Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsString your project at the far end of the needle-end cord. When completed, cut from the strand, and use the remainder of the cord for another project.Knotting can be done by hand or with a cord knotter. The key to good knotting is to make sure the knot is as close to the beads as possible, so the beads don'’t move.Free Technique Sheets & How-TosBasic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet (PDF)Blog post: How to Make a Knotted Pearl NecklaceYouTube Video: Beada …

Created by: Bridget AustinDesigner TipsSee the Jewelry Basics 101 PDF for hints and instructions on how to open and close jump rings.The cord ends and barrel beads are all crimped, no glue required!Start with 2 strands of leather cut to the desired length of your necklace.String all 4 barrel beads onto the leather.Attach cord ends to each end of the necklace and crimp tightly with the nylon jaw pliers.Attach the hook and eye clasp with 2 jump rings to the cord ends.Space the beads out evenly and …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsCut cord to desired length.Add bead to suede cord.Add cord ends (glue in place).Attach clasp and jump ring. For best way to open and close loops, see Jump Ring Hint in Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF)Suggested Supplies1 yard (use 24")  #61-655-912 Printed Suede Cord, 5mm - Metallic Silver Gecko1 dozen (use 1)  #39-343-3  Silver Plated Lobster Clasp, 12mm2 each #43-800-506-3 TierraCast Bright Rhodium Plated Brass Pagoda Cord End f …

Created by: Michelle HorningDesigner TipsFor step-by-step instructions on how to macramé a bracelet (or choker), see our blog article: How to Macrame a Hemp Bracelet.A choker will usually fit as a double wrap bracelet on most people. Double the amount of working and anchor cord in the tutorial for this project.When using a centerpiece link, fold each anchor cord in half, and attach each to the link with a lark's head knot (see illustration below). The link replaces the shortest cord in the origi …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsSlide the bail over the crystal and press the bail closed, using finger pressure or chain-nose pliers. If using pliers, apply pressure cautiously so you don't slip and chip the crystal.Suggested Supplies1 pkg of 10 [use 1] #52-604-02-16 Choker, 4mm Nylon Mesh, 16""1 ea #06-240-27-02 Crystal, Pendant, Wild Heart, 27mm1 pkg of 10 [use 1] #41-820-06-AS Prong Bail, SpiralTools#69-275-03 Tool, Wubbers™, Chain-Nose Pliers …

Created by: Summer Melaas and Veronica GreenwoodDesigner TipsCut 4" from the center of the 20" chain.Cut the 4" piece in half so you have two 2" pieces.Use a jump ring to add the pear crystal to the bottom of one 2" chain. Place 1 crystal (different colors) on about 9 head pins. Wire wrap the 9 head pins onto different loops in the chain, concentrating more towards the bottom, and less as you go up the chain. New to jewelry-making? See Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Take a jump ring and place the chai …

Created by: Veronica GreenwoodDesigner TipsPlace 12mm rivoli in bezel setting and gently bend prongs over crystal using needle nose pliers.With a piece of 24-gauge wire, make a wrapped loop making sure the loop is large enough to slide on to the leather (see Jewelry Basics 101 PDF).Add an 8mm pearl and link the other end to one side of the bezel.Using a 6mm jump ring, attach the princess cut crystal to the bottom loop of the bezel.Cut desired length of leather cord.Attach one center-crimp leathe …

Created by: Tricia Van LeuvenShimming moonstone, sparkling Metallic Sunshine crystal, and Mystic Black pearls make a perfect set of jewelry for the next solar Eclipse. Try subbing malachite, azurite or turquoise for the Earth (in place of the sun color), when there is a lunar eclipse!Designer TipsCenter the stone in the ring setting and gently squeeze in prongs with nylon jaw flat-nose pliers, forking from apposite sides to keep the stone centered.Once the prongs are bent in, use the burnishing …

Created by: Mollie Valente Designer TipsUsing a decorative metal stamp on a solid copper tube-top bails is an easy way to sign your work, or simply give a secret little accent to the back of a piece. Stamp the bail prior to gluing.To match the color of the mesh choker, and make the stamped design "pop", darken the bail using Win-Ox™.Glue the cabochon or other focal piece to the bail.Slide the choker onto the pendant.Free Technique Sheets & How-TosGluing Hints for Metal Findings (PDF)Tec …

Created by: Jaci BostonDesigner TipsKeep the saw blade well lubricated to create ease while sawing.To avoid breaking your blades, keep the saw upright, without tilting, while you're sawing.For perfect hole placement on the triangle, take extra time and care by using a ruler to measure and mark up where you want to punch your holes.If you use a Sharpie to mark up your metal, you can easily wipe it off with a polishing pad.Don't worry if the edges of your triangles are jagged, you can file them to …