Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsWire wrap all the metal, pearl and crystal beads before assembling.For each earring, Rita used 18 - 4mm crystal bicones in mixed reds, greens and whites, 6 - 3mm bicones, 6 white pearl beads and 6 corrugated silver plated beads.Attach 4 dangles to each jump ring all the way down the chain in a pleasing manner, with the 3mm crystal dangles near the top.Each earring uses 9 jump rings to create a chain.Earring nuts with a flange distribute the weight, making …

Learn an inexpensive hack for avoiding the wobblies with large-hole beads.Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsString the first three beads onto the hat pin finding: 3.4mm heishi-style metal bead, 3.4mm heishi-style metal bead, and 6mm beaded spacer bead.String on 2 wire keepers and space them to match the length of the Mirage bead. These will serve as bead adjusters and keep the Mirage bead from being wobbly. String the Mirage bead on so it covers both wire keepers. String on the remaining be …

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsUse heavy-duty flush cutters to cut approximately 1 loop from the spool of 12-gauge antiqued copper wire. Make sure both ends are cut flat (flush) so they fit together well inside the crimp.Slide nuts, washers, large-hole beads, holey found objects, etc onto the wire.Place one end of wire half-way into crimp connector. Place other side of wire in the opposite end so wires meet in the middle.Use the back notch of the Mighty Crimping Pliers, to gently - bu …

Created by: Sondra Barrington Designer TipsThe ring connector is the focal of this bracelet. For a more free-flowing design, attach charms to the leather cording.Wire-wrap a pearl bead with a large loop, directly onto the large ring connector. (You may need to use a heishi bead to hold the pearl onto the head pin.) For step-by-step wire-wrapped loop instructions, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Cut leather flush (flat) after measuring. Insert leather into the cord end, and gently but firm …

These elegant antique silver earrings are easy to make. This beginner jewelry project requires only a few minutes and basic jewelry-making tools.Created by: Summer MelaasDesigner TipsThe hand-made, organic look of the flora ring adds depth to these elegant earrings.Make simple loops (or wire-wrapped loops), following instructions in Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF). Be sure to make the key loops large enough so that they fit loosely around the flora link - you want your earrings to have nice natural mov …

This project is a great way to get started with wire, because it's very free form, and a bit of messiness is not only ok, it's actually recommended!Use your favorite oval beads - they can be pearls, gemstones, glass, or make your own from polymer clay! Our Swarovski rice pearls are about 3x4mm. Created by: Rita Hutchinson Designer TipsSee Rings & Things' blog for basic instructions on How To Make A Wire Bird Nest.With some of your extra wire, create a loop for hanging the nest, and …

Created by: Tiffany WhiteDesigner TipsPlace one bead (glass, crystal or brass), on each headpin and secure with wrapped loops.Arrange the dangles onto the jump rings. Place two brass beads on first jump ring. Attach next jump ring and place one green dangle and one purple dangle.Repeat the second step, three times per earring.At one end of jump rings, attach ear wires. At opposite end, attach fleur-de-lis charms.For a coordinating bracelet, see "Fat Tuesday" Bracelet. There is no coordinating ne …

Created by: Summer MelaasDesigner TipsUse the smaller end of the 2-hole metal punch to punch a 1/16" hole near the top of the blanks. Be sure to center it, so the earrings hang properly.Clean the blanks with Penny Brite to remove all oils.Optional: Spray a light, even coat of Klyr Fire on the blanks. Sift a light coat of enamel in desired pattern onto blanks. Use locking tweezers or enameling spatula to carefully transfer a blank to torching basket (in tripod), and torch fire. Wat …

Created by: Tiffany White   Designer TipsFind pennies in the years of your choice.Clean the pennies with Penny Brite®.Using a permanent marker or Stamp Enamel, cover the surface of each penny in permanent ink. Allow them to dry.Using a sanding pad or steel wool, remove the the permanent ink, leaving some in the indents, so the design really pops.Attach the pennies and copper buttons to the disk on the bracelets with E-6000 or 2-part epoxy. Allow the bracelet to dry overnight before wearing. …

Created by: Mollie Valente Designer Tips: Earring 1String a pear-shaped pearl and a 3mm corrugated bead onto a head pin. Form a wrapped loop. (See Jewelry Basics 101 PDF).Twist open the Vintaj roped-cable jump ring and attach to the wrapped loop.  Also attach to an eye pin loop and twist the jump ring closed.String a mauve pearl, a white pearl, and a 3mm corrugated bead onto the eye pin and form a wrapped loop.Attach a French hook ear wire.Earring 2Patina and polish the moon charm …