I am not a fantastic metal stamper, and sadly, practice doesn’t always make perfect. I am the queen of stamped four-letter words, and even those are crooked. But actually, what I need is a process that camouflages my imperfections as rustic charm and offers the opportunity for do-overs. If this sounds too good to be true, it’s not–read on to learn how in this step-by-step tutorial.
Continue Reading…How to Make a Large-Hole Bead and Multi-Strand Leather Choker Necklace
November 15, 2020There is beauty in simplicity. A few beads, some leather cord, and finishing findings are all that is needed to make this choker necklace. Though not elaborate, it is still striking and functional. And if you are not really a jewelry minimalist, you can alter this design by stringing your favorite focal pendant in the center.
Continue Reading…Making your own jewelry components can add a unique look to your handmade jewelry. It can be a lot of work making jewelry parts from “scratch”, but customizing existing components is fun and easy. Here is an earring tutorial that features instructions for using a metal dapping set to turn flower-shaped filigree into large, lacy bead caps. Read on to learn more.
Continue Reading…DIY Masculine Lanyard Necklace
December 13, 2019When I think about “Men’s jewelry”, bolo ties, belt buckles, cuff links, and tie clips come to mind (plus heavy gold-chain necklaces ala 1980’s Mr T). But what makes a piece of jewelry masculine? The key to making masculine jewelry is using masculine supplies and keeping it simple. Combine strong leather or waxed cotton cord with bone beads, metal beads, or glass trade beads and then add bold focal pendant. It is also a benefit if the jewelry has a utilitarian purpose.
Here is my version of “men’s jewelry” –an adjustable lanyard necklace made with guy supplies; it can be used to hold a decorative pendant or be more utilitarian as a key holder. Follow these steps to make your own:
Continue Reading…Jewelry DIY – How to make “Threader” Earrings
October 18, 2019These sweet, petite earrings feature Rings & Things ear threads and 3mm Swarovski crystal XILION bicone beads. The featured jewelry is the perfect color for October. But don’t be limited to our pink color choice–there are dozens (and dozens) of colors to choose from–so why not make a rainbow of earrings?
*Makers Note: Sadly, in 2021 Swarovski left the DIY Market and no longer sells their crystal beads and elements to the general public. But not to worry, Rings & Things now sells sparkly Preciosa Crystals and their 4mm or 6mm bicone beads will work great for this project (just use fewer beads)! You can shop for Preciosa Crystals here:
https://www.rings-things.com/crystal/preciosa-bicone-rondelle-beads
Swarovski 5328 Beads Color and Shape Chart Sample Card
Continue Reading…How to Make Spiral Head Pins
August 23, 2019Head pins are a jewelry-making staple. But in many cases, though they are necessary, they don’t add much in design value to a jewelry piece. Rings & Things offers several styles of ready-made head pins. And yes, some of the head pins Rings & Things carries are rather fancy, but not what I had in mind for a simple mixed-metal pair of earrings I was making. I needed something dramatic to combine with my favorite primitive India metal beads and a spiral shape seemed like the perfect thing. So, not having ready-made spiral head pins available, I set out to make some. (And you can too!)
Continue Reading…Jewelry Making Tutorial July Birthstone Necklace
June 21, 2019You don’t have to be able to afford genuine rubies to make birthstone jewelry for July. Swarovski’s ruby crystals offer high-end quality and beauty without a high-end price. This project combines the Swarovski 22mm pear pendant with 2mm Greek leather cord for a casual-but-classy necklace. Here are the steps to make your own:
Continue Reading…Jewelry Design Ideas for Endless Hoop Style Ear Wires
March 22, 2019