Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Created by: Amy MickelsonDesigner TipsSelect and laminate two family photos or other images (or use #60-280 Crafter's Pick™ The Ultimate adhesive to seal the images) and put them back to back.An easy gift for family and friends. Slide the ribbon through the loops on the frame, add a lobster clasp, and use overhand knots to secure the ribbon ends.Free Technique Sheets & How-TosBlog post: Silk Ribbon Necklaces: How to Finish the EndsSuggested Supplies1 dozen [use 1] #39-348-9 Clasp, Lobster, 2 …

Designer TipsStamp "Love" or desired word or pattern on 19mm brass disk, and antique it using Novacan. (See Metal Stamping 101)Punch a hole near the top of both disks using the 1/16" side of the 2-hole punch, or your favorite plier punch.Dome the disk. See Blog Article: How to Dome and DapGive the domed disk a matte look using #0000 steel wool, or polish to a high shine with an Ultra polish pad.With one piece of wire, make a wrapped loop attached to the charm. Add a metal bead, crystal bead, and …

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsStamp design: If you're new to stamping, see metal stamping technique sheet.When stamping the date, keep in mind that tiny stamps require less stamping strength than larger stamps. Don't stamp too hard or the date will be hard-to-read globs.Use a center punch for the dot between the numbers in the date. Again, be careful not to stamp too hard.The border stamps are awesome but a little tricky -- make sure you have good lighting before using. The Simple St …

Make this fast, easy Lotus MOM bracelet for Mother's Day, or any time you need a last-minute jewelry project that says: "We Love You, Mom!"  Created by: Rings & Things Staff   Designer TipsJust unhook one side (no tools necessary) and slide the charms on in desired order. Use birthstones, or simply use favorite colors of sparkling crystals. We used April (clear, diamond), March (aquamarine) and December (tanzanite) birthstones, and a lotus charm. (Click into any charm's detail …

Created by: Claudia Crosby Designer TipsStretch and secure the bracelet ends to cardboard with tape. This prevents it from moving when gluing on the buttons.Use heavy duty hardware store cutters to remove the button shanks. This will keep your jewelry cutters from becoming marred.Sand or file smooth the backs of the buttons.Rough up the surface of the bracelet pads with a file or sandpaper before applying glue.Clean surfaces with alcohol before applying glue with a toothpick.Add charms or dangle …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsGlue crystal rivolis into settings. Create divots in a piece of scrap Styrofoam, to allow settings to dry flat.Create wrapped loops (or simple loops) with the pearl peards, and attach all components with jump rings. For step-by-step instructions on creating loops, and best way to open and close loops, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Make sure the chain isn't twisted, and space your "one sided" components carefully, so they all face the same direction.A note a …