Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

No fancy beading techniques or knots required -- If you can string beads with a needle and thread, you can create lovely designs with these bracelets!  Created by: Veronica Greenwood   Designer TipsStretch and wax 1 yard of Beige 1-G thread, or use .006" Fireline. Follow instructions in this video, or the PDFs below, to add Delicas in desired pattern to the bracelet.You'll have plenty of left-over beads of each color after making this project.  Suggested Supplies  1 …

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsFor step-by-step instructions (with photos!) to make this necklace, see our illustrated blog article: Make a Tassel Necklace with Prayer BeadsSuggested Supplies1 spool (use 42")  #61-710-007  Super-Lon Bead Cord1 pack (use 111 beads) #20-225-221  Size 8 TOHO Seed Beads1 strand (use 100 beads) #29-580-08  Rosewood Mala Beads1 pack (use 1 bead) #26-816-205  Brushed-Finish Gold Bead1 each #49-958-52-AG  TierraC …

Created by: Veronica Greenwood     Designer TipsChoose the size of chaton to fit into the center of your succulent charm. Using the GS Hypo Cement add a little glue in the center of your charm and place your chaton. Set aside to dry.Cut 6" of wire, make a loop on one end and attach it to the loop on your post. Finish wrapping and cut the extra wire off. For step-by-step wire wrapped loop instructions, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Add three bamboo coral beads, one strawberry q …

No fancy beading techniques or knots required -- If you can string beads with a needle and thread, you can create lovely designs with these bracelets!Created by: Veronica GreenwoodDesigner TipsStretch and wax 1 yard of Beige 1-G thread, or use .006" Fireline. Follow instructions in this video, or the PDFs below, to add Delicas in desired pattern to the bracelet.For a closer look at the colors in this bracelet pattern, see alternate image here.Suggested SuppliesYou'll have plenty of left-over bea …

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsTying a sliding knot may sound tricky, but with a little practice it's not. Rather than trying to recreate the instructions here with just words, please see our step-by-step illustrated blog article @ blog.rings-things.com/2019/08/jewelry-making-diy-sliding-knot-necklace-cordSuggested Supplies1mm or 2mm Leather or Waxed Cotton Cord, such as #61-542Large-Hole beads, such as #26-114ToolsScissors …

Created by: Mollie Valente   Designer TipsTo add texture, place the metal blank on the steel block and use the ball end of the hammer to make a lightly hammered surface.After hammering, the metal blank will be work-hardened and will require annealing. Place the blank on a fire block and use a micro torch to anneal the piece. Cool to room temperature. Bonus: annealing also serves to heat patina the piece of metal.To bend the bail, place the metal blank in the jaw of the bail-making pliers, c …

  Created by: Mollie Valente   Designer TipsSeal the front and back of the images with Crafter's Pick™ The Ultimate adhesive or Mod Podge® to prevent the images from bleeding.To prevent the images from floating, glue them to the bottom of the bezel cups. Allow the glue to dry thoroughly prior to adding resin.Create a level surface for the resin to cure in the cuff links: Turn a cardboard box over and poke holes in the lid with a pen or other sharp object.Follow instructions in the Epox …

Upcycle a craft beer can, or any aluminum can with awesome graphics, into a custom belt buckle. Great gift for a craft beer aficionado!Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsParts are listed below.For the illustrated step-by-step tutorial, including great tips on making a template and preparing your work surface, please see Mollie's full article at blog.rings-things.com:DIY - Make a Belt Buckle from a Craft Beer Can.Suggested Supplies1 each #30-682-01-AS Antiqued Silver Plated Belt Buckle Blank, …

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsCreate a COPPRclay™ pendant following the manufacturer's guidelines included with the clay and your kiln.Mollie made her own pattern sheet by taking a piece of textured wallpaper and punching a branch design in it.Pre-roll your clay to 8-card thickness, and then lay the paper beneath and roll again to 6 card thickness.Remove paper, and cut to the desired shape (Mollie cut an oval), then create a hole for hanging the pendant.Allow the piece to fully dry, and …

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsFabricate the BRONZclay focal according to the manufacturer's instructions. Like many other metal clays, BRONZclay must be fired in a kiln. BRONZclay shrinks approximately 20% from package to finished product. When you create your pieces, keep this in mind.If you also work with Art Clay™ Silver (ACS), your ACS tools and work surfaces must be kept separate from the tools and surfaces that you use with BRONZclay. The materials do not work well together, and y …