103 results for 'metal block'

News & Information (95)

Metals(Post)

Jump directly to illustration of gold-fill vs. gold plate.What are Elements and Alloys? Metals can be elements or alloys. Elements are the basic building blocks of chemistry. Examples of elements: Ox ...

Metal Stamping 101(Post)

Make your own custom charms, pendants, connectors, tags and more! Metal stamping is not only the latest craze — it's also a lot of fun and gives you design freedom. Plus, handcrafted metal components ...

Embellished Mixed Metal Dog Tag Necklace (Post)

Created by: Guest Designer Deb FlorosSuggested Supplies 2 #40-080-01-32-9 Gunmetal Plated Steel Ball Chain, 3.2mm By The FOOT (foot)1 #40-803-6 Antiqued Brass Plated Ball Chain Clasp, 3.2mm (100 Pie ...

On the Bias Corrugated Metal Earring Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsCorrugate the metal blanks by feeding them through the Tube-Wringer® on the diagonal. Squeeze the hand grip to maintain even pressure while turning the turn key ...

Craters of the Moon Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Learn simple but effective techniques to hammer-texture and dome metal disks to create beautiful handmade earrings.Created by: Mollie ValenteHammer and Dome the BlanksPlace a Vintaj blank on the stee ...

Riveting 101(Post)

Learn the basics of riveting, including how to distinguish various types of rivets and how to set different rivets. Riveting is a classic, durable and popular way to create cold connections in jewelr ...

Layered Floral Earrings with Stamping Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Guest Designer Deb FlorosSuggested Supplies2  #44-722-28-0 Brass Stamping Blank, Long Oval Drop, 41mm1 #69-245-103 ImpressArt Metal Stamp, Floral Swirl1 6-piece pack #44-180-027-6 An ...

Cowgirl Cuff Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Tiffany WhiteDesigner TipsUse the pein side (rounded) of your hammer to texturize the surface of the copper metal strip on the steel block.Using your metal shears, cut a 3/4 inch by 4 inc ...

Dapped Love Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Designer TipsStamp "Love" or desired word or pattern on 19mm brass disk, and antique it using Novacan. (See Metal Stamping 101)Punch a hole near the top of both disks using the 1/16" side of the 2-ho ...

Avocado Dorado Cuff Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

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 ...

Cave Man Necklace Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Jaci BostonDesigner TipsCarefully plan the cutting pattern. The shape of these cuts creates decorative prongs or tabs to hold the gemstone slab bead.For this design draw the shape to be c ...

Aqua Love Necklace Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Cindy MorrisDesigner TipsString necklace and finish ends following directions in Beading Cable How-To Sheet below. Use Wire Guardians for a professional finish at the ends of yo ...

Busy Bee Earring Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Tiffany WhiteDesigner TipsTape the stamping blanks to the steel block. Use a permanent marker to draw lines where you want to stamp the phrase "BUSY BEE".When stamping, make sure that eac ...

Area 51 Pin Tutorial(Post)

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! A ...

Christmas Tree Window Tutorial(Post)

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 ...

Wedding Date Necklace Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsStamp design: If you're new to stamping, see metal stamping technique sheet.When stamping the date, keep in mind that tiny stamps require less stamping stren ...

Metallo Elemento Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

 Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue Designer Tips For a small wrist (shown), cut 2 pieces of leather each 5" long. For a standard men's bracelet, cut 2 pieces each 6" long. or measure the w ...

Crimson and Gray Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: The Rings & Things Showroom TeamDesigner TipsStamp the tag with 3mm letter stamps. For longer team names, use a larger tag or smaller set of stamps. See Metal Stamping 101 for detaile ...

Bowl of Peaches Earrings - Tutorial(Post)

Learn to make sweet earrings with a dapped set of disks in sterling and copper. A tumbler REALLY gets these domed disks shiny! They are reflecting so much light back, that the Rose Peach crystals loo ...

Safe Journey Pendant Tutorial(Post)

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 meta ...

Mauvey Marigolds Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Rings & Things StaffDesigner TipsThe backs of some resin flowers may be slightly concave. For better gluing results, run them over an emery board (or Vintaj® Metal Reliefing Block) to ...

Memory Journal Necklace Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Sondra BarringtonDesigner TipsSee the Create a Hinged Metal Memory Journal blog post for a step-by-step tutorial with images.Texturize or etch* various metal pieces for the journal and pa ...

Golden Buzzer Charm Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Janet BoyingtonDesigner TipsThis 10mm charm is perfect for showcasing a 6mm stamped impression.Gold-fill is harder than sterling or pewter, but not as hard as nickel silver.Place your cha ...

Custom Mothers Day Stamped Necklaces(Post)

Here's a Mother's Day / Grandmother's birthstone jewelry idea that allows each child to stand apart from the others.Created by: Tiffany WhiteDesigner TipsNot sure which birthstones go with the months ...

Hootie and the Sodalites Earring Tutorial(Post)

Learn how to make stamped earrings using an owl stamp, copper findings and orange sodalite gemstones.Created by: Amy MickelsonDesigner TipsChoose a metal design stamp to fit the metal blank.Use tape ...

Page 394 Bookmark Tutorial(Post)

"Turn to Page 394" is a quote known to most Harry Potter fans. What will you put on your custom bookmarks?Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsThe stamp guides are tremendously helpful for keeping ...

Witchy Necklace Tutorial(Post)

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 perfec ...

Witchy Earrings Tutorial(Post)

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 perfec ...

Venus Necklace Tutorial(Post)

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 p ...

Sun Valley Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsMeasure and mark the hanging hole placement near the upper corners of the half-round blanks. These should be set back from the edge about 1/16".Use the hole pun ...

J is for January - Birthstone Necklace Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Janet BoyingtonDesigner TipsPlace your charm on a steel block, and use a brass hammer and letter of your choice to stamp the monogram / initial. New to metal stamping? See Metal Stamping ...

Emma Dog Tag Tutorial(Post)

Emma is in our warehouse daily, and I wanted to honor her with some Jewelry.Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsNew to stamping? See Metal Stamping 101.The 3mm Bridgette stamp set allowed a long ...

Happy Hour Wine Glass Markers Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Janet BoyingtonDesigner TipsCreate stamped charms using Monogram stamp set. New to stamping? See Metal Stamping 101 for an overview, or download our step-by-step PDF stamping guide.Use St ...

Happy Brass Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Janet BoyingtonDesigner TipsIf you're new to metal stamping, first take a look at the step-by-step instructions in our free Metal Stamping 101 PDF.Plan pattern -- some designers prefer to ...

Swirly Hammered Wire Rings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Michelle HorningDesigner TipsSee Rustic Wire Ring blog article for illustrated step-by-step instructions for making this style of ring.Hide the cut ends of the finer gauge of wire, on the ...

Sacred Curling Stone Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Amy MickelsonDesigner TipsUse 6 wavy disks with the dapping set, to create domed bead caps to fit the rotund trade beads. Flatten the rest with a nylon hammer to create 12mm brass heishi.

Moonshine Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Summer MelaasDesigner TipsPunch a hole in the top center of each mason jar blank (available in copper, brass and sterling silver). If desired, tumble-polish or sand the blanks to remove a ...

Hidden Ecosystem Cuff Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Cindy Morris Designer Tips Stamp, hammer and punch holes in the copper until you are satisfied.File any sharp edges.Wrap the strip around a small bottle (aspirin size works well ...

Dark Skies Enameled Pendant Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsUse dapping block to shape blank.After dapping, punch 1/16" hole using the smaller (silver) side of a EuroTool "helicopter" punch.Clean blank with penny brite ...

Sweet Skull Pendant Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsUsing ball-end head pins, make 8 beaded loop dangles in flowery colors. Use one metal rondelle on each side of the crystal bead for fuller dangles. Wrapped loo ...

Sonya Snow Skater Necklace Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Amy Mickelson   Designer TipsCut the metal sheet to the desired size. File the edges smooth and punch holes in corners and on the bottom. Sand the surfaces and clean.Place inked rubb ...

Samba Scarlet Smile Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue Designer TipsLinks Updated!Use a nylon hammer to gently flatten the rock & roll oval link before stamping the plain side.Stamp a practice pattern on paper to ma ...

Fresh Pots Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Jaci BostonDesigner TipsUse silhouettes of multiple teapots and teacups to make this design. No two are alike.Use rubber cement to glue the paper images to the metal.Saw vertically at all ...

Katrina Cuff Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Learn how to colorize a textured brass cuff bracelet. Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsCheck bracelet for fit, and adjust by hand as needed.Clean brass cuff with alcohol for best patina adhere ...

Fold-Formed Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsJewelry Lab: 52 Experiments, Investigations and Explorations in Metal has a great tutorial on fold forming. Plus of course, Charles Lewton-Brain's book Foldf ...

Starry Night - Constellation Jewelry(Post)

Created by: Summer MelaasSo many options for Constellation necklaces!Pick your favorite blank (something thick, like 16-gauge).Find a constellation that you like. For a good star map, search the web, ...

Upcycled Cog Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsWhenever walking, watch for unusual/interesting metal objects on the ground! When they are an unknown metal, do not try antiquing them or punching holes with ...

Fused Spirals Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Rita Hutchinson Designer TipsLightly dome (dap) the blank in dapping block.How to Dap (Dome)Clean blank with penny brite and dry.Apply counter enamel to back of blank. Fire and allow ...

Soar With Me Cuff Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Valorie Nygaard-PouzarDesigner TipsPatina, seal and use bracelet-bending pliers to apply a gentle curve to the metal sparrow before riveting it to the leather.For hints on applying Vintaj ...

Kraken Belt Buckle Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Elisabeth ValenteDesigner TipsConsider taking a jewelry-making class through a local college or art school. The Complete Metalsmith by Tim McCreight and Simple Soldering: A Beginner's Gui ...

Go West Necklace Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsMaking the Pendant:Cut the handle loop of the heart charm and file smooth.Mark hole locations with a Sharpie®, and use the hole punch to make two 1/16th-inch ha ...

Moon and Stars Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsDome (or dap) the brass moon charms.Antique the brass moons with WinOx™ and polish with the "Brilliant" polishing cloth.Thread a bicone crystal and fluted bead ...

Brass Arrow Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsCut the wire in half and form an "eye" loop on one end of each wire.Flatten the loop by striking with a chasing hammer on a steel block.Add the following beads ...

Skull Kid Leather Wrapped Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Jaci BostonDesigner TipsCreate a template from a copyright-free image.Glue your image pattern to the metal with rubber cement, and cut along the pattern with a jeweler's saw.Keep the saw ...

The Imp Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsPlan out design, and stamp words and symbols. ("I Drink and I Know Things" is a quote from Game of Thrones, and the colors used here are the colors of house La ...

Russ Recycles Clip Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Amy MickelsonDesigner TipsPostage stamp charmThe canceled postage stamp was scanned and reduced to fit the square picture-frame charm.Seal front and back of the image with a waterproof ba ...

Transylvanian Visitor Pin Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsLaminate or seal the image with Crafter's Pick™ The Ultimate adhesive.Glue the image onto the blank "back" with the Crafter's Pick.Use side cutters to remove p ...

grrrrr / breathe bracelet tutorials(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsUse a ruler and Sharpie to draw a dot or line in the middle if the bracelet. Write your word or phrase on a piece of paper, about the size you'll be stamping ...

Puppy Love Pin Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsThe Complete Metalsmith (#62-011) provides a useful chart for selecting saw blades. Or scroll down to the comments section of our "Tips for Sawing Sheet Metal w ...

Rough Around The Edges Hoop Earrings Tutorial(Post)

A drawplate is excellent for hardening soft wire without making it brittle, so custom ear wires and handmade hoops are springy and keep their shape.Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsCut a lengt ...

Hunter-Gatherer Earrings Tutorial(Post)

January 21 is Squirrel Appreciation day in the United States. Celebrate these quirky Sciuridaes with us!Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsPlace the squirrel charms on the rubber block and polish ...

Slam Dunk Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner Tips Stamp player number onto the tag. (For detailed stamping instructions, see link below.)Add additional tags for multiple players, or use larger tags for team n ...

A Dog's Night Out Collar Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Valorie Nygaard-PouzarDesigner TipsWhether it be the park or the opera, your pooch will prance in style with this custom and personalized doggie necklace.Determine the total length of the ...

Tangerine Delta Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Megan HoldenDesigner TipsClean the inside of the rivoli settings with alcohol swabs, and allow to dry.Place a small drop of E-6000 or GS Hypo Cement into the cup of each setting and light ...

Mehandi Coil Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsUse shears to cut flat wire. Texture as desired with texturing hammer or metal stamps.Create coil by wrapping at an angle around large barrel of bail making pl ...

Delightfully Dotty Enameled Necklace Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsCut copper sheet to size or use a premade copper blank. If you have cut your own blank, punch hole in appropriate location and file edges to remove roughness.C ...

Purple and Gold Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: The R&T Showroom Team   Designer TipsStamp the tag with 3mm letter stamps. For longer team names, use a larger tag or smaller set of stamps. See Metal Stamping 101 for detailed s ...

REACH Stamped Aluminum Cuff Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsTo get a feel for the aluminum, firmly stamp the star in a few spots. For a detailed tutorial on metal stamping, see Metal Stamping 101 (PDF).Stamp the word ...

Craft Beer Can Belt Buckle Tutorial(Post)

Upcycle a craft beer can, or any aluminum can with awesome graphics, into a custom belt buckle. Great gift for a craft beer aficionado!Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsParts are listed below.Fo ...

Campfire Skies - Riveted Barrette Tutorial(Post)

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 securel ...

Geared Ring Tutorial(Post)

 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 ...

Tri-Tone Cuff Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Rita Hutchinson   Designer TipsUsing a pre-cut and finished bracelet blank, and precut 6" patterned wire makes this bracelet assemble in a snap!Apply pattern to copper blank with des ...

2 Easy Celtic Knot Bracelets Tutorial(Post)

These bracelets are almost too easy!  Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsSet the TierraCast Rivetable or Link in the center of the leather bracelet and use a fine-point permanent mar ...

In the Moment Leather Cuff Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Mollie Valente   Designer TipsCustomize the word blank:Place the word blank on the steel block and create a dappled texture with the ball peen side of the chasing hammer.Use the brac ...

Red Light / Green Light Enamel Earrings(Post)

Your Choice: They're balloons, streetlights or lollipops!  Created by: Summer Melaas and Polly Nobbs-LaRue   Designer TipsPunch a 1/16" hole in each blank, directly opposite the existing lo ...

Space Needle Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Mollie Valente Designer TipsCut wire in half. File ends flat and straight before beginning to hammer, for a more symmetrical paddle head. Hammer a flat paddle on one end of the wire and f ...

Go Zags - March Madness Bracelet(Post)

Created by: Summer Melaas   Designer TipsStamp the tag with 3mm letter stamps. For longer team names, use a larger tag or smaller set of stamps. See Metal Stamping 101 for detailed stamping inst ...

October Ombre Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsTexture and stamp the sterling heart with ribbon design stamp. New to metal stamping? See step-by-step instructions in our free Metal Stamping 101 PDF.Apply st ...

5 Minute Rings Tutorial(Post)

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: ...

DIY Adjustable Bangle Bracelet Tutorial(Post)

This style of bracelet is a great one-size-fits-all design. OK, so technically the same bracelet size won't fit both a petite 6-year-old and a Samoan warrior, but odds are that you can determine one ...

Night Reflections Enamel Earrings Tutorial(Post)

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 bla ...

Patterned Wire Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue   Designer TipsMeasure, mark and cut patterned wire to desired length.File ends smooth with slightly rounded corners, so the wire pieces match the curve of the disk ...

Baroque Beauty Necklace Tutorial(Post)

Designer TipsUsing one eye pin, slide on one 6mm 5328 bicone bead and make a simple loop. Repeat 30 more times and set aside. New to making jewelry? See Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Using an eye pin ...

Pop of Color Enamel Earrings Tutorial(Post)

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 ...

99 Luftballons Tutorial(Post)

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 ...

Bubble Wand - Necklace Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsCut a 10" piece of wire.To straighten and harden the wire, run the length of the wire through the nylon pliers.Use the ring mandrel to form a "bubble" loop (our ...

The North Star Necklace Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsCreate a bail using a 5/16" x 3" piece of 24-gauge copper sheet: Cut, file, stamp, punch and ream the holes a bit larger. Use bail-making pliers to bend the sta ...

Little Sprout Necklace Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsFor step-by-step illustrated instructions showing how to engrave the pendant, see Rings & Things blog post "Jewelry Making DIY – Make a Micro Engraved Penda ...

Cognitive Resonance Pendant Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue Designer TipsWhen scouring yard sales and 2nd-hand stores for old watches, try to pick up a wide variety of brands and eras, for the best variety of gears. Or look ...

Gypsy Dancer - Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsColorize the raw brass filigrees. (See Rings & Things blog post "Jewelry DIY - Colorizing Raw Brass Filigrees" for instructions.)Make a bead dangle and atta ...

Merry Tag Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue Designer TipsClean the door blanks in a tumbler for 2-3 hours, or with fine-grit sandpaper and a polishing cloth.Find a pleasing portion of the Christmas tin, that fits ...

Pleasant Dream Etched Barrette Tutorial(Post)

 Created by: Rita Hutchinson Designer TipsCut your metal sheet to desired size and use a file to round the corners and smooth all edges.Clean with Penny Brite® Copper Cleaner and scrubby un ...

Enameled Yellow Submarine Tutorial(Post)

2018 was the 50th Anniversary of the Beatles' Yellow Submarine! Create your own yellow submarine using bright opaque vitreous (glass) enamels on copper sheet.  Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue &nbs ...

The View Necklace Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Cindy MorrisDesigner TipsStamp front piece first (I used the "l" to make diagonal lines on the window frame). Flatten. Patina with Win-Ox™ and clean with steel wool.Clean back piece with ...

Aurora Sprinkles Earrings Tutorial(Post)

Created by: Rita Hutchinson   Designer TipsCut bezel strip to size (one 8-12" piece) and flatten/ work harden with nylon hammer.Add texture to both sides of bezel strip with texture stamping ham ...