Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsWhen making a large number of beaded dangles, it is quickest to do them assembly line style. Figure out the correct length for the wire, and trim all wires, string beads and bend wire, then make loops.For step-by-step instruction on making beaded loops, and best way to open and close jump rings, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).The use of 6 jump rings allows the pendant to hang correctly on these earrings. Open one jump ring, add the aquamarine pendant, then c …

Created by: Mollie Valente Designer TipsCut wire in half. File ends flat and straight before beginning to hammer, for a more symmetrical paddle head. Hammer a flat paddle on one end of the wire and file to a pleasing shape. (Flatten an equal length on both paddles, to make sure your "space needle" beads settle at the same spot on each wire.) Antique the copper wire with Win-Ox™.Add the beads as shown.Form a loop on the top (See detailed instructions in Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet); hammer wir …

Created by: TierraCastDesigner TipsCut a 6" piece of fine beading wire. String one hex spacer and a size 1 crimp bead onto both ends, forming a 1/4" loop at the center of the wire (this will be the top loop on the earrings). Flatten crimp bead with chain-nose pliers, making sure wires are not criss-crossed. Use Sharpie to make a tiny mark 3/4 - 1" from crimp on both wire ends. String 3-5 beads and spacers as desired onto one end, then one crimp bead. Thread end through loop at tip of wing, then …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsFigure out the "top" and "bottom" of the chain, to make sure the shells hang correctly. Attach simple loop crystal dangles to the chain link under the seashell charms for best results. See Basic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet (PDF) for step-by-step looping instructions, and best way to open and close loops.Retain shell charms from cut link of chain and attach them with the starfish pendant at the bottom of the chain.Suggested Supplies1 meter [use two 2" pi …

Created by: Summer MelaasDesigner TipsLink together 6 garnets with the 26-gauge gold-filled wire. Link one more garnet but add one CZ drop at the end: For step-by-step linking instructions, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF). Set aside.Link together 6 tourmaline beads with 26-gauge gold-filled wire. Link one more tourmaline but add one CZ drop at the end. Set aside.Link together 4 pearls with 26-gauge gold-filled wire. Link one more pearl bead but add one CZ at the end. Set aside.Slide 2" of chain, th …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner Tips Stamp player number onto the tag. (For detailed stamping instructions, see link below.)Add additional tags for multiple players, or use larger tags for team names.Apply Stamp Enamel to tag and basketball charm per directions on package. Choose crystal or other bead colors to match your team colors. Wire wrap the crystal dangles with a loop large enough to move freely on the bracelet. (Detailed wrap instructions below.) Use chain nose pliers or crimp plier …

Created by: Valorie Nygaard-PouzarDesigner TipsUse whatever random scraps of chain you have handy, to create this quick and trendy layered chain bib-style necklace.Determine how long you want the longest chain section, then cut each one about 1/4" shorter than the last. The longest chain in this design is 20".You can also mix and match random short pieces of chain, and link together with jump rings.Use large 13.5mm jump rings to link the chain ends together, and attach the clasp. Use 5mm jump ri …

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 …

Created by: Jaci BostonDesigner TipsWhen choosing a bead, make sure the hole is large enough to accommodate the size cording you choose.Familiarize yourself with square knots.This project requires you to sew the ends of your cording up through the braid that you had made, both on the actual bracelet and then again when you make the clasp. Since I used hemp cord, I chose a big eye needle and a set of chain-nose pliers to assist with this.The bracelet pictured uses 8mm and 4-5mm red wood beads (no …

These colors are inspired by Pantone's colors of the year for 2021, and pair nicely with the Optimistic Hope bracelet and After Glow earrings.Created by: Janet BoyingtonDesigner TipsLay out beads on a stringing board to check your length and pattern.Cut 8-9 of stringing cable (2-3" more than the finished length of the bead section).Add a crimp tube, add clasp, and go back through crimp tube, making a small loop. Crimp securely, leaving a short tail. For more crimping instructions, see crimp plie …