Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsUnspool approximately 20" of copper wire. Pull it smooth with flat nylon-jaw pliers.Trim the end neatly (flush) with flush cutters.Make 6 equal sized coils using ring bending pliers.Using good flush cutters, snip each coil apart so you have 6 identically-sized links. Carefully trim ends so the ends of the links line up flush. If you have any gaps, your solder join will not look good and will not be secure. (See copper soldering blog part 2 for tips.) Ass …

Created by: Cindy MorrisDesigner TipsClean the glass pieces.Cut images, phrases and paper to fit the glass slide. Glue images and words to the paper.Sandwich paper 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 a great burnishing tool).Use soft solder to seal and finish your pendant. Helpful techniques can be found in our blog post (linked below) and in Lisa Bluhm's book Simple Soldere …

Created by: Tracy Designer TipsMaking a wrapped style bracelet is a great way to use a variety of hemp colors of hemp that are too short for other projects.The knotted pattern is created using the half-knot spiral (a.k.a. spiral stitch).For step-by-step macramé instructions, see: Rings & Things blog post: How to Macrame a Hemp BraceletSuggested Supplies1 each #60-244 Adhesive, Loctite Ultra Gel Control SuperGlue1 pkg [use 3 colors] #61-210-10-00 Cord, Hemp Cord, 10lb Test1 pkg of 5 …

You might think that mixing these textures wouldn't work, but they look great together! As they move, the larger link shines, and the tiny link sparkles. The CZ charm WAS available in Jet + all 12 birthstone colors. Most colors are now limited-availability, but we'll keeping stocking everything the manufacturer still makes.Created by: Veronica GreenwoodDesigner TipsOpen the oval jump ring, add the 4mm CZ charm, next add the gold textured link, and finally add the sterling link.  Before clos …

Created by: Kim Crosby, in the murky mists of Rings & Things' past... approximately 1979. Designer TipsWe were so excited when we discovered this VERY old project tutorial hiding in the archives brought over from our old website! We used to make these by the dozen and sold them to gift shops all over the Northwestern United States.For step-by-step (printable!) instructions, see the original project page.Although some links in the old project may be broken, we still have all the parts ne …

Created by: Summer Melaas   Designer TipsOpen loop at bottom of ear wire. For best way to open and close loops, see Jump Ring Hint in Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF),Slide one connector onto the ear wire, making sure the right side is showing. There is a front and back; the back is flat and the front is domed.Connect next connector with a jump ring, repeat for one more connector.Connect drop to the bottom connector with a jump ring.Repeat for other earring.Wear and enjoy ... Could it get any simpl …

Created by: Michelle HorningDesigner TipsSee Rustic Wire Ring blog article for illustrated step-by-step instructions for making this style of ring.Hide the cut ends of the finer gauge of wire, on the back side of the ring.The larger the swirls, and more thinly hammered, the more space it will take up on your finger, so it will be more susceptible to snagging and bending.Some styles of beads can be spun to show different sides (see back view of these scarabs, below.)Optional: before hammering end …

Created by: Rita Hutchinson. Designer TipsWhen you trim the eye pins on the 3 bead sections, retain two of the pieces to use for the shorter 2 bead section instead of using another whole eye pin.Open the larger jump rings and slide them into the crystal teardrops (15mm no longer available). Carefully close the jump rings so you don't chip the crystals. For detailed instructions on opening and closing jump rings, and on making beaded eye pins, see Basic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet (PDF).Made b …

Created by: Liz GrafDesigner TipsMeasure and cut cotton cord to 20".Cut 2 sections off the chain (10 links each section).Pick out six 4mm jump rings and one 6mm jump ring.Place 8 heishi beads on the cotton cord, in the middle.Connect the chain pieces to the connector with jump rings, and connect it to the cording. New to jewelry-making? See Jump Ring Hint in Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Place the last 2 Heishi beads on the cord, one on each side.Add the pendant to the connector with a jump ring.Glue …

Created by: Sondra BarringtonDesigner TipsSet the cushion square crystal stone in the setting. Keeping the stone centered, use your fingers, a burnishing tool, or flat nylon-jaw pliers to gently bend the prongs over the stone. Smooth the prongs firmly in place with a burnishing tool.Use large jump rings to attach the charms to the bracelet. To avoid marks on the jump rings, use 2 pairs of chain-nose pliers. For best way to open and close loops, see Jump Ring Hint in Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF)Sugge …