Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Created by: Cindy MorrisDesigner TipsCut 24-gauge sterling sheet into a 1" to 1.5" square. (Cindy's is about 1.25" or 32mm)Use a file to smooth the edges and round the corners.Create the stamped metal charm (see Techniques for Creating a Stamped Metal Charm - PDF).Punch 1/16" holes.Attach jump rings to the top holes (see Basic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet - PDF), and slide onto the ball chain necklace.Attach the crystal snowflake to the pendant using a triangle bail.The pictured design uses a …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesign by: Swarovski's Create Your Style Design TeamDesigner TipsAdd a crystal teardrop bead to a head pin (narrow side towards the head of the pin), add a rhinestone wheel bead, then a round crystal bead. Make a simple loop. Repeat for other colors of teardrop beads.Cut the chain evenly in half.Use chain-nose pliers to twist a head-pin loop open to attach icicle light to chain in desired location, and twist loop to securely close. Leave 2 open links between each light …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsBlue Shade crystal snowflakes are coated on one side. Check the pendants carefully to hang both crystals in the same direction.Due to the thickness of the crystal, a large jump ring made of thin wire is required. Optionally, use wire to create a wrapped connection or bail. We used sterling silver 8.5mm sparkle-wire jump rings.For best way to open and close loops, see Jump Ring Hint in Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF)Open the bottom loop of the ear wire (same way a …

This sparkling "Christmas light" project is a fun, festive winter design to create with Swarovski crystal teardrop beads in colors of your choice.Created by: Rings & Things Staff Designer TipsAdd a crystal teardrop bead to a head pin (narrow tip towards the head of the pin), add a rhinestone wheel bead, then a round crystal bead. Make a simple loop. Repeat for other colors of teardrop beads, until you have approximately 14 sparkling holiday lights.Cut chain to desired length, and use a 5mm j …

Created by: Veronica Greenwood Designer TipsThread a size 12 beading needle with 2 yards of One-G, or stretched and waxed size B beading thread.String on 4 main beads, 1 accent bead (1 set) and repeat 8 times for a total of nine sets, leaving a 6" tail.Go through all beads one more time to form a circle, Tie a knot. Weave needle and thread until you exit an accent bead.String 5 main beads, 1 accent bead and 5 main beads, and go through the next accent bead in the top ring. Repeat 8 more tim …

A variation on a jewelry kit by TierraCastDesigner TipsCut a 6-8" length of the red pebble cord, add a small dab of superglue to one of the ends plus drag a small amount of glue around the sides of the end (stay within a 1/8" from the end so no glue shows when you place the cord end on it) and gently press one of the cord ends over the end with glue. Repeat for the other end.Attach two 8mm jump rings to the loops on each cord end and twist each closed (refer to Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF) for twist …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsFor complete step-by-step directions, visit our Blog post: Twelve Days of Christmas Jewelry Designs: Swarovski Crystal Tree EarringsFree Technique Sheets & How-Tos (includes detailed instructions for making beaded head pins)Basic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet (PDF)Suggested Supplies1 doz [use 2] #05-328-03-150 Crystal, Bead, Faceted Bicone, 3mm (Crystal/ Golden Shadow)2 each #03-700-06-12 Crystal, Sew-On, Margarita, 6mm (Emerald)2 each #03-700-08-12 C …

Created by: Polly Nobbs LaRue Designer TipsClean the door blanks with fine-grit sandpaper and a polishing cloth, or in a tumbler for 2-3 hours.Find a pleasing portion of the Christmas tin, that fits in the window of the door blank. Draw around outside of door blank with fine-point permanent marker. Cut tin with shears at inside edge of line.Stamp stars randomly on the front door panel, and add texture as desired with the rounded end of a ballpeen hammer. Stamp or hammer a design or pattern on th …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsWire wrap all the metal, pearl and crystal beads before assembling.For each earring, Rita used 18 - 4mm crystal bicones in mixed reds, greens and whites, 6 - 3mm bicones, 6 white pearl beads and 6 corrugated silver plated beads.Attach 4 dangles to each jump ring all the way down the chain in a pleasing manner, with the 3mm crystal dangles near the top.Each earring uses 9 jump rings to create a chain.Earring nuts with a flange distribute the weight, making …

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsRoughen the bail with sandpaper before gluing.Use adhesive to: * Seal the front and back of the image. * Affix some fine glitter to the image for extra sparkle. * Attach the image to the glass tile. * Attach the bail; allow glue to cure.String onto silkie necklace cord.Free Technique Sheets & How-TosGluing Hints for Metal Findings (PDF)Suggested Supplies1 ea #60-280 Adhesive, Crafter's Pick™ The Ultimate1 pkg of 10 [use 1] #41-792-02-2 Bail, Tube Top fo …