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How to Make a Glass Vial Necklace

August 28, 2014

There is no denying that little glass bottle necklaces are adorable, and as keepsake jewelry they are easily adaptable for a multitude of themes. Whether you want to make the featured “Beachcomber” Vial Necklace, or a variation–this style of jewelry is easy to make. You might also consider filling your little bottle with dried flower petals, dandelion wishes, a lock of baby hair, a printed parchment scroll, tiny photos, sea shells, moss, feathers, ashes, or the other seemingly endless possibilities.

Necessary supplies for making a glitter and crystal filled vial necklace from www.rings-things.com

Step 1: Gather your supplies needed to make the Beachcomber Vial Necklace.

You will need the following supplies:

1 each 8mm round jump ring (I used item #37-167-1: 8mm round, white-plated jump ring)

3 each 3.2mm rondelle spacer beads (I used item #26-155-32-1: 3.2mm white-plated rondelle spacer bead)

1 each 2″standard head pin (I used item #37-422-1: 2″ white-plated standard head pin)

1 each clear glass bottle (I used item #30-187-3515: 32x15mm clear glass bottle)

1 each 12mm faceted rondelle crystal bead

1 each ball chain clasp (I used item #40-801-1: 2.4mm white-plated ball chain clasp)

24 inches ball chain (I used item #40-889-1: 1.8mm white-plated ball chain)

And Treasures to fill your vial:

20 each 4mm Swarovski crystal bicone beads (I used #05-328-04-116, #05-328-04-124, #05-328-04-407, #05-328-04-90, and #05-328-06-138.)

1 each 17x7mm white-plated key charm

Glitter (I used Tim Holtz Distressed Glitter “Clear Rock Candy“)

You will need the following tools:

awl

rubber block

4 piece tool kit

mini spoon / tiny glitter scoop

Use an awl to make a centered hole running top to botton through the cork stopper on www.rings-things.com

Step 2: Remove the cork stopper from the vial; use the awl to make a centered hole running from the top of the cork through to the bottom.

How to make a decorative beaded cork and vial necklace from www.rings-things.com

Step 3: To make the beaded cork stopper, string the following parts onto a 2″ head pin: a white-plated rondelle spacer bead, the cork, a faceted glass bead, and a bicone crystal bead.

Finish the beaded cork stopper with a wire-wrapped loop; how to make a vial necklace from www.rings-things.com

Step 4: Finish the beaded cork stopper with a wire-wrapped loop. Follow the instructions for making wire-wrapped loops in Rings & Things “Jewelry Basics 101″.

Add an adorned jump ring to hang your vial necklace. Tutorial from www.rings-things.com

Step 5: Add a jump ring to the top loop of the beaded cork stopper. Adorn the jump ring by adding two white-plated rondelle spacer beads prior to closing it. Follow the instructions for opening and closing jump rings in Rings & Things “Jewelry Basics 101″.

Fill your vial necklace with beads, crystals, and charms. DIY instructions to make a vial necklace at www.rings-things.com

Step 6: Fill the vial with your combination of beads, crystals, and charms (or other tiny treasures). When selecting items to go in the vial, keep in mind the neck of the vial has a diameter of approximately 7mm.

DIY Vial necklace tutorial from www.rings-things.com Add Tim Holtz Distressed Glitter to your vial necklace.

Step 7: Add glitter to the vial. Rings & Things’ tiny spoon charm #44-639-0 makes a perfect scoop! Once your vial is filled, add the beaded cork stopper to the vial.

Finish your beaded vial necklace with ball chain. Easy jewelry-making instructions from Rings & Things.

Step 8: Finish your necklace with chain. Measure and cut the ball chain to your desired length. Add the ball chain clasp to one end of the chain and string on the vial pendant. Connect the open end of the ball chain to the clasp. Enjoy!

♥Get Inspired! If you loved making the “Beachcomber” Vial Necklace, visit the Rings & Things Design Gallery and get inspired! You will find instructions for making the following necklaces (just click the image for details):

www.rings-things.com, terrarium jewelry, plant jewelry, mini terrarium, wearable plants, DIY, tutoriall, supplies

Fairy garden terrarium tutorial by Sondra Barrington & the Rings & Things Showroom crew

Tiny Living Terrarium Tutorial by Summer Melaas of Rings & Things Showroom

Free DIY riveted jewelry tutorial from www.rings-things.com Sondra Barrington

Healing Shrine Necklace Tutorial by Rings & Things Designer Sondra Barrington

Make things!

Mollie

How to make Wire Links with Wubbers Mandrel Pliers

August 7, 2014

How to make wire links with the four shapes of Wubbers mandrel pliers

That’s right, happiness is a pair (or more) of Wubbers Mandrel Pliers!

If you are looking to expand your tool selection, Wubbers® Pliers are a great addition to any jeweler’s bench. The pliers have comfy padded handles, are made of high quality stainless steel, and have box-joint construction. Wubbers offers traditional jewelry pliers in two sizes (which are awesome), but the pliers that caught my eye are the mandrel pliers. Mandrel pliers are available in several shapes and sizes. And best of all, they are perfect for forming wire links, like those featured in designer Polly Nobbs-LaRue’s two blog posts on making soldered-link bracelets: “I Love Copper Solder!” and “Copper Soldering Tutorial – Part 2”.

“Captured Aventurine” Bracelet Tutorial by Rings & Things’ designer Polly Nobbs-LaRue

Wubbers mandrel pliers come in four shapes: round, square, triangle, and oval; availble at www.rings-things.com

Wubbers mandrel pliers are available in several shapes: round, square, triangle, oval, and half-round (not pictured). Each shape is available in a variety of sizes. Plus each pliers’ jaw has two mandrel sizes.

Wubbers packaging includes guage recommendation for wire and sheet metal plus an access code for Wubbers University.

Check out the Wubbers packaging for gauge recommendations and an access code for Wubbers University.

An added bonus: inside each package is your invitation and access code for free online classes and tutorials at Wubbers University! You will find a wide variety of classes for the beginning to advanced jewelry maker; just what you need to build new skills.

Wubbers Mandrel Pliers wire and sheet metal use chart.

Follow the wire and sheet metal gauge recommendations for your size of mandrel pliers — an easy to follow chart is featured on each package.

Recommended tools for the jeweler’s bench:

Nylon-jaw flat-nose pliers for straightening the wire
Wubbers mandrel pliers for forming the wire
Jewelers saw frame and saw blades for cutting the wire
Swivel vise for holding the wire coil (and so many other valuable tasks!)
Bench pin for holding the wire coil
Flat-nose and chain-nose pliers for aligning the cut wire ends

Follow these steps to form and cut wire links using Wubbers mandrel pliers and a jeweler’s saw:

Use nylon-jaw flat-nose pliers to easily straighten wire for jewelry making.

Step 1: Begin by straightening the wire. Pull the wire through nylon-jaw flat-nose pliers to easily straighten it. If you are planning to solder your links, avoid plated wire; instead use solid brass, copper, nickel, sterling or silver-filled wire.

To make wire links for jewelry, twist the wire around the Wubbers mandrel pliers.

Step 2: Begin wrapping the wire around your mandrel of choice. As you coil, maintain even pressure so the links come out uniform. With the round mandrels, you can rotate the wire on the mandrel to make a continuous coil; for other shaped pliers, you will need to open and close the pliers’ jaw with each complete pass.

Continue coiling the wire to make wire links for chain making.

Step 3: Continue coiling the wire. Make a coil that is two wraps more than the number of links you need; the first and last coil will not make a complete link.

Tape wire coils before cutting with a jeweler's saw.

Step 4: Pinch the wire coils tightly together, and apply a layer of low-tack masking tape around the coil. This will keep the wire in place while sawing. Slide the taped coil off the mandrel pliers.

Sawing metal wire links with a jeweler's saw and bench vise.

Step 5 – Version A: Attach a swivel vise to your workbench and place the wire coil in the padded jaw. Gently tighten the jaw so the wire coil is held firmly in place–but not so tightly the coil becomes misshapen. Thread your jeweler’s saw with the blade’s teeth facing down and out. You are ready to begin sawing. To avoid nicking the wire, angle the saw blade slightly so the blade only touches the wire being cut.

How to cut wire links with a jeweler's saw frame and saw blades.

Step 5 – Version B: Attach a bench pin to your workbench and firmly hold the wire coil on the edge of he pin. Use a jeweler’s saw to cut the wire coil from top to bottom. To avoid nicking the wire, angle the saw blade slightly so the blade only touches the wire being cut.

Align the ends of your wire links with flat-nose pliers so the fit is snug.

Step 6: Use flat-nose and chain-nose pliers to align the cut ends of the wire links. The cut ends need to fit snugly together for soldering. Your wire links are ready to solder.

Wubbers Mandrel Pliers are perfect for forming handmade wire jewelry components.

Wire links in four fun shapes — handmade and ready for your jewelry-making project.

Make things!

Mollie

How to Make an Adjustable Wire Bangle Bracelet

July 9, 2014

I love the charm-adorned “Alex & Ani” style adjustable wire bracelets that have been gaining popularity, and of course wanted to make my own version. For ease, I chose to fabricate my bracelet from Memory Wire. Memory Wire is made of durable stainless steel, and comes in the perfect round bracelet shape and the additional wire forming can be easily made with Memory Wire bending pliers. An added benefit to using Memory Wire is it can be adorned with colorful beads from Toho Seed Bead Cocktail Mixes. Here are the step-by-step instructions to make my “Happy Octopus” Adjustable Wire Bangle Bracelet. Continue Reading…

How to make chain maille (from a kit)

May 14, 2014

Rings & Things has added a whole new line of enameled copper jump rings and clasps from Weave Got Maille, and a handful of Byzantine kits and box chain kits to go with them.

Weave got Maille Bracelet Kits and Jump Rings

Melissa and I tested the kits, to produce some quick example pieces for our website, and I have to say, I think the kits are a great way to go for anyone who is new to chain maille, or to a specific weave of maille.

Weave Got Maille kit Chain Maille Bracelets

I chose to use the Morgana kit, which produces a 3-color byzantine chain maille bracelet. There are enough rings in the kit to make a bracelet up to 8 1/2″ long, but the final length can be shortened easily by stopping at the end of any completed unit.

Morgana Bracelet Kit

The instructions are the property of the kit maker, so I won’t be listing the step by step instructions here, but the step-by-step sheet included has great close-up pictures and is easy to follow (and once you have made up the kit project, you have the instructions to make as many more as you like, by just purchasing additional jump rings and clasps).

Jump rings from Weave Got Maille kit

Here are my thought and hints for weaving chain maille painlessly.

Yes, you do need two pair of chain nose pliers. Do not try using a pair of flat nose or a pair of round nose as a substitute. They can both be regular, or bent, or a combination of styles, but you want smooth pliers, because serrated nose pliers will mar the finish on the rings. The smaller the rings that you are using, the more important it is to have pliers with a narrow tip, and ones that are comfortable to hold. My personal choice for comfort and pricing are the full size wubbers pliers. The longer cushioned handle helps prevent hand fatigue and the tips are reasonably narrow. For extremely narrow tips, lindstrom pliers can’t be beat, but they are a definite investment.

Wubbers Chain Nose Pliers

To weave the maille quickly, you will need to pre-open some rings, and pre-close others. Only open the rings as wide as you need to slip them over the appropriate quantity of other rings. If you open the rings too wide, it is harder to close them neatly and tightly. For the pre-closed rings, make the closure as seamless as possible. It is much easier to close the rings neatly at this stage than it is when weaving. An illustration of the correct way to open and close rings is included in the instructions.

Opened and Closed rings from Weave Got Maille Kit

Use a soft surface to work on. The bead mats are ideal, since they allow you to “scoop” up the closed rings without catching on the material, and the rings that you drop (and you will) don’t go very far.
When weaving, rest your hands on the surface, or as close as you can comfortably be to the surface. The extra support will help prevent the project from slipping and rings from escaping.

One of the tools in the kit is a large paperclip. Attaching this to the beginning of the project accomplishes two things, it gives you a “handle” to work on the chain while it is short, and it reminds you which end you are working on.

Byzantine Chain first unit

Here is my finished project. You may notice that the design doesn’t quite match the design on the box. This is because I made a mistake on the second unit of the chain, by reversing my “b” and “c” colors. Rather than take it apart and re-do the section, I chose to work with this as a new pattern, and alternated each correct unit with an incorrect one. I kind of like the variation in the design. Sometimes errors allow for new ideas.

Morgana Bracelet

Melissa made a box chain bracelet, and then, having learned the pattern, designed this pair of Night in Emerald City box chain earrings.

Night in Emerald City earrings

Are you a chain maille maker? Reply below if you have any great hints to share.

~ Rita ~

How To Make A Wire Bird Nest

February 10, 2014

It’s February, and snow and ice are covering every surface… which means I’d really like to fly away to someplace warm for the winter.

Wire wrapped bird nest bracelet with freshwater pearl beads and Vintaj bird charms.

But I don’t have wings, so the next best thing is having Kayla explain how she makes these adorable wire bird’s nests. Continue Reading…

Lariat Round Up

January 21, 2014

I have been more and more drawn to Lariat style necklaces lately, and seeing lots of them pinned on pinterest. This inspired me to create several lariat necklace tutorials for the Rings & Things jewelry design gallery and to look to our other designer’s past contributions to this jewelry style.

What is a lariat necklace? It is an open-ended necklace with no clasp. It is fastened by threading one end of the necklace through the other. Lariat necklaces frequently have beads or tassels at the end, and are typically worn with the ends in front.

Foliage Lariat Necklace

The assymetrical Foliage necklace design is similar. Clusters of SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS xilion crystal bicones are spaced along the curb chain, and again the chain goes through one of the charms to lock the second charm in place, however, the spacing of the bead clusters limits the adjustment to the final length that can be done by the wearer.

Tour de Belgium lariat

The Tour de Belgium long lariat design is designed to be worn doubled. A large fluted bead locks the charm dangles in place. Some adjustment to the final length can be made by varying the length of the doubled section of drawn flattened cable chain.

Giddy Up Suede Lariat

The Giddyup lariat is made on suede lace with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS. The ring is tied just off center of the length of leather, and the crystal briolette dangles slip through the ring. The metal components of this true lariat style necklace are plated, to economize.

Ladylike Lariat Pearls and Suede necklace

The Ladylike lariat design is also made with suede lace. This luxe necklace pairs sterling findings with freshwater pearls and sparkly glass. While the components are minimal, the design has impact.

Corralled Pearls Necklace

The Corralled Pearls necklace has no findings, and no metal. Thin leather cord, usually not strong enough for stringing, can transform into a bold design when many strands are gathered together. The use of a battery operated bead reamer allows the hole on these freshwater pearls to be made larger for stringing. Simple overhand knots create the loop (clasp) and also hold the pearls in place.

I hope you like this roundup of lariat designs. All of the components to make each of these designs are available right here at Rings & Things. Remember to check our design gallery for a variety of jewelry styles and jewelry design inspiration!

~ Rita

Create a Custom Personalized Necklace

December 6, 2013

Personalized jewelry is very popular, and quite simple to create! A four-piece jewelry making tool set and basic assembly techniques are all you need to create custom necklaces.

Earth Mother, a custom mother's necklace includes birthstone charms, a butterfly charm and three flowers on a silver charm. This free DIY custom memory necklace project by Sondra Barrington of www.rings-things.com features sterling silver, swarovski crystal, gemstones and personalized charms.This free DIY custom memory necklace project by Sondra Barrington of www.rings-things.com features sterling silver, swarovski crystal, gemstones and personalized charms.

(Click for larger image)

It is easy to personalize jewelry using birthstone-color gemstones and Swarovski crystal, along with a sterling silver charm or two. Rings & Things sells a huge selection of lightweight budget-friendly sterling charms and necklace chains.

Chains are easily adorned with add-a-dangle, or add-a-gemstone charms. To create these assorted dangles, you just need a selection of small beads from your stash and some sterling ball-end head pins.

Blessed Mother Necklace features gemstone beads and a cube bead as the birthstone charms and a sterling silver fish faith charm. This free DIY custom memory necklace project by Sondra Barrington of www.rings-things.com features sterling silver, swarovski crystal, gemstones and personalized charms.

(Click for larger image)

These colorful dangles allow you to add several birthstones to a custom piece, or accessorize it according the whimsy of the wearer. A mixture of natural stones, freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals is very popular. Making oversized loops on the dangles makes it easy to slide them onto nearly any chain without adding a jump ring.

If you sell custom necklaces, consider displaying the basics in a fun display (along with a few completed samples):

A tray of sterling silver charms
An assortment of pre-made add-a-gemstone dangles
A variety of pre-made add-a-birthstone crystal dangles
A few styles of sterling silver necklace chains.

This necklace, Adorable Auntie, includes charms representing each niece and nephew! This free DIY custom memory necklace project by Sondra Barrington of www.rings-things.com features sterling silver, swarovski crystal, gemstones and personalized charms.

(Click for larger image)

This jewelry also makes great gifts and mementos for friends, family and other loved ones. Have fun making these darling necklaces!

Make Margarita Christmas Tree Earrings to Make Merry

November 19, 2013

When you hear the word “margarita,” you probably don’t think of Christmas trees … unless you’re a fan of Swarovski crystal margarita beads! Christmas tree earrings made from these sparkling beauties are one of the most popular Christmas jewelry projects around. Plus, these crystal charm designs are super easy to make! So, grab a tasty beverage and a friend or two and have a good time making margarita trees all evening. Continue Reading…

Embellish Jewelry Blanks with Crystal Chatons

November 11, 2013

It doesn’t matter if you’re a rhinestone cowgirl or an urban fashionista – dressing up belt buckles and other jewelry blanks with sparkling crystal chatons is just plain fun!

Use the steps below to either recreate the Zen Yin belt buckle by Jan or to embed you own designs in a wide range of jewelry components including bezel cups, buckle blanks, cuff links, and more.

1. Gather your supplies.

Supplies:

Belt buckle blank or bezel cup
EnviroTex Jewelry Clay
Crystal chatons with pointed backs
Jewel setting tool
Beads, buttons, coins, resin flowers and/or other embeddable objects
Vinyl, nitrile or latex gloves
Vegetable oil and/or baby powder (optional)

To make the exact belt buckle pictured in this blog, see the “Zen Yin” belt buckle full parts list in our Design Gallery.

A jewel setting tool makes it easy to set chatons in your jewelry clay.

Tip: A jewel setter makes it much easier to set small objects into the clay! While bare fingers can hinder your field of vision and upset other elements of the design, jewel setters provide a wax tip to lightly pick up and place small objects in just the right spot.

2. Plan your layout.

Plan your layout before you unwrap the clay. This allows you to tinker with design options without the clay drying prematurely. This is especially important on large objects like a belt buckle.

3. Measure equal amounts of clay.

Wear thin gloves to protect your hands. Measure equal amounts of “A” and “B” types of clay, and form each material into a separate ball. If the clay sticks, apply a thin coat of vegetable oil.

4. Combine.

Combine the two balls together until they are well blended and uniform in color.

5. Press clay into jewelry blank.

Press the clay into your jewelry blank. You can smooth it out by adding a little vegetable oil on top. If it gets too sticky, dust it lightly with baby powder.

6. Place large objects & focals first.

Place larger objects and focal points into your clay first. Tip: To save time, you can leave strung beads on the string, rather than placing them individually in the clay. Trim excess string once the beads are in place.

7. Fill in remaining clay with crystal chatons.

Next, fill in the remaining exposed clay with sparkling crystal chatons. As mentioned above, a jewel setter can make this task quicker and easier. When you are placing your chatons into the clay, be sure not to press or tap them in to deeply. The clay will rise up a little bit around them particularly when it is very wet.

8. Allow clay to dry and you’re done!

Set aside your design in a safe spot and allow the clay to thoroughly dry, based on the manufacturer’s instructions. EnviroTex Jewelry Clay fully cures in 24 hours to a hard, durable, and shock resistant substance with a smooth, porcelain like surface. It does not shrink as it cures!

Below, check out more fun designs Jan made with EnviroTex Clay and crystal chatons.

These chunky donut beads are held fast in the crystal clay,
demonstrating how strong EnviroTex clay is!

Homer Simpson wouldn’t be able to resist this whimsical bit of bling! It’s made with donut beads, aurora borealis crystals, and a square bezel-cup pendant blank.

EnviroTex Jewelry Clay is durable enough for heavily-used objects
like key rings. Add heart to designs with heart bezel cups.

Heart-shaped bezel cups add an extra bit of love to jewelry designs.

Go nautical with embedded scallop shell beads and freshwater pearls.

Rectangle bezel-cups provide a great shape for custom pendants with a touch of bling. The design pictured above is adorned with shell beads and freshwater pearls surrounded by blue zircon and aquamarine crystal chatons.

Adorn your hands with bezel cup ring blanks!

Bezel cup ring blanks come in several colors and shapes. Some styles are exclusive to Rings & Things, and all styles are adjustable to fit any ring size. They’re perfect for making blingy costume jewelry.

You don’t have to use crystals.
This polar bear ring has seed beads embedded in the jewelry clay.

Embed seed beads and other objects in the crystal clay to see what other effects you can achieve! This winter-themed ring has a polar bear bead and a “Snow Ball” seed bead mix embedded in the clay. Let your imagination be your guide as you have fun making mosaic jewelry and a whole lot more! 🙂

How to Make a Metal Box

October 28, 2013

Make A Metal Box

A small metal box was turned into a framed reliquary, containing an antiqued frozen Charlotte doll. Create your own metal box that can be transformed into memory jewelry, a tiny shrine or used for some other whimsical (or practical) purpose.

To make a metal box, first decide on the type of metal, and the size of the box you want to create. I recommend using 20 gauge sheet metal for strength and durability. Copper or brass sheet metal are nice choices as they are inexpensive and they antique nicely.

Anneal the metal before cutting so that it can be manipulated more easily. Heat it with a torch until it is glowing red, let it cool naturally and clean thoroughly.

Cut the metal to size. This box was 1-1/2″ long and 3/4″ wide. It is 3/8″ deep. Draw lines of box using a Sharpie pen.

Cut one line of each corner to the point where it intersects with another line. Using wide flat nose pliers, bend the ends in, and the sides up, to create the box shape. Carefully fold each end of the box into place, making the corners square and secure. File if needed to remove any uneven edges.

Antique and colorize all parts you intend to assemble.

Fill back of frame with two-part epoxy. Center box over ornate brass frame and press into epoxy to place.

Using a two-part epoxy, UV resin, jeweler’s grade resin or other strong, clear glue, embed your treasures into your framed metal reliquary. Small toys, souvenirs, images layered in resin and tiny mementos are all used in creating custom memory jewelry.

Use epoxy to attach a magnet, let it cure and you are done! (Note: You could also attach a pin back or changeable bail in the same manner for a DIY jewelry brooch or pendant).

Questions? Please post them below!

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