Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsUse a permanent marker to draw a few clouds in the sky, and tufts of grass on the ground. (After etching, I thought my tufts of grass looked more like a cityscape, so you may want to use an extra-fine-point Sharpie® for some of the grass.) The lines that look like rain were not drawn; they are simply a result of the ferric chloride etching process.Carefully and thoroughly mask the edges and back of the bracelet with masking tape, duct tape or Sharpie, to …

This simple design says it all. Make a statement with a silver charm bracelet you can make in just moments ... no tools required! You need only three items: 1 TierraCast Cross Charm, 1 TierraCast Cause Ribbon Charm, 1 Bangle Bracelet. Created by: Sondra Barrington Designer TipsSimply open clasp and slide charms onto bracelet.TierraCast bail-loop symbol charms, crystal charms, and letter & number charms (links below), make it easy to customize this bracelet for the special events and people …

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsColorize the raw brass filigrees. (See Rings & Things blog post "Jewelry DIY - Colorizing Raw Brass Filigrees" for instructions.)Make a bead dangle and attach it to the filigree. String beads onto the ball-end head pin in this order: bicone crystal bead, brass heishi bead, two crystal briolette beads, and antiqued-brass hogan bead. Form a loop just above the hogan bead and string it onto the hole at the base of the oval filigree. Wrap the head-pin tail …

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 simple but effective techniques to hammer-texture and dome metal disks to create beautiful handmade earrings.Created by: Mollie ValenteHammer and Dome the BlanksPlace a Vintaj blank on the steel block. If desired, you can use a piece of low-tack tape to hold it in place.With the ball pein face of the chasing hammer, repeatedly strike the blank to create an overall texture. Flip the blank over and texture the other side. Check both sides and repeat until you achieve your desired texture.The …

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 …

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsAdd desired beads to eye pin, and use one-step looper (or wire cutters and round-nose pliers) to make a simple loop at the other end.When creating your new loops, face them the same direction as the existing loops on the eye pins. New to jewelry-making? See Basic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet (PDF)Use chain-nose (non-serrated flat-nose) pliers to twist open each loop, attach the charm or clip-on, and twist closed.Suggested Supplies1 strand [use 2] #21-8 …

Created by: Toni PlastinoDesigner TipsNo tools needed!Simply unscrew the top of the pen, add the desired large-hole beads of your choice and screw the top back on!This pen is designed for artisan beads created on a 3/32" mandrel, and works with beads with a 2.5mm hole (or larger).Suggested Supplies1 ea #55-903-02 Pen, BeadPen1 bag of 100 [use 12] #26-890-03 Bead, Cast, Flower Spacer, 6x3mm -or-other large-hole beads.Calypso beads or other artisan / lampwork beads made on a 3/32" mandrel -or- Tro …

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsCut the glass to fit the bezel and wet sand to smooth the edges.Clean the glass and ring with rubbing alcohol and glue with two-part epoxy.Place the ring on a level surface while the adhesive cures. Turn a cardboard box over and poke a hole in the box with a pen or other sharp object, and set the ring in the hole.Free Technique Sheets & How-TosGluing Hints for Metal Findings (PDF)Suggested Supplies1 each #60-230 Adhesive, Epoxy, 3301 each #51-500-21 Fin …

Although we no longer have the exact green beads that were used in the original project, we've kept this project in our gallery for 2 reasons: We love Earth Day, and we also think this is a fun atypical use for the Earth button.Created by: Tiffany WhiteDesigner TipsFor step-by-step illustrated instructions, see the Rings & Things blog post: Planet Earth Earrings.Suggested Supplies2 each #59-100-22-AS TierraCast 16mm Earth Button - Antiqued Silver Plated1 strand (use 18 beads)  …