Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

 Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue Designer TipsCut a strip of 20-gauge sheet 2.75" long. Smooth and straighten with a nylon hammer.Optional: Texture or stamp (see "How to Make a Metal-Stamped Charm" technique sheet below).For a matte finish, scrub the surface with steel wool (or even a green dish scrubbie!).File the corners and edges smooth using a #2-cut needle file.Use a pair of nylon-jaw ring-bending pliers to bend the band into shape. Overlap the ends at least 0.25".Check the size on …

Leather continues to be a powerhouse material in jewelry fashions --especially bracelet design! Learn about various types of leather (from straps to cord to finished cuffs), and find tutorials and projects to make your own leather bracelets, handmade leather jewelry, and crafts. You can also shop our leather cord, leather straps, & leather bracelet blanks.Table of ContentsWorking with Strips of LeatherWorking with Leather Cuffs & WrapsWorking with Leather CordLeather Strips (a.k.a. Leath …

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 …

TierraCast's shimmering antique bronze leather, a hammer-textured spiral link, and shiny black rivets, combine to create a barrette that's perfect for Spring bonfires and Fall festivals. This securely riveted barrette project is quick and easy to make, and uses common tools that may already be in your craft room, or a relative's basement.  Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue   Designer TipsWrap one end of leather around end of barrette so it extends about 3mm past the hole on the underside o …

 Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue Designer Tips Always wear safety glasses when cutting, drilling or punching.The bobby pin is a little heavier gauge than recommended for the punch, so use a drill press if you have one, or punch very carefully (and be sure you know where you stored your replacement pin).Lay the sprocket and 25mm round blank on top of each other; use center punch to mark exact center of the blank. Punch or drill the blank.Lay components together, and rivet. The 1.8mm …