Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

This is a lovely summery design with secure wire-wrapped links, and can also double as  November birthstone jewelry (citrines) or June (pearls).Created by: Veronica Greenwood Designer TipsUsing a 12" piece of wire, wrap one 4mm citrine bead, one 4mm apatite, and one 4mm citrine around a section of the 26mm hammered link.Using a jump ring, attach all three hammered rings to the center link of your chain.For wire-wrapped loop instructions, and most secure way way to open and close jump r …

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsFor step-by-step instructions (with photos!) to make this necklace, see our illustrated blog article: Make a Tassel Necklace with Prayer BeadsSuggested Supplies1 spool (use 42")  #61-710-007  Super-Lon Bead Cord1 pack (use 111 beads) #20-225-221  Size 8 TOHO Seed Beads1 strand (use 100 beads) #29-580-08  Rosewood Mala Beads1 pack (use 1 bead) #26-816-205  Brushed-Finish Gold Bead1 each #49-958-52-AG  TierraC …

Created by: Mollie Valente   Designer TipsTo add texture, place the metal blank on the steel block and use the ball end of the hammer to make a lightly hammered surface.After hammering, the metal blank will be work-hardened and will require annealing. Place the blank on a fire block and use a micro torch to anneal the piece. Cool to room temperature. Bonus: annealing also serves to heat patina the piece of metal.To bend the bail, place the metal blank in the jaw of the bail-making pliers, c …

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsCreate a COPPRclay™ pendant following the manufacturer's guidelines included with the clay and your kiln.Mollie made her own pattern sheet by taking a piece of textured wallpaper and punching a branch design in it.Pre-roll your clay to 8-card thickness, and then lay the paper beneath and roll again to 6 card thickness.Remove paper, and cut to the desired shape (Mollie cut an oval), then create a hole for hanging the pendant.Allow the piece to fully dry, and …

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsFabricate the BRONZclay focal according to the manufacturer's instructions. Like many other metal clays, BRONZclay must be fired in a kiln. BRONZclay shrinks approximately 20% from package to finished product. When you create your pieces, keep this in mind.If you also work with Art Clay™ Silver (ACS), your ACS tools and work surfaces must be kept separate from the tools and surfaces that you use with BRONZclay. The materials do not work well together, and y …