Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Created by: Sondra BarringtonDesigner TipsPrearrange your design by tracing the bezel, and creating a mock-up arrangement on paper.Nip the loop off of the hand pendant before setting in bezel.Glue a small piece of flat metal (as a shim) to the back of the hand (on to the fingers) to create a level surface for gluing purposes.Place items in bezel and set them in place with a dab of two-part epoxy glue. Let dry fully (24 hours) before applying concrete.Mix the concrete from the EnCapture Artisan C …

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsAssemble the bead-adorned pendant:Fold the 18" piece of waxed cotton cord in half. String the cord ends through the Dragon Coin Pendant loop, then form a Lark's head knot.String a Mirage bead and then a large-hole carnelian bead onto the doubled cord so they rest snuggly against the pendant loop.Attach the pendant to the leather choker by tying a "Fancy Knot" bail (see PDF technique sheet for instructions).Suggested Supplies1 each #49-943-21-AB TierraCast D …

Created by: Dee MuellerDesigner TipsCreate bead connectors with the 8mm rondelles and 14mm faceted round beads.Cut eight 1" pieces of chain. With jump rings attach two pieces of chain to each of six bead connectors in a series.Cut twenty 3" pieces of chain. Attach 2 pieces of chain to a connector loop with a jump ring and through the hole in a coin. Attach the other end of the chain pieces back on the same jump ring on the connector. Connect remianing coins and connectors as well as the pendant …

Created by: Mollie Valente Designer TipsFor illustrated step-by-step instructions for this necklace, please see the full Heartbeat Necklace Tutorial in our blog.Suggested Supplies 1 each  #05-741-08-13  Swarovski 5741 Love Beads (Heart Beads), 8mm - Fuchsia1 dozen (use 1 bead)  #05-328-04-01  Swarovski 5328 Faceted XILION Bicone Beads, 4mm - Crystal1 package (use 6"")  #47-205-20  Red Brass Jewelry Wire, 20ga, Round, 79'1 100-pack (use …

This project uses Swarovski crystals. Created by: Amy MickelsonDesigner TipsCut a length of wire 20" long, or longer if desired. It is better to have plenty of wire for wire-wrapping the heart pendant, depending on how much of the crystal you want to cover.Make a 90-degree bend in the wire about 1.5-2" from the end.Slide the crystal heart pendant onto the wire it reaches the bend in the wire.Wrap the longer piece of wire around the shorter piece a few times.Use round-nose pliers to create a doub …

Created by: Mollie Valente Designer TipsCenter the button on the pendant finding and mark the hole locations with a Sharpie® pen. Punch holes in the pendant finding.Tie the button onto the pendant finding in a criss-cross pattern. Secure the knot in the back with glue.Use a 10mm jump ring to connect the button pendant and the lanyard hook.Wire-wrap the crystal dangles as pictured; use a 4.5mm jump ring to attach the three dangles to the lanyard hook. See Basic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet (PDF …

Created by: Janet BoyingtonDesigner TipsPlace your charm on a steel block, and use a brass hammer and letter of your choice to stamp the monogram / initial. New to metal stamping? See Metal Stamping Technique Sheet below.Following instructions on package, oxidize design with Liver of Sulphur, or apply Stamp Enamel.Allow to dry, then polish letter charm to a high shine with Ultra Polishing Pad. (Or for a matte finish, use steel wool.)Make a wire-wrapped loop with the head pin and garnet bead. New …

Created by: Valorie Nygaard-PouzarDesigner TipsCut out the desired image.Consider sealing both sides of the image to prevent possible discoloration of the image.24mm Piddix collage hearts should fit snugly in the heart bezel, but glue image to bezel cup to prevent the image from floating.Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for preparing resin.Slowly pour resin into the bezel. Remove any bubbles by waving a flame over the piece.For additional tips & hints, see...Epoxy Resin Tip Sh …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsUse texture plates from the tool kit to create designs on each torch-fired metal clay pennant. Patina each with liver of sulfur.Center one of the pennants on the chain.Add additional pennants evenly spaced to the left and right.Determine spacing of wrapped links. Cut chain and wire wrap links directly to the chain.The micro crimping pliers are great for tucking the trimmed wire ends in on the wire wrapped loops.Free Technique Sheets & How-TosMetal Clay …

Created by: Sondra BarringtonDesigner TipsSee the Create a Hinged Metal Memory Journal blog post for a step-by-step tutorial with images.Texturize or etch* various metal pieces for the journal and patina as desired. This project is a great way to use your stash of etched metal bits. Cut decorative circles with disk cutter, punch holes and dap**.For 3/32" diameter tubing, make hinge tabs one-half inch long. Use plenty of cut lube so that your saw blade doesn’t stick going around the tight corners …