Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Created by: Valorie Nygaard-PouzarDesigner TipsCut the leather at an angle to assist in fitting two ends through the hole of the cross connector. For a better grip on the end of the leather, consider using serrated flat-nose pliers to pull the leather through the hole.Loop the leather ends through to make a lark's-head knot.String the beads onto the leather cord.For added strength, add a dab of Bead Fix™ to the leather ends before crimping.Crimp by squeezing the center of the crimp firmly with r …

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsPlan your layout for design and fit.Use two-part epoxy to glue the mosaic components in place. Allow to cure overnight.Mix grout according to manufacturer's instructions. Read and follow application and clean up directions.Apply the grout to the mosaic in a circular motion while pushing the grout into all voids.Allow grout to set for 10 minutes, then use a slightly damp sponge to clean up excess grout and smooth the surface. Rinse sponge and repeat until cl …

Created by: Rita Hutchinson Designer TipsCut 3 lengths of deer hide (I used 9" pieces). Fold each length in half and tie each to the acetate ring with a larks-head knot.Add large-hole "Toasted Marshmallow" porcelain bead to each end, and tie a knot. Repeat with other two cut pieces.Cut a long piece of deer hide (This piece is about 36"). Fold in half and attach to both ring pieces with larks-head knot. Slip porcelain rondelle over both pieces of lace and down to the knot. Tie overhand knot …

You may have seen some fun leather earrings cut out in the shape of a petal. Why not take it a step further and add some extra pizazz! Just adding some chain and a couple of crystals gives them a little bit of sparkle.   Created by: Summer Melaas Designer TipsMake a paper template in the shape of a petal. Mine was about 2" in length and 1.5" in width at the widest point.Trace with a small black Sharpie on the top of the leather. You may think, "Why not the back?" If you cut from the front o …

Created by: Jaci BostonDesigner TipsFollow the instructions that come with the Lazee Daizee™ to create two Viking knit sections for the bracelet.The Lazee Daizee™ accommodates various sizes of wire. I chose the 26-gauge for it's flexibility and overall ease to use.Beware of kinking of the wire. It can get extremely difficult to knit if the wire is kinked and may actually break mid knit.Don't get discouraged! If it doesn't look perfect, you're doing just fine! The Viking knit is going to look slo …

Created by: Summer MelaasDesigner TipsFor step-by-step instructions on crimping, wire wrapping and using jump rings, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Place a wire guard on the hammered round link.Crimp about 1 foot of Soft Flex wire through wire guard.String a bead cap, a 6mm crystal, a bead cap, 3 gemstone beads, a spacer, a 4mm crystal, a spacer, 3 gemstone beads, a bead cap, a 6mm crystal, a bead cap, a spacer, a 4mm crystal, and a final spacer.Use another wire guard and crimp tube, and crimp to …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsFreshwater pearls often have small holes. If the hole is too small, use a thinner headpin, or ream the opening with a battery operated bead reamer (#69-058).Fold deer hide in half, and make a larks-head knot on the sterling link, being careful to keep the cord flat.The deer hide cord is very supple. Cut the end at an angle and "screw" into the center crimp. For best results, bring lace all the way through the crimp portion, trim end flat, and pull back int …

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsRead the instructions included with the rivet piercing/setting tool (#69-900>69-900). Also check out the instructional video for more information on using this riveting system.With an extra-fine-point Sharpie marker, carefully marks spots to punch for hinge. Punch 1 hole, and verify the fit. Select and insert an eyelet that is 1mm longer than the stacked sheets. Flare eyelet following instructions included with the tool. Mark and punch the second hole …

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsUse a ruler and Sharpie to draw a dot or line in the middle if the bracelet. Write your word or phrase on a piece of paper, about the size you'll be stamping, and keep it where it's easy to see. Find the middle letter and start stamping from the middle outward to the ends, to keep your design symmetrical.Try to keep your stamp strength consistent so some letters aren't deeper than others.Before using a letter that's easy to mix up, do a test stamp on a s …

A ring a day keeps the doctor away: Chase the winter blues away with this trio of tropical colored rings!Designer TipsUsing the ring finding, place one fancy stone inside setting. Using nylon-jaw pliers, gently push prongs over stone all around the stone. To keep the stone centered, don't set tightly at first: do a little from the "north" and "south" then a little from the "east" and "west", then repeat.Finish by going all the way around for the final tightening. You can also use a burnishing to …