Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

2018 was the 50th Anniversary of the Beatles' Yellow Submarine! Create your own yellow submarine using bright opaque vitreous (glass) enamels on copper sheet.  Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue   Designer TipsMake a few copies of your template. (You'll find many variations on the internet, or draw your own.) Mine is about 2-3/4 x 1-5/8" (70x40mm). Any larger, and it will be too hard to torch fire. Much smaller, and it will be too hard to add the details.Rubber cement a template to 24-gauge …

Created by: Summer MelaasSo many options for Constellation necklaces!Pick your favorite blank (something thick, like 16-gauge).Find a constellation that you like. For a good star map, search the web, visit a library, dig out old astronomy books from the basement or attic...Choose a color of chaton (crystal rhinestone) for the stars: classic clear, iridescent aurora borealis, a birthstone or a favorite color (links below).It's easiest if you use just the smallest size, but you can also mix sizes …

Created by: Summer Melaas   Designer TipsAdd about 1/2" of soil, a small amount of moss, then sedum or other tiny succulents to a glass bottle charm. Total dirt/moss should be about 3/4". Mist very lightly as needed to maintain; do not overwater.Cut roughly 12" of wire. Wrap wire around the bottle approx. 3 times. Wrap wire one more time half way so that both wires are on opposite sides of the bottle. Make loops with each one of these wires for your chain. Continue to wrap the wire 2 m …

Created by: Mollie Valente Make your Enamel DiskUse the dapping set to dome the copper blank. (See Rings & Things blog post: How to Dap and Dome Metal Jewelry.)Fire the concave (back side) of the copper blank with orchid enamel (counter enamel). Or you can use the enamel colors of your choice. (Follow firing and safety instructions from the Thompson Enamel Workbook or Rings & Things blog post: Torch Fired Enamels.)Clean the domed copper blank with Penny Brite.Fire the convex (front …

The lovely glass bead used in this free necklace design goes by a number of names including mermaid beads and mystic aura beads. They've even been mistaken for moonstone gemstones! They are 2 half-spheres of frosted glass fused together with an AB layer in the center, providing a mystical shimmering effect.Created by: Janet BoyingtonDesigner TipsCut chain in the center.Cut 3"" of sterling silver wire.Make a wire-wrapped loop, attached to one end of the cut chain. For step-by-step instructions on …

Created by: Janet BoyingtonDesigner TipsThis 10mm charm is perfect for showcasing a 6mm stamped impression.Gold-fill is harder than sterling or pewter, but not as hard as nickel silver.Place your charm on a steel block, and use a brass hammer and design stamp of your choice. New to metal stamping? See Metal Stamping 101.Following instructions on package, apply Stamp Enamel, and remove excess.When completely dry, polish letter charm with a Sunshine polishing cloth.Use a jump ring to add charm to …

Created by: Mollie Valente Designer TipsOpen the chain necklace's clasp.Thread the jump-ring side of the chain necklace through the side-to-side holes in each pearl ball bead, one bead at a time.If you are not able to match up the chain with the opposite exit-side bead hole, try this: Attach a piece of thin wire to the jump-ring side of the chain necklace. Use the wire "needle" to string on the pearl ball beads.  When done, remove the piece of wire.Suggested Supplies3 each  #20-66 …

Created by: Megan Holden Designer TipsUse beading board or beading mat to arrange beads in pattern as shown in picture.String 10 seed beads onto a 20"" piece of beading cable and then building up on each side, add: 1 copper hogan, 6mm Dzi, spacer, 8mm Dzi, copper rondelle, 8mm Dzi, spacer, 6mm Dzi, hogan, 8 seed beads, hogan, 6mm Dzi spacer, 8mm Dzi, spacer, 6mm Dzi, hogan, 6 seed beads, hogan, 6mm Dzi, hogan and then fill to ends as needed for 16" or 18" length, with more seed beads.Finish …

Dance the night away with shining faux kabibi disks, sparkling faceted gemstone beads, and sassy, swinging chain.  Designer TipsCut five pieces of chain: three 3.5"", one 4"" and one 4.25"".On one end of a 3.5"" piece of chain, use a jump ring to attach your lobster clasp. For step-by-step wire-wrapping instructions, and most secure way way to open and close jump rings, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Cut a piece of wire (about 2""). Using round nose pliers, create a loop on one …

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsFor instructions with step-by-step photos, please see our blog article: How to Make an Adjustable Necklace Extender.Suggested Supplies1 foot (use 4") #40-011-001-4-FT  Gold Plated Oval Cable Chain by the FOOT, 2.2mm1 ounce (use 2 pieces) #37-133-2  Yellow Plated Jump Ring, Round, Heavy, 4.5mm1 half-gross (use 1 piece) #39-240-4  Gold Plated Lobster Clasp, 6x10mm1 each #49-958-86-AG  TierraCast Antiqued …