Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Created by: Veronica GreenwoodDesigner TipsCreate a colorful beaded drop for each wine glass marker, using gemstones or other beads of your choice. New to jewelry-making? See Basic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet (PDF) for how to make wrapped loops using eye pins.Add an oval jump ring to each charm so they face the proper direction (twist sideways to open and securely close each jump ring).Add approximately 10 seed beads to each hoop, then a charm and beaded drop, then 10 more seed beads.Use chai …

Created by: Valorie Nygaard-PouzarDesigner TipsSelect your beads and arrange a nice pattern around the earring hoop.Wrap wire a few times around the hoop, add a bead, wrap 3 times, add another bead, wrap 3 times...Keep the number of coils between beads the same for consistent spacing.After the last bead, wrap the rest of the wire around the hoop until you reach the end.Free Technique Sheets & How-TosBlog post: Wire lashing: an easy way to cover your jewelry with beads or bling!Suggested Supp …

TierraCast's Wire Hoops aren't just for earrings and charm-holder pendants -- they're also a great size for napkin rings! Create autumn-themed napkin holders with TierraCast's limited-edition pumpkin charms.Created by: Bridget AustinDesigner TipsBend the open end of the wire hoop to an angle where the beads will slide over it.Slide the beads onto the hoop, leaving a little room at the end to adjust the wire and re-hook it onto the loop.Re-form the hook at the end of the hoop and reattach to form …

Created by: Cindy Morris Designer TipsClose the hoop. Lash the rhinestone chain onto the hoop using Artistic Wire, wrapping around the hoop twice between each link of chain.Start and end the chain over the opening of the (now closed) hoop. Trim ends when done.The last link on each end will not lie quite flat, so tie the lark’s head knot over this spot to hide them.Make sure your cord lengths are equal before attaching cord ends and clasp.Free Technique Sheets & How-TosBasic Jewelry-Maki …

Created by: Summer Melaas Shimmering, sparkling seed beads and Swarovski crystals cascade from a 12kt GF hoop, in these earrings that are inspired by the Costa Rica colors from Swarovski's Crystals Around the World journey.  Designer TipsTie 1 yard of One-G beading thread onto the hoop, leaving a 2-3" tail.Using ladder stitch, stitch on 5 size 8 seed beads: Place 2 beads on the thread. Pull down to the hoop. Wrap thread around hoop and go back into the inside size 8 seed from hoop side, the …

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsPlan your crystal bead pattern. My pattern has 8 crystal beads per earring and goes from dark to light, creating a subtle blue ombre.Use a cup bur tool to soften the wire end of the endless hoop earring finding. Just insert the wire in the cup bur and twist until the wire edge is smooth.Start by stringing a 2.5mm round sterling bead onto the endless hoop earring finding. This bead is a buffer for the first crystal bead.String the crystal beads onto the endl …

Learn to make these sweet gold-filled chain tassel and link/hoop earrings, featuring Swarovski Edelweiss pendants, with parts that have been tested to work together!Created by: Tiffany WhiteDesigner TipsFor best way to open and close jump rings, and step-by-step instructions on making wire wrapped loops, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Attach one of the larger gold-filled jump rings to a Swarovski edelweiss pendant, and attach to a textured gold-filled link. Use another one of the larger gold-fille …

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue   Designer TipsString desired pattern of spikes onto the Vintaj® Creative Hoop.Gently bend hoop so the holes are aligned tightly together.Select a medium-sized jump ring from the assortment. To prevent marring, use 2 pairs of non-serrated flat-nose pliers to open the jump ring.Run jump ring through both holes of the Vintaj hoop, add the ear wire, and carefully close jump ring.Optional Necklace: Make a 3rd spiky hoop, and use an additional jump ring to hang it f …

A drawplate is excellent for hardening soft wire without making it brittle, so custom ear wires and handmade hoops are springy and keep their shape.Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsCut a length of 18-gauge Argentium, sterling or fine silver wire a bit longer than the finished product.Attach the drawplate to the vise.Use a file to taper wire end, and pull through the drawplate with heavy duty pliers.Repeat using a smaller hole in the drawplate.Trim the end of the wire with flush cutters.Wr …

This design uses light rose Swarovski crystals, perfect for an October birthstone gift, but could be easily modified to use any birthstone color. Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsUsing 26-gauge wire, make a wrapped-wire loop at the top of the briolette. For step-by-step instructions, see "How to Wire-Wrap a Briolette".Squeeze hoop to open, slide the wire-wrapped briolette onto it, and close the hoop.Slide the hoop onto a kidney ear wire, and use round-nose pliers to gently crimp the loop …