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Free Jewelry Tutorial

How to make Swag-Style Chandelier Earrings

September 17, 2021

The “TierraCast Hammertone Stitch-in Link” is designed for use as a stitched-in end for seed-bead work, but I think it works equally well as a chandelier-style connector. In this project, I combined swags of cable jewelry chains to make long chandelier earrings. They are simple and yet dramatic. In celebration of the start of Autumn, I made antiqued copper earrings, but don’t feel limited–supplies are available in four different plated finishes: silver, gold, antiqued brass, and antiqued copper. So you might want to make more than one pair.

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How to make a “Piano Wire” Bracelet

July 22, 2021

Rings & Things’ spring wire bracelets aren’t piano wire. But if you don’t have a spare piano to tear apart, they are a perfect substitute. The 7″ spring bracelets are soft and slightly stretchy, making them super comfortable to wear. They are easily connected and do not require a clasp or the use of any tools. Use them individually or by the bundle; they are the perfect backdrop for beads and charms. Now, let’s make a “piano wire” bracelet!

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Jewelry-Making DIY – Soldered and Stamped Mixed-Metal Word Charms

July 16, 2021

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.

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Make a Gemstone Bolo Tie

April 2, 2021

The bolo tie is a truly American piece of jewelry. Appealing to diverse groups of people, bolo ties have gone in and out of fashion over the years. They recently became popular again when Prada introduced a bolo tie (that’s right, I just used “Prada” and “bolo tie” in the same sentence). But before you consider spending $300 on a Prada bolo tie, why not craft your own? Bolos can be made out of so many objects, such as vintage pins, bottle caps, old coins, buttons, or a gemstone donut. And whether you are Mid-Century Western, 1980’s New Wave, or 21st-Century Pop Culture–a bolo tie is the perfect statement piece!

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Jewelry Making DIY – Make a Micro Engraved Pendant

October 2, 2020

Rings & Things has carried the BeadSmith Micro Engraver for about five years, and can you believe I have never tried it? I always discredited it for not being what I consider a “real” tool. Isn’t this something you would see engraving names on carnival trinket necklaces? But it turns out the Micro Engraver is actually a pretty cool tool. It is fun and easy to use, and the results are surprisingly pleasing.

If you like to draw or doodle, you will instantly love the Micro Engraver. But even if you can’t draw, you can still make pretty things that look great–just follow my step-by-step instructions.

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Make a Beadable Bookmark featuring a Swarovski “Cutie Cutes” Pendant

August 27, 2020

If you are looking for cute, then Swarovski’s line of “Cutie Cutes” pendant charms are just what you need. Lovable and whimsical, Cutie Cutes are a playful family of character charms. The assortment features pieces inspired by Japan’s Kawaii style, such as Bubbly Bunny, Kitty Kat, Carly Carrot, Perky Penguin, and Uni Unicorn. Available with a durable top loop, Cutie Cutes are quick and simple to attach to almost anything including Rings & Things beadable bookmarks.

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Garden of Love Pendant using Swarovski Ceralun Clay

June 11, 2020
Ceralun Crystal Clay Garden Pendant

Lots of time at home has had me investing more time in my backyard, trying to create some beauty around me by pulling weeds and planting seeds (in fact I planted broccoli and dahlias right before I started this project), and I figured that creating a garden with Ceralun clay would also be a rewarding and fun project for a Friday.

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Jewelry DIY – Make Flower Earrings Featuring Dapped Filigree Bead Caps

May 29, 2020

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.

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How to Make Chainmaille-Style Earrings

April 17, 2020

If you love the look of chainmaille, but lack the necessary skills (count me in), then this “beaded-jump-ring” earrings project is just for you. I designed this project with ease of assembly and classic design in mind, resulting in a pair of earrings that look fancy complicated, but aren’t. Plus, the components I selected are available in a myriad of finishes and/or colors, so you can customize this project to your individual preferences. Read on for everything you need to know!

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