Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

TierraCast's shimmering antique bronze leather, a hammer-textured spiral link, and shiny black rivets, combine to create a barrette that's perfect for Spring bonfires and Fall festivals. This securely riveted barrette project is quick and easy to make, and uses common tools that may already be in your craft room, or a relative's basement.  Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue   Designer TipsWrap one end of leather around end of barrette so it extends about 3mm past the hole on the underside o …

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsSolder Brass Ninja Star* to Copper Disk:If the copper or brass shapes are bent, straighten them with a steel block and nylon or rawhide mallet. (Solder doesn't fill gaps.)File/sand/polish to any rough edges or deep scratches.Snip 5-10 tiny (1-2mm long) pieces of solder into a small bowl.Use a small paintbrush to coat the back of the brass "ninja star", and the front of the copper disk with flux. (You may need to mix the flux to a more paste-like consiste …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsCut chain to a length of 8 links. Attach one end to earwire for ease in handling.Create dangles with crystal beads and round metal beads, and wire wrap directly to the chain. Add 12 dangles to chain. New to jewelry-making? For step-by-step instructions on making wire-wrapped loops, and most secure way to open and close jump rings, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Little-known trick: Crimp Pliers are handy for tucking in trimmed ends of wire when making wire-wr …

Create a pair of sparkling earrings for your favorite football fan! These take just 5 minutes, and a few basic jewelry tools. No glue required, either!This pair of earrings features a "12" charm, but you could also use a team-colored Preciosa rivoli at the bottom instead. Designer TipsPlace a crystal in a setting. Use chain-nose pliers to gently press each prong into place. (more info)Make 6 beaded head pins, with one sapphire bicone bead each. For instructions on making eye pin loops, …

Delicate-looking filigree bead caps give this memory-wire bracelet the crowning touch. Created by: Rita Hutchinson Designer TipsAdd bead caps to each end of (2) 8mm fine rocks tubes and string each on a headpin; trim and loop. For step-by-step looping instructions, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Add bead caps to each side of (2) crystal pearls and string each on a headpin; trim and loop.Lay out desired pattern on bead mat. The pattern here adds bead caps to each crystal pearl and to the …

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsTwist open a 4mm jump ring, string it through the crystal link hole, and twist securely closed. Repeat with the opposite side of the crystal link. For best way to open and close loops, see Jump Ring Hint in Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Twist open a 5mm jump ring, string it through the first 4mm jump ring (attached to the crystal link), and twist securely closed. Repeat with the opposite side of the crystal link.Connect a 5mm jump ring to the bracelet hook that …

 Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue Designer Tips Always wear safety glasses when cutting, drilling or punching.The bobby pin is a little heavier gauge than recommended for the punch, so use a drill press if you have one, or punch very carefully (and be sure you know where you stored your replacement pin).Lay the sprocket and 25mm round blank on top of each other; use center punch to mark exact center of the blank. Punch or drill the blank.Lay components together, and rivet. The 1.8mm …

Created by: Rita Hutchinson Designer TipsLightly dome (dap) the blank in dapping block.How to Dap (Dome)Clean blank with penny brite and dry.Apply counter enamel to back of blank. Fire and allow to cool.Enameling BasicsClean opposite side of blank with penny brite and dry.Apply even coating of enamel to front of blank. Fire and allow to cool.Create a design stencil by punching paper.Sift contrasting enamel color over paper stencil. Carefully remove stencil. (If you bump or screw up design, …

Created by: Cindy MorrisDesigner TipsChoose 2 pieces of glass from the package and clean.NOTE: this design was created with 1.25" square glass, which is no longer available. 1" and 22mm replacements are linked below.Cut the images, phrases and paper to fit the glass slide. Glue images and words to the paper.Sandwich the papers back to back between the glass pieces and carefully wrap the glass with copper-foil tape.To create a tight seal, burnish the foil to the glass (a Sharpie pen handle makes …

No mysteries here, just a simple design with a stunning color effect. Bermuda Blue, with its intense flashes of teal and deep blues, has been one of our favorites from Swarovski since we first added it in the 80's. Created by: Rita Hutchinson Designer TipsUsing both the teal and blue Niobium picks up the various shades that are in the Bermuda blue crystals. Simply use jump rings to connect the Bermuda Blue crystals to the ear wires. For best way to open and close loops, see J …