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!
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…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…The 15-Minute Earring Tutorial
May 3, 2019Do you have 15 extra minutes? Then you have time to make a new pair of earrings! Just combine your favorite decorative connector links with Swarovski crystal pendants to create these fast and easy earrings.
Continue Reading…Spacer Beads in Jewelry
December 27, 2018Do you have a favorite spacer bead? What is your go-to for your bead stringing? My favorite is…
Constellation Jewelry using Ceralun Clay
November 8, 2018Ceralun Ceramic Epoxy Composite by Swarovski Continue Reading…
Fall 2018 Bead Show & Sale
October 10, 2018You are invited to our Fall Bead Show & Sale
Free admission! Share this invitation with creators, beaders and collectors – we have something for everyone!
Wholesale prices to the public. No tax ID required.
Arrive early to shop the best selection. Free on-site parking!
Bring a friend! Make a weekend trip to the Northwest.
Sign up now for the latest show info.
Follow us! Instagram rings_n_things & Facebook @bead.fans
DIY 4th of July Jewelry
June 18, 2018It’s fun to wear something colorful and patriotic for Independence Day, but it’s hard to find good red, white and blue jewelry that isn’t tacky or cheaply made.
So … make your own! The key is to start with quality components, in nice, bright colors. Swarovski makes some of the purest and most reliable reds and blues, and has set the benchmark for sparkling crystal for over a century. The catch? They don’t always have the names you’d expect. Here are my favorites for the 4th of July:
Leather & Large Hole Pearl Jewelry Designs
April 12, 2018We have beautiful, lustrous freshwater pearls with holes sized for leather cording! Shop our 2-Day Trunk Show and Gemstone Bead Sale that starts tomorrow!
Check out our great DIY designs! For tips on working with leather, check out our Leather 101 page. Continue Reading…
Jewelry Designs featuring Tiny Gemstone Beads
April 11, 2018We’re wild over strands of small gemstones! Tiny baby rounds, rondelles, cubes, briolettes, and teardrops – we love them all!
We’ve stocked up on small-sizes of gemstone beads for our Trunk Show & Gemstone Bead Sale this Friday & Saturday (4/13 & 4/14) at our Spokane, WA warehouse. Thought we’d share some pics of our favorite Trunk Show strands and the jewelry we have created using the tiny babies! Enjoy! Continue Reading…