Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

These bracelets are almost too easy!  Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsSet the TierraCast Rivetable or Link in the center of the leather bracelet and use a fine-point permanent marker to mark exactly where you want to punch the hole(s).Punch hole(s) using the smallest setting (2mm) on the rotating leather hole punch. A hole up to 3/32" (2.4mm) is ok.Click into the product details of the rivet below, for a picture of the order to stack parts for riveting.Make sure the rounded r …

Created by: Amy MickelsonDesigner TipsUse jump rings to attach the oval charms to the loops on the filigree connector.Connect the filigree to the loop on the earring post with a 4.5mm jump ring.The flange on the earring back (not shown) keeps the earrings flat to the ear and are great for large or heavy earrings.These earrings are a modern version of Solje jewelry, a traditional silver jewelry style made in Norway. The spoon-shaped dangles are usually made of silver or gold and are said to refle …

Created by: Toni PlastinoDesigner TipsTo prevent the image from bleeding, seal the front and back with Mod Podge® and let dry. Once dry, glue the image into buckle blank.Glue on embellishments such as charms, shells, pearls, and ball chain. When dry, add resin to the buckle.Consider brushing on the resin, since the buckle is convex, and has a shallow bezel cup.See Tips for Epoxy Resin & Jewelry (PDF).Suggested Supplies1 each #82-500-08 8oz EasyCast Epoxy Kit1 strand [use 8] #20-621 Bead, Fre …

A jewelry project from Rings & Things, based on a holiday earrings design from CREATE YOUR STYLE. Created by: Rita Hutchinson.Designer TipsFill the large end of the artemis bead with the 8mm puffed rondelle / briolette bead. This allows the 4mm rondelle tree trunk to be visible. Use Bronze Shade, Smoky Topaz, Golden Shadow or any of your favorite Swarovski crystal golden-brown shades of crystal.Add beads in this order to a head pin, 4mm cube bead, 8mm 5040 briolette / rondelle, 17mm Artemis, …

Supplies listed will make a 7"" bracelet from end to end.Created by: the Swarovski Create Your Style Design TeamDesigner TipsAttach an approximately 5mm jump ring to the Spiral Heart charm and set aside.New to jewelry-making? For most secure way way to open and close jump rings, plus step-by-step instructions on stringing and crimping, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Using the 10"" piece of beading wire, make a loop and use one crimp bead to crimp the lobster clasp at one end.String on in order: ch …

Designer TipsUsing alcohol wipes, clean all the settings and set aside to dry.Using one flatback stone, glue into one setting and set aside for 24 hours to dry. Repeat 5 more times.Using one jump ring, attach to one setting. Repeat 5 more times and set aside. For best way to open and close loops, see Jump Ring Hint in Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Using memory wire, make a double loop at one end. Memory wire is very tough -- we recommend using heavy-duty cutters and memory wire pliers, to avoid damag …

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue Designer Tips Memory wire is steel, and unkind to most jewelry tools.Use heavy-duty flush cutters to cut the desired length: Most memory wire bracelets are 3-5 coils. The design pictured is about 3.5 coils. Tip: Flush cutters cut the wire flat, rather than pointed, so you don't have to file the end flat (flush).Use memory-wire bending pliers (or other strong round-nose pliers) to make a loop at one end of the wire. String a bit more than one full coil …

Learn the basics of what metal clay is, and how to make your own custom beads, jewelry findings, and small art objects with this exciting craft medium. Find details about various brands including firing schedules and usage tips for Art Clay Silver (ACS silver clay), Precious Metal Clay (PMC silver clay), WHITE COPPRclay, original COPPRclay brand copper clay, and BRONZclay brand bronze clay. You can also shop our line of metal clays (while they last!) and firing supplies.What is Metal Clay?M …

Learn the basics of riveting, including how to distinguish various types of rivets and how to set different rivets. Riveting is a classic, durable and popular way to create cold connections in jewelry designs (a "cold connection" is the joining together of metal components without using solder). Each type of rivet used to make jewelry requires different tools and techniques. Discover these methods below. Once you're ready to create your own custom riveted jewelry, check out our full line of rive …

Find jewelry-making classes, workshops, bead stores, and jewelry repair shops in the Spokane, Washington, area. Links to Pacific Northwest bead societies and art guilds as well. To be listed as a resource, email us your web link. Bead Nook Boutique (Jan's What-Knot) 2120 West Boone Spokane, WA (509) 879-9294Beginner bead classes.Beyond Beads North 7452 N. Division Spokane, WA (509) 482-0607Beading and stringing classes.Clay Connection 714 E Sprague Ave Spokane, WA (509) 747-6171Glass fusing &am …