Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsPosition and emboss pattern on blanks with the Big Shot Jewelry Studio and embossing die. (See Big Shot Embossing blog article)Counter-enamel the blank (fire the back) with black enamel. Allow to cool and then clean with penny brite. (See How to Torch-Fire Enamels.) Create a small amount of enamel paste (use distilled water or Klyr-fire) in red and translucent brown, apply to blank as desired. Allow to dry and then fire.Allow to cool and remove excess fire …

Created by: Summer MelaasNote: We've had great success enameling our 24-gauge brass blanks, but for the most consistent color results, this enamel is best with copper blanks. Designer TipsTexture the top portion of the blanks with a chasing hammer or ball pein hammer.Use the smaller end of the 2-hole metal punch to punch a 1/16" hole near the top of the blanks. Be sure to center it, so the earrings hang properly.Clean the blanks with Penny Brite to remove all oils.Optional: Spray a light, even c …

Created by: Veronica GreenwoodDesigner TipsThoroughly clean your blank with Penny Brite. See our enameling blog article for tips, precautions and basic instructions for preparing the piece for enamel, and for torch firing enamels.Add scoops of desired colors of enamel into depressions in an artist's palette. Add a small amount of Klyr-Fire or distilled water (about 40% liquid to 60% enamel powder). Use the pretty cobalt bottle to add drops of water. It won't really mix like paints, but it will a …

Created by: Mollie ValenteMake your Enamel DiskUse the dapping set to dome the copper blank.(See Rings & Things blog post: How to Dap and Dome Metal Jewelry.)Fire the concave (back side) of the copper blank with spruce green enamel (counter enamel). Or you can use the enamel colors of your choice.(Follow firing and safety instructions from the Thompson Enamel Workbook or Rings & Things blog post: Torch Fired Enamels.)Clean the domed copper blank with Penny Brite.Fire the convex (front si …

Created by: Summer MelaasDesigner TipsUse the smaller end of the 2-hole metal punch to punch a 1/16" hole near the top of the blanks. Be sure to center it, so the earrings hang properly.Clean the blanks with Penny Brite to remove all oils.Optional: Spray a light, even coat of Klyr Fire on the blanks. Sift a light coat of enamel in desired pattern onto blanks. Use locking tweezers or enameling spatula to carefully transfer a blank to torching basket (in tripod), and torch fire. Wat …

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: Mollie Valente Designer TipsMake two enameled copper washers. You can either use the enamel colors of your choice, or the colors listed in the suggested materials. Follow instructions from the "Thompson Enamel Workbook" or Rings & Things blog post "Torch Fired Enamels".Connect an enameled washer and a hammertone link with two 8mm jump rings.Use two 6mm jump rings to connect the two 8mm jump rings with the ear-wire loop.Repeat steps to make the second earring.Blog Post: Torch …