Rings & Things Design Gallery: A Gallery of Jewelry Design Ideas - Last additions

Mon Petit Chou - Resin Flower Necklace

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 18:04:04 GMT

This free necklace project features a large resin flower, sparkly glass beads and gunmetal ball chain from Rings & Things.

Created by: Amy Mickelson

Mon Petit Chou is a French for my little cabbage, a term of endearment. The resin flower reminds me somewhat like an ornamental cabbage.

Suggested Materials:
1 each #27-970-13-621 Resin Flower, Sakura, 45mm (Periwinkle)
1 each #49-461-9 Pendant Finding, Oval, 24x18mm (Black Gunmetal)
38 each #28-000-007-950 Bead, Glass, Fac 10mm Rondelle (Blue Two-Tone)
30 each #49-957-03-9 Bead, Cast, 3mm Heishi (Black Gunmetal)
14" #61-720-19-87 Beadalon� Wire, 19 Strand, 0.018", 100' Spool
(Bright Steel)
2 each #41-151-90-08-9 Crimp End with Loop, 0.8mm I.D. (Black Gunmetal)
2 each #37-422-9 Head Pin, 2", Standard (Black Gunmetal)
10" #40-881-9 Chain, Footage, Ball, 2.4mm, 100ft (Black Gunmetal)
2 each #40-801-9 Clasp, Ball Chain, 1.8-2.4mm (Black Gunmetal)

Tools and Supplies:
#60-265 Adhesive, E-6000�, 0.5oz
#69-271-99 Tool, Glitter, Four-Piece Set

Designer Tips:

Apply the adhesive in a well-ventilated area. E-6000 has a strong odor.
Use flat-nose pliers to flatten a crimp end onto the beading cable, making sure the cable is straight and centered in the crimp end.
Can't find a ball chain connector in the plating you need? Just slide a head pin through the inside of a ball chain clasp. Make a wrapped loop attaching it to the loop on the crimp end before completing the wrap.
Design Option: Finished length is 24". If you want a different length necklace, just cut a different length of ball chain.

For additional details about techniques used in this design, see:
Gluing Hints for Metal Findings
Beading Cable Technique Sheet

To view our jewelry-making technique sheets (PDF files), you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. You can download it free here.

View more free jewelry design ideas, peruse our complete list of free jewelry-making technique sheets, or search our Design Gallery.

Post questions on the Rings & Things Discussion Forum. Don't be shy! If you're wondering, so is someone else!

469 views
Aug 01, 2011

Aloha Simple Hair Claw

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 17:12:01 GMT

A free hair accessory project featuring a molded resin flower glued to a colorized wood hair claw from Rings & Things.

Created by: Rita Hutchinson

Suggested Materials:
1 each #30-809-30 Wood Hair Claw, Square
1 each Artisan created molded resin flower

Tools and Supplies for flower:
#82-503-06 Super Clear Resin, 6 oz kit
#82-512-01 Alumilite Metallic Powder (Copper)
Silicone flower mold (from craft supplier)
Paint brush

Tools and Supplies for hair claw:
#86-110-053 Adirondack� Alcohol Ink (Raspberry)
#86-110-003 Adirondack� Alcohol Ink (Eggplant)
#86-919-02 Adirondack� Alcohol Ink Blending Solution
#60-265 Adhesive, E-6000�, 0.5oz
#69-257 Tool, Sanding Sponges, Set
#87-051-FT Nonstick Work Surface, 9.5"
Mineral Oil
Hand wipes

Designer Tips:

Use a paint brush to apply metallic powder to the mold before adding resin.
Use ink sparingly to color hair claw.
Apply a touch of blending solution where colors overlap, and blot excess ink with hand wipes.
Allow ink to dry and then distress with sanding sponge.
Glue flower to hair claw before treating with mineral oil.

For additional details about techniques used in this design, see:
Epoxy Resin Tip Sheet

To view our jewelry-making technique sheets (PDF files), you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. You can download it free here.

View more free jewelry design ideas, peruse our complete list of free jewelry-making technique sheets, or search our Design Gallery.

Post questions on the Rings & Things Discussion Forum. Don't be shy! If you're wondering, so is someone else!

254 views
Aug 01, 2011

Periwinkle Mum - Resin Flower Earrings

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:34:24 GMT

A free earring project featuring resin flowers glued to gunmetal filigrees, with gunmetal kidney wires from Rings & Things.

Created by: Amy Mickelson

Suggested Materials:
2 each #27-970-03-621 Resin Flower, 20mm (Periwinkle)
4 each #44-154-9 Filigree, Round (Black Gunmetal)
2 each #26-463-9 Bead, 3mm Round, Corrugated (Black Gunmetal)
4 each #20-228-461 Glass, TOHO Seed Bead, size 11/0, Metallic, 2.1mm
(Purple Metallic)
2 each #34-174-9 Kidney Wire, 37mm (Black Gunmetal)

Tools and Supplies:
#60-265 Adhesive, E-6000�, 0.5oz
#69-271-99 Tool, Glitter, Four-Piece Set

Designer Tips:

On two of the round filigrees, bend all the half-moon outer loops up at 90 degrees.
Add adhesive to the back of the flowers and glue into place in the center of the bent filigrees. These 20mm resin flowers fits snugly.
Once dry, glue this component to another round filigree.
Attach ear wires to a half-moon loop on the second filigree.
Add several small beads to the ear wire for visual interest. Add a dab of glue to keep them in place.
Use round-nose pliers to crimp loop closed on the kidney wire.
Design Option: Leave off the round filigree with the bent pieces and just glue to one filigree.

For additional details about techniques used in this design, see:
Gluing Hints for Metal Findings
Basic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet

To view our jewelry-making technique sheets (PDF files), you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. You can download it free here.

View more free jewelry design ideas, peruse our complete list of free jewelry-making technique sheets, or search our Design Gallery.

Post questions on the Rings & Things Discussion Forum. Don't be shy! If you're wondering, so is someone else!

239 views
Aug 01, 2011

My Purple Rose - Resin Flower Earrings

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:22:23 GMT

A free earring project featuring resin flowers glued to antiqued copper filigrees with French clip ear wires from Rings & Things.

Created by: Amy Mickelson

Suggested Materials:
2 each #27-970-07-271 Resin Flower, Rose, 10mm (Purple)
2 each #44-166-7 Filigree, Round (Antiqued Copper Plated)
1 pair #34-380-8 French Clip, Plated (Copper Plated)
6 each #37-415-7 Head Pin, 1.5", Thin (Antiqued Copper Plated)
6 each #28-000-010-273 Bead, Glass, Faceted Rondelle, 4mm (Electric Purple)

Tools and Supplies:
#60-265 Adhesive, E-6000�, 0.5oz
#69-271-99 Tool, Glitter, Four-Piece Set
Tooth pick

Designer Tips:

Since the base of the flower is narrower than the top, push resin rose into hole in filigree until it stops.
Hold it in place and apply E-6000 all around the "sides" of the rose and the edge of the opening (on the back side.) A tooth pick works well for this.
Add wrapped loop dangles to the three loops at the bottom of the filigree, finishing the loops in place.
Design Option: Patina the lever-back clips slightly to better match the filigree.

Dark Rose Resin Flower Earrings

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 15:54:39 GMT

A free earring project featuring resin flowers with gunmetal filigrees and earwires from Rings & Things.

Created by: Amy Mickelson

Suggested Materials:
2 each #27-970-02-211 Resin Flower, Rose, 20mm (Red)
2 each #44-156-9 Filigree, Round, Inside Loop (Black Gunmetal)
2 each #34-173-9 Kidney Wire, 25mm (Black Gunmetal)
2 each #26-463-9 Bead, 3mm Round, Corrugated (Black Gunmetal)

Tools and Supplies:
#60-265 Adhesive, E-6000�, 0.5oz
#69-271-99 Tool, Glitter, Four-Piece Set

Designer Tips:

Put adhesive all around the outer edge of the flat surface of the flower. The flower is large enough to cover the hole in the filigree.
Allow items to dry on a non-stick gluing surface.
Add a small bead to the earwire for visual interest. Add a dab of glue to keep it in place.
Use round-nose pliers to crimp loop closed on the kidney wire.
Design Option: Add some wrapped loop dangles to the bottom for more interest.

Sakura - Purple Cherry Blossom Earrings

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 15:39:15 GMT

A free earring project featuring resin flowers with verdisgris filigrees from Rings & Things.

Created by: Amy Mickelson

Suggested Materials:
2 each #44-155-V Filigree, Square (Verde)
2 each #27-970-15-271 Resin Flower, Sakura, 22mm (Purple)
1 pair #34-063-02 French Hook Ear Wire, Niobium (Purple)

Tools and Supplies:
#60-265 Adhesive, E-6000�, 0.5oz
#69-271-99 Tool, Glitter, Four-Piece Set

Designer Tips:

The back of the resin flowers may not be perfectly flat, so use enough E-6000 to fill the gap.
Allow items to dry on a non-stick gluing surface.
NOTE - The purple color niobium ear wire color matches the resin flower perfectly, but you might want to consider a less expensive option.

Double Purple Cubic Zirconia Earrings

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 19:30:42 GMT

A free earring project featuring cubic zirconia teardrop beads and silver-filled ear wires from Rings & Things.

Created by: Rita Hutchinson

Suggested Materials:
1 pair #19-258-292 Bead, Gemstone, Faceted Puffed Teardrop, 18mm
(Light Purple Cubic Zirconia)
1 pair #34-564-SF French Hook Ear Wire, With Ball (Silver Filled)
24" #46-404-02 Artistic Wire�, 24ga, 60ft (Purple)

Tools and Supplies:
#69-273-9 Tool, Ecco, Four-Piece Set

Designer Tips:

The 24-gauge artistic wire is very soft and flexible. By double wrapping the loop and around the briolette, you can increase the durability.
For more information, see our "How to Wire-Wrap a Briollette" blog tutorial.

For additional details about techniques used in this design, see our:
Basic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet

To view our jewelry-making technique sheets (PDF files), you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. You can download it free here.

View more free jewelry design ideas, peruse our complete list of free jewelry-making technique sheets, or search our Design Gallery.

Post questions on the Rings & Things Discussion Forum. Don't be shy! If you're wondering, so is someone else!

216 views
Jul 26, 2011

Pink is for Girls Necklace

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 14:51:00 GMT

A free necklace project featuring an artisan made soldered pendant, SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS crystal beads with silk string woven into rollo chain from Rings & Things.

Created by: Rita Hutchinson

Suggested Materials:
1 each #30-230-1 Swivel Clip, Small, 23x9mm (White)
20" #40-099-07-1 Chain, Footage, Rollo, 4.5mm (White)
1 each #61-472-04 Silk String, 2mm, Handmade (Pastel)
(use 1 pink string)
7 each #37-415-1 Head Pin, 1.5", Thin (White)
4 each #05-000-06-16 Crystal, Bead, Faceted Round, 6mm (Rose)
7 each #03-700-06-59 Crystal, Sew-on, Margarita, 6mm (Crystal/ Transmission)
3 each #05-040-08-17 Crystal, Bead, Puffed Rondelle, 8mm (Light Rose)
2 each #83-505-02 Memory Glass, Clear,1.5"Square (Clear)
3 each #37-167-1 Jump Ring, Round, 8mm (White)

Tools and Supplies:
#69-433 Tool, Simply Swank Solder Kit
#69-273-99 Tool, Ecco, Four-Piece Set
#63-537 Polishing Cloth, Brilliant (Yellow)
#69-400 Tool, Forceps, 8", Straight
Scissors
Ruler
Copyright-free images/decorative papers
Glass cleaner

Designer Tips:

Create pendant following instructions provided in the Simply Swank soldering kit.
Helpful techniques can be found on the Simply Swank Simply Solder DVD (#62-049) or
Lisa Bluhm's book Simple Soldered Jewelry and Accessories (#62-039).
Use forceps to hold the jump ring when soldering it in place.
When soldered pendant is cooled, use glass cleaner to remove excess flux, and then polish the solder with the "brilliant" cloth.
The chain does not need to be cut. Open link at desired length to remove from spool, and to attach clasp.
Trim excess silk string and use to tie beaded decorations from pendant.

For more how-to information on creating soldered frames, see the June 27, 2011 Rings & Things blog post.

For additional details about techniques used in this design, see:
Basic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet

To view our jewelry-making technique sheets (PDF files), you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. You can download it free here.

View more free jewelry design ideas, peruse our complete list of free jewelry-making technique sheets, or search our Design Gallery.

Post questions on the Rings & Things Discussion Forum. Don't be shy! If you're wondering, so is someone else!

341 views
Jul 26, 2011

Bird of Paradise Necklace

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 20:19:15 GMT

A free necklace project featuring a salt water etched copper pendant with Czech glass teardrop beads, chain and silk ribbon from Rings & Things.

Penny -Brite (#86-220-07) due to arrive at end of August
18-gauge blanks due in anytime
Waiting on salt water instructions

Created by: Mollie Valente

Suggested Materials:
1 each #64-980-24 Sheet, 24 Gauge, 6x6" (Copper) (cut a 1.5 x 2 inch piece)
1 each #61-479-13 Silk Ribbon, 32"-36", Hand Dyed (Tucson Desert)
26" #40-099-17-7 Chain, Footage, Flat with Figure Eight, 2.9mm
(Antiqued Copper Plated)
12 each #23-319-042 Bead, Glass, Tip-Drilled Teardrop, 9x6mm (Crystal)
24 each #37-145-7 Jump Ring, Round, 6mm (Antiqued Copper Plated)
4 each #37-133-7 Jump Ring, Round, Heavy, 4.5mm (Antiqued Copper Plated)
1 each #37-167-7 Jump Ring, Round, 8mm (Antiqued Copper Plated)
1 set #39-293-7 Clasp, Hook and Eye (Antiqued Copper Plated)
2 each #48-724-7 Coil, End, 4mm (Antiqued Copper Plated)

Tools and Supplies:
#86-290 Press-n-Peel Blue Transfer Film
#69-101 Tool, 2" Curved Steel Burnisher
#86-220-07 Penny Brite Copper Cleaner,7oz
#47-401-SP Wire, Copper, 16ga, Round, 32' (Solid Copper)
#69-270-99 Tool, Lindstrom� Four-Piece Set
(Use flat-nose pliers, short chain-nose pliers and flush cutters.)
#69-172 Tool, Saw Frame, 4" with Screw
#69-261 Tool, Bench Block & Clamp
#69-191-60 Tool, Saw Blade, #6/0
#69-189 Cut Lube, 2oz
#69-252-01-4 Tool, Flat File, 6", #4 Cut
#69-235 Tool, Metal Punch, Two Hole
Paper patten for copper blank shape
Toner-based printer/copier
Household iron (dedicated for craft purposes)
Heat resistant surface
Rubber cement
Salt-water solution (kosher/sea salt and distilled water mixture)
Electrical power source devise (modified charger and alligator clips)

Designer Tips:

With a jeweler's saw, cut out a uniquely shaped copper blank, file to perfect the shape, and punch a hole. Or use one of the many 24-gauge or new 18-gauge copper blanks.
Clear black and white images work best.
Follow press-n-peel paper instructions and salt-water etching technique sheet to create pendant.
Use an 8mm jump ring to attach the etched pendant to the ribbon and chain center.
Add 6mm jump rings to each of the 12 glass teardrops.
Use ten 6mm jump rings to link the chain and ribbon together at half inch intervals on either side of the pendant. Add a teardrop dangle to each jump ring.
Thread a coil end onto each of the ribbon tail ends; bind the ribbon back on itself with a large jump ring.
Use small jump rings to attach the hook and eye clasp to the coil-end loop. Use small jump rings to attach the chain to the coil-end loop.
Finish each ribbon tail by knotting on a teardrop glass dangle.

For additional details about techniques used in this design, see:
Basic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet

Salt Water Etching Tips - forthcoming....

To view our jewelry-making technique sheets (PDF files), you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. You can download it free here.

View more free jewelry design ideas, peruse our complete list of free jewelry-making technique sheets, or search our Design Gallery.

Post questions on the Rings & Things Discussion Forum. Don't be shy! If you're wondering, so is someone else!

0 views
Jul 25, 2011

Earth Laughs in Flowers Earrings

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 17:04:54 GMT

A free earring project featuring Czech glass flower bead caps dangling from riveted and textured copper sheet with silver fill ear wires from Rings & Things.

Created by: Cindy Morris

Suggested Materials:
1 each #64-981-24-25 Sheet, 24 Gauge, 6x0.25" (Copper)
2 each #23-390-01-009 Bead Cap, Glass, Flower, 13mm (Luster Factory Mix)
2 each #26-473-7 Bead, 3mm Cornerless Cube (Antiqued Copper Plated)
2 each #37-422-1 Head Pin, 2", Standard (White)
2 each #37-415-7 Head Pin, 1.5", Thin (Antiqued Copper Plated)
2 each #37-123-1 Jump Ring, Oval, 5x7mm (Silver Plated)
2 each #69-951-31-2 Eyelet, 1/16", 1/16" Long (Brass)
1 pr #34-564-SF French Hook Ear Wire, With Ball (Silver Filled)

Tools and Supplies:
#69-130 Tool, Wood Dapping Block
#64-999-4285 Sheet, Brass, Floral Pattern (Brass)
#69-900 Tool, 1/16" Rivet Piercing/ Setting (Steel)
#69-230 Tool, Shear, 7"
#69-270-99 Tool, Lindstrom� Four-Piece Set
#69-252-01-4 Tool, Flat File, 6", #4 Cut
#69-125 Tool, Steel 4" Square Block
#69-346 Tool, Hammer, Brass, 1lb
#86-343 Win-Ox�, 3 oz.
0000 steel wool
Masking tape

If you like these earrings, check out the matching "Earth Laughs in Flowers" bracelet.

Designer Tips:

Tape the copper to the floral patterned brass sheet, place on steel block and hammer hammer HAMMER to transfer the pattern to the copper.
Patina with Win-Ox and polish with steel wool.
Cut two 1.5" strips of the copper. Use the metal shears to angle the corners if desired. File any sharp points.
Using the piercing side of the riveting tool, punch holes in both ends of each copper piece. Insert decorative eyelets and set in place with the riveting tool.
Check out this instructional video for more information on using this riveting system.
Gently curve the copper strips using the wood dapping set.
Make jump rings out of the 24-gauge head pins to hang the flower dangles and to attach to the earwires.

Note: Cindy added the eyelets to make the earrings match the bracelet better, but they made assembling the earrings tricky. She recommends either omitting the eyelets or using the new 3/32" riveting tool and eyelets so that thicker jump rings would fit the holes.

For additional details about techniques used in this design, see:
Basic Jewelry-Making Technique Sheet

To view our jewelry-making technique sheets (PDF files), you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. You can download it free here.

View more free jewelry design ideas, peruse our complete list of free jewelry-making technique sheets, or search our Design Gallery.

Post questions on the Rings & Things Discussion Forum. Don't be shy! If you're wondering, so is someone else!
398 views
Jul 19, 2011