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Resin 101(Post)
Resin Jewelry 101 Epoxy jewelry resins are durable, usually clear or translucent, resins that come in two parts: the resin and the hardener. When the two parts are mixed together, a chemical reaction ...
Crimping 101(Post)Using crimp beads to finish a necklace or bracelet: 1. String a crimp bead onto the beading cord or wire cable, then string the clasp. 2. Bend the cable back through the crimp bead. 3. Tighten the lo ...
Wire Jewelry 101(Post)Jewelry making wire gives you endless choices in creativity! Still, it's easier to get started once you know a few basic tips and terms that will help you determine what type of wire to use for your ...
Polymer Clay 101(Post)What is Polymer Clay?Brands & StylesTools & TipsWhere to Buy ItResourcesWhat is Polymer Clay? Polymer clay is a manmade, non-toxic polymer-based alternative to natural clay. Its only real sim ...
Soldering 101(Post)Soldering (usually pronounced soddering) is the method of joining metal parts together, using another metal that has a lower melting temperature than the parts being joined.Solder is the portion that ...
Metal Etching 101(Post)Etching is a method of using chemicals to cut a design or pattern into a metal surface. Etching your own designs into metal is easier than it may sound, and it can be a fun and rewarding way to make ...
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 ...
Metal Clay 101(Post)Learn the basics of what metal clay is, and how to make your own custom beads, jewelry findings, and small art objects with this exciting craft medium. Find details about various brands including fir ...
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 ...
Leather 101(Post)Leather continues to be a powerhouse material in jewelry fashions --especially bracelet design! Learn about various types of leather (from straps to cord to finished cuffs), and find tutorials and pr ...
Best Necklace and Bracelet Lengths(Post)What is the BEST Necklace Length? 18" necklaces are the most popular in the United States, but might not be the right length for the necklace that you're making. The height and build of th ...
How to use a Jewelers Saw(Post)General instructions to install a blade in a jeweler's saw frame:Loosen the nuts on the saw frame.Slip one end of the blade into the fixture. Make sure the blade's teeth are pointing outwards and dow ...
Jump Ring Hint(Post)When you open and close jump rings, twist ends instead of "ovaling" them.This keeps their round shape better, which makes them easier to close neatly and securely.Many people find it easier to grip j ...
How to Make Loops on Head & Eye Pins(Post)Basic Loops:The loop size will depend on how much wire you leave past the end of your beads, and around which part of your pliers you bend the loop. A good loop size is usually about 1/3 of the way f ...
Choosing Clasps & Finishing Methods(Post)Are you asking yourself "What clasp should I use for my bead stringing, wire lashing, kumihimo, multi-strand, chunky chain, awesome creation?" There are 100's of options, and the "correct" answ ...
Finishing Methods for Bead Stringing(Post)Learn popular methods for finishing necklaces and other handmade jewelry with crimps and cord ends, jump rings, split rings, knots and jewelry clasps. This page is a brief overview with links to more ...
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 ...
Grey Days Earrings(Post)Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsPlace Cushion Stone in Setting, pressing the bezel into place to hold the stone firm. Bend the prongs down from alternate sides to keep the stone centered. Use ...
Winged Heart Brooch Tutorial(Post)Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsUse two-part epoxy to glue two magnets to the back of the BRONZclay™ piece.Two earring magnets and backings make for a secure hold on clothing.When not being w ...
Ava's Big Day Bridal Set Tutorial(Post)Created by: Valorie Nygaard-Pouzar Designer Tips Determine placement of the stamped letters on metal charm, or paper.Carefully stamp the blank.Antique the charm so the impressions are mo ...
Ava's Ladies in Waiting Bridesmaid Necklaces Tutorial(Post)Created by: Valorie Nygaard-Pouzar Designer TipsCarefully stamp the metal blank.Antique the charm so the impressions are more pronounced.Gently sand and polish.Attach to jump ring & chain.
Pennant Pendant Necklace Tutorial(Post)Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsUse texture plates from the tool kit to create designs on each torch-fired metal clay pennant. Patina each with liver of sulfur.Center one of the pennants on t ...
Sparkling Squares Necklace Tutorial(Post)Created by: Summer MelaasDesigner TipsPlace a crystal stone into the setting. Use a burnishing tool to gently press the bezel down on all sides of the crystal. Use the burnisher to smooth all sides o ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Little Spiral Necklace Tutorial(Post)Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsThe extra jump rings used when hanging the cluster of charms on this necklace help keep the spiral charm facing forward.For instructions on making beaded head ...
Fade To Black Crystal Pendant Tutorial(Post)Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner Tips Arrange stones from lightest to darkest.Set first rivoli in top setting, pressing the bezel into place to hold the stone firm. Bending the bezel where the sec ...
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 ...
Go Round-and-Round Enameled-Copper Earrings Tutorial(Post)Created by: Mollie Valente Designer TipsMake two enameled copper washers. You can either use the enamel colors of your choice, or the colors listed in the suggested materials. Follow instruction ...
Sunshine Squared Necklace Tutorial(Post)Created by: Bridget AustinDesigner TipsNo jump rings are needed; all you need are the links from the chain, to combine the sew-on stones and clasp.See the Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF) for instructions on ...
Squidly Necklace Tutorial(Post)Created by: Jaci BostonDesigner TipsPunch holes in desired locations (click into hole-punch details for usage instructions for this tool).Use ring bending pliers to make the brass blanks wavy.Use 3mm ...
Mermaid in the Moon Necklace Tutorial(Post)The lovely glass bead used in this free necklace design goes by a number of names including mermaid beads and mystic aura beads. They've even been mistaken for moonstone gemstones! They are 2 half-sp ...
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 ...
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 ...
Impression COPPRclay Bracelet Tutorial(Post)Created by: Sondra BarringtonDesigner TipsCreate the COPPRclay links according to the manufacturer's instructions. Like most other metal clays, COPPRclay must be fired in a kiln. COPPRclay shrinks ap ...
Victoria - Etched Earrings Tutorial(Post)Created by: Summer MelaasDesigner TipsEtch earrings (See etching tutorial below).Place cushion in cushion setting and fold over tabs using nylon-jaw pliers or a burnisher.Attach French hooks to top o ...
Naughty or Nice Bracelet Tutorial(Post)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 t ...
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 ...
Falling Snow Earrings Tutorial(Post)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 crys ...
Go Go Go! Earrings Tutorial(Post)Go Go Go! Green Light Earrings"If it was any greener, you'd have to mow it!"Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsArrange stones to your liking.Set first rivoli in top setting, pressing the bezel i ...
Shadow Angel Earring Tutorial(Post)Note: this design originally used the (discontinued) Lilac Shadow color of dome bead. Suggested subs: Jet Black Large Dome, or Crystal AB Small Dome. Both are 11mm in diameter.Created by: Rita Hutchi ...
Crystal Tree Earrings Tutorial(Post)Designer TipsAdd a smoky quartz cube bead to the head pin, then add the largest fern green margarita bead, then 1 each of the rest of the margarita beads in decreasing size order, and top with the me ...
Spiral Skull Earrings Tutorial(Post)Use memory wire to create your own ear wires!Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsUse heavy-duty flush cutters to cut 2 equal lengths of memory wire.Form a loop at one end using sturdy round-nose ...
Vintner Earrings Tutorial(Post)Vintaj findings are designed to be alterable ... here's a fine example!Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsSlightly flatten the dome of the Vintaj bead cap. Bend 3 of the "legs" around the sides ...
With Grace Earrings Tutorial(Post)Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsUse a steel burnisher to carefully set the cushion stone in the bezel setting.For illustrated step-by-step instructions, see How to Set Rivoli Stones in Bezels ...
Forest Fairy Angel Earring Tutorial(Post)Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsAdd crystals, angel wing beads and spacers to head pins and finish with a simple loop. (See Making Earrings 101 below for instructions to make loops.)Because t ...
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 ...
Sunny Day Skull Earrings Tutorial(Post)Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsCreate skull dangles and outer-circle Size 6 E bead dangles with headpins, corrugated beads, and seed beads.For step-by-step direction on making head pin loops ...
Sparkling Squares Earring Tutorial(Post)Created by: Summer MelaasDesigner TipsPlace a crystal stone into the setting. Use a burnishing tool to gently press the bezel down on all sides of the crystal. Use the burnisher to smooth all sides o ...
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 ...
Tamed Urchin Ring Tutorial(Post)Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsCenter the stone in the ring setting and gently squeeze in prongs (with your hands or pliers) working from opposite sides to keep the stone centered. Once the ...
Moving Forward Wrapped Bracelet Tutorial(Post)Created by: Amy MickelsonDesigner TipsChoose a color of hand dyed silk ribbon to go with your choice of 4mm Swarovski bicones and rivoli stones.Use 2-part epoxy to glue the rivoli stone into a rivoli ...
Pearl and Tassel Madness Earrings Tutorial(Post)Created by: Janet BoyingtonDesigner TipsCut six 2" lengths of chain.Cut 5" of Artistic wireMake a loop with round nose pliers, slide 3 lengths of chain onto the loop, wire wrap that end. For step-by- ...
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 ...
My Blue Heaven Choker Necklace Tutorial(Post)This short 16.5" necklace can also be double-wrapped and worn as a chunky bracelet.Created by: Mollie Valente Designer TipsUse a steel burnisher to carefully smooth (burnish) the prongs down ont ...
Aztec Princess Earring Tutorial(Post)This project uses Swarovski crystals. Created by: Tiffany WhiteDesigner TipsMark all six of your triangle blanks with a permanent marker dot in one of the points and straight down on the opposite sid ...
Floral Intuition Earrings Tutorial(Post)Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsCreate wire wrapped link with Cacoxenite and Filigree Beads to attach Blossom charm to the shank of the button. New to jewelry-making? See Jewelry Basics 101 ( ...
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 ...
Shoreline Bangle Bracelet Tutorial(Post)Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsMake wire-wrapped loops with the pearls, and add a jump ring to each charm. For instructions on wire-wrapped loops, and best way to open and close jump rings, ...
Crystal Angel Earrings Tutorial(Post)Designer TipsAdd a cone bead (wide side first) to a head pin. Next add a wing bead, round crystal bead, and the rhinestone wheel bead (halo).Make a simple loop at the top of the head pin. For best wa ...
Bermuda Crescent Earrings Tutorial(Post)Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsCut 4 lengths of chain, each 4 links long.Use 4.5mm jump rings to attach chain to the top holes of the crescent link. For best way to open and close loops, see ...
Blue Valentines Earrings Tutorial(Post)Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsPlace a Swarovski square cushion stone in the bezel setting. Firmly hold the bezel setting (or work on a rubber block). Use the burnisher to carefully push the ...
Arrow - Etched Copper Bracelet Tutorial(Post)Created by: Summer MelaasDesigner TipsOptional: Punch a hole in the corner of the blank, following instructions in hole-punch below. After completing bracelet, dangle a charm or beaded dangle of your ...
Rainbow Rider Earrings Tutorial(Post)Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsUse a jump ring to add the the sterling unicorn charm to the bottom hole of the 12mm crystal Rainbow Dark drop. For best way to open and close loops, see Jump ...
Retro Tree Earrings Tutorial(Post)The metallic glint of silver shade Margarita sew-ons reminds me of the retro aluminum Christmas trees of years gone by. I mixed up the crystals with TierraCast Bead caps, which echo the shape of a tr ...
TierraCast Succulent Post Earrings Tutorial(Post)Created by: TierraCastDesigner TipsPlace one bicone, one 8-10mm amethyst rondelle and another bicone onto eye pin. Cut remaining eye pin with wire cutters, leaving .25" to form into loop to close. At ...
Peace Bracelet Tutorial(Post)Learn how to polish, color and add charms to an inexpensive brass bangle bracelet and turn it into a finished salable piece of jewelry. No stamping necessary! Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue &nbs ...
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 ...
Sparkle Motion Gypsy Ring Tutorial(Post)Created by: Laurel NewnhamWe no longer carry the 3-loop ring blank in silver plate, but we do still have some in gold plate, so we've linked the parts for a gold version of this ring as well as silve ...
Silver Spray Earrings Tutorial(Post)Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsWhen making a large number of beaded dangles, it is quickest to do them assembly line style. Figure out the correct length for the wire, and trim all wires, st ...
Lady 12 - Go Hawks - Earrings Tutorial(Post)Created by: Liz GrafDesigner TipsPlace your spacer beads, cobalt blue bicones, and peridot round crystals on the eye pin in order.Create (and close) your eye pin the opposite direction of the way the ...
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 ...
Tassel and Sparkle - Simple Charm Bracelet Tutorial(Post)Chain bracelets adorned with a simple charm continue to be popular. You can customize this design by using a different colored Swarovski rivoli stone, different styles of chain, or tassels made of di ...
Circles in the Sand Necklace Tutorial(Post)This is a lovely summery design with secure wire-wrapped links, and can also double as November birthstone jewelry (citrines) or June (pearls).Created by: Veronica Greenwood Designer TipsU ...
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 ...
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 ...
Polynesian Sunset Earrings Tutorial(Post)Created by: Rita Hutchinson Designer TipsFor step by step instructions on making loops, see: Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).String beads in random pattern in varying 3 to 5" lengths on beading ...
Red Kite Earrings Tutorial(Post)Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsUse fine tip round nose pliers in order to make loops that match the small loops on the eyepins. For looping instructions, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF)As you m ...
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 ...
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 ...
When the Day Met the Night(Post)Created by: Tricia Van LeuvenShimming moonstone, sparkling Metallic Sunshine crystal, and Mystic Black pearls make a perfect set of jewelry for the next solar Eclipse. Try subbing malachite, azurite ...
4th of July Earrings Tutorial(Post)Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsCenter a stone in a setting and gently squeeze prongs in (with your fingers or pliers) working from opposite sides to keep the stone centered. Once the prong ...
April Love - Bracelet Tutorial(Post)Created by: Sondra Barrington How can I customize thee? Let me count the ways... Designer Tips Chain bracelets adorned with a simple heart charm continue to be popular. The sterling silve ...
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 ...
Astral Love Resin Necklace Tutorial(Post)Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsSee instruction page for making no-solder bezels.Cut paper to match bezel wire shape.Seal paper and adhere to inside of bezel.Mix a small batch of resin and po ...
TierraCast Succulent Tassel Earrings Tutorial(Post)Created by: TierraCastDesigner TipsMeasure 48" of 1mm cotton cord and cut into 2, 24" pieces. Wrap around fingers 5 times and tuck top of wrap into cord end. Secure with glue or crimping.Twist each o ...
Sour Patch Bracelet Tutorial(Post)Created by: Rita Hutchinson 12mm #4470 Cushion Squares by Swarovski are nearly gone, but these settings also work with most other brands of 12mm cushion squares. Shop remaining colors while they ...
Angel in Training Earring Tutorial(Post)Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsAdd crystals, angels wing beads and spacers to head pins and finish with a simple loop.Because the large end of the dome beads are concave, it can be tricky t ...
Industrial Ease Earrings Tutorial(Post)Large-hole Pyrite Heishi and 14-gauge iron color Artistic Wire make these industrial-looking earrings a breeze to create.Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsCoil wire around largest portion of wr ...
Fringe Lily Earrings Tutorial(Post)The patina on the tiny Swarovski crystal rivoli pendants is hard to see in the photo, but adds a subtle, very pretty effect when these earrings are worn.Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsCut 2 ...
U Look Good in Pink Tutorial(Post)Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsThe ""back"" of the U shaped connector is lashed to in this design, because it has a channel that helps to hold the beads in place.Check the spacing of the bea ...
Square on Square Earrings Tutorial(Post)The rounded corners of Swarovski's cushion square stone in Rose Water Opal crystal, gently echo the rounded corners of TierraCast's Flora square connector in these gently squared earrings.Created by: ...
Winter is Coming - Post Earrings Tutorial(Post)Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsAttach the pinch bail to the top of the snowflake crystal. Align the bail prongs and the crystal hanging holes, then pinch together. Once attached, you can use ...
Pieces of the Sky Cuff Bracelet Tutorial(Post)Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsTwist open a 4mm jump ring, string it through the crystal link hole, and twist securely closed. Repeat with the opposite side of the crystal link. For best way ...
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 ...
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 ...
Leather Petal Earrings Tutorial(Post)You may have seen some fun leather earrings cut out in the shape of a petal. Why not take it a step further and add some extra pizazz! Just adding some chain and a couple of crystals gives them a lit ...
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 ...