Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsCut chain to a length of 8 links. Attach one end to earwire for ease in handling.Create dangles with crystal beads and round metal beads, and wire wrap directly to the chain. Add 12 dangles to chain. New to jewelry-making? For step-by-step instructions on making wire-wrapped loops, and most secure way to open and close jump rings, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Little-known trick: Crimp Pliers are handy for tucking in trimmed ends of wire when making wire-wr …

No mysteries here, just a simple design with a stunning color effect. Bermuda Blue, with its intense flashes of teal and deep blues, has been one of our favorites from Swarovski since we first added it in the 80's. Created by: Rita Hutchinson Designer TipsUsing both the teal and blue Niobium picks up the various shades that are in the Bermuda blue crystals. Simply use jump rings to connect the Bermuda Blue crystals to the ear wires. For best way to open and close loops, see J …

Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsTo make the fingerprint heart pendant, form the desired pendant shape in silver metal clay. Allow it to dry, and pre-finish, then spritz thoroughly with distilled water. Allow the water to permeate the pendant before applying fingerprints.Thoroughly dry the pendant before firing.Once fired, patina the metal clay pendant to highlight the fingerprint.Use the regular crimping pliers to smoothly close the crimp covers.Free Technique Sheets & How-TosBeading …

Created by: Rita Hutchinson   Designer TipsGently reshape longer loop of the cuff bracelet with round nose pliers to prevent bezel piece from inadvertently detaching.This combination of large bezel and large cuff makes an extra-large bracelet. Use smaller bezel and/or smaller cuff as needed.Use instructions in Epoxy Resin Tip Sheet (PDF) to set and seal a favorite image in the bezel.Use jump rings to attach charms to one loop of the bezel (the loop that you're attaching to the lon …

Learn to make unusual chain fringe earrings with a dash of crystal. FREE Jewelry Tutorials. No blinkin ads. No login required. Created by: Rita Hutchinson Designer TipsThe bead pod just barely fits the 3.2mm ball chain. You may have to do some extra pushing to get the first ball into the opening.Do not precut the ball chain - slide the end ball into the pod, then cut to length. Using the remainder, slide the end ball into the pod next to the first one, and cut one ball longer. Repeat 2 …