loop of the eye pin. For best way to open and close loops, and how to make wrapped loops, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).String the following beads onto the eye pin …

Go Go Go! Green Light Earrings"If it was any greener, you'd have to mow it!"Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsArrange stones to your liking.Set first rivoli in top setting, pressing the bezel into place to hold the stone firm. Bending the bezel where the second setting attaches is a little tricky. Be patient.Set the next stone, and press the bezel to hold firm.Set the final rivoli, and press the bezel to hold in place.With the burnishing tool, go over the bezel on all 3 stones, to flatten …

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsMeasure, mark and punch the hanging holes: 3 holes spaced to match the loops of the triangle, and one hole on the bottom.Use a rubber stamp of your choice and the Rings & Things Etching kit to create the etched pendant.Etch as directed following instructions in the kit as well as the Rings & Things metal etching blog post.The pendant is antiqued using Jax Green Patina. You an achieve a similar look using Vintaj's "Weathered Copper" Patina Kit (#86-4 …

Quick tutorial on professional techniques for making a simple geometric pair of earrings with a half-ball drop-post, Swarovski crystal rainbow dark teardrop, and TierraCast gold plated dagger charm. Always FREE Jewelry Tutorials at rings-things.com. No blinkin ads. No login required.Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsSelect 4 matching medium-large (6-7mm) jump rings from the bag of assorted jump rings. Use one jump ring to connect the charm to the teardrop, and another to connect the tear …

Here's a great way to upcycle cool bottle caps from your favorite beverages! Collect them on vacation, and at family gatherings throughout the year, then turn them into vacation mementos, or birthday, Father's Day and Christmas gifts.Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsFor step-by-step illustrated instructions & tips, see our blog article:Upcycling Bottle Caps into Refrigerator Magnets.Suggested Supplies#30-580 18mm Round Magnets#60-230 Epoxy 330, or your favorite 2-Part EpoxyOther Supp …