Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsSolder Brass Ninja Star* to Copper Disk:If the copper or brass shapes are bent, straighten them with a steel block and nylon or rawhide mallet. (Solder doesn't fill gaps.)File/sand/polish to any rough edges or deep scratches.Snip 5-10 tiny (1-2mm long) pieces of solder into a small bowl.Use a small paintbrush to coat the back of the brass "ninja star", and the front of the copper disk with flux. (You may need to mix the flux to a more paste-like consiste …

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue   Designer Tips3 sunny shades of orange crystal bicones cascade in a warm ombre waterfall, from Vintaj hammered brass rings.Make wire-wrapped loops using ball-end head pins and 10 crystal beads, then use large jump rings to cascade them from the Vintaj® ring.Gently slide the jump rings onto the hammered Vintaj ring, so you don't scratch the ring with the open edge of the jump rings.For tips on creating wire-wrapped loops and the best way to open and close jump …

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsAdd desired beads to eye pin, and use one-step looper (or wire cutters and round-nose pliers) to make a simple loop at the other end.When creating your new loops, face them the same direction as the existing loops on the eye pins. New to jewelry-making? See Basic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet (PDF)Use chain-nose (non-serrated flat-nose) pliers to twist open each loop, attach the charm or clip-on, and twist closed.Suggested Supplies1 strand [use 2] #21-8 …

C'est La Vie Finals BraceletWhether you defy history, or regularly make history, we've got your colors -- over 80 colors to choose from, and a nice variety of frame setting options.Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsGlue 34ss flatback Swarovski crystals into frame charms. Allow to set. See tips for most secure gluing bond.Polish raw brass bracelet with ultrafine sanding sponge. (Or tumble with steel shot and ShineBrite for a couple hours.)Wipe thoroughly with a soft dry cloth to remove an …

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue   Designer TipsOne of the things I love about this bangle bracelet, is that it's extra small, so fits me perfectly. However, that means it doesn't fit many other adults... So keep that in mind when ordering this bracelet: It's best for petite people. We also have larger plain brass bangles you can texture, punch and add eyelets to.This design uses 1 copper honeybee charm, 1 copper "small blossom" charm, 1 lotus petal charm, and 3 small small gold honeybee charm …

ok, so maybe it's just 2 Red Balloons, not 99...Created by: Summer Melaas and Polly Nobbs-LaRue   Designer TipsPunch a 1/16" hole in each blank, directly opposite the existing loop or hole.Clean the blanks with Penny Brite to remove all oils.Spray each blank lightly with Klyr Fire before sifting enamel evenly onto each blank: red on the balloons, and foundation white on the strips.Carefully transfer a blank to torching basket (in tripod, over a heat-resistant work surface), and torch fire. …

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsCut a 20-gauge or 24-gauge 0.25" (wide) strip of copper, brass or sterling sheet approximately 2.75" long.Smooth and straighten with a nylon hammer.Optional: Texture or stamp if desired. (see "Creating a Stamped Metal Charm" technique sheet below) File corners and edges smooth, using #2-cut needle file, so the ring fits comfortably.Optional: Antique components if desired before assembling!Use nylon-jaw ring-bending pliers to bend ring into shape. Overlap …

I made this pin when the UFO and alien stamp first came out, but they are no longer in production. But there are so many other fun options for customizing this blank with features for other states! Apples or pine trees for Washington, mountains for Montana, ...?Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsBrass is harder than some other commonly-stamped metals, and the Simple Strike Jig is a great help for making good solid impressions using ImpressArt's 6mm stamps. You may need an extra scrap or 2 …

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsAdjust bracelet to target wrist size/shape, because once the 2nd layer is riveted on, you will have limited adjustability.Texture or stamp the bracelet and/or mustache blank if desired. I simply scrubbed both with steel wool to eliminate minor scratches, and give a nice sheen.Use bracelet bending pliers and/or your fingers to bend mustache to match the curve of the bracelet. To prevent snagging when worn, fit it as close as you can, especially the tips.I …