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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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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Check out the free projects in our design gallery! Click the learn tab on our website for technique info. Peruse the blog for design inspirations. Or, take a class in our Spokane Showroom! We have great instructors, small class sizes and exciting projects. Techniques offered this spring include torch-fired enameling, BRONZclay, soldering (copper and silver), crystal clay, ICE Resin and metal etching. Visit www.rings-things/classes or subscribe to the NW Regional News to learn more.
Tempest Clasp (shown above) is an advanced class taught by author and award-winning designer Sarah Thompson of Sarah ‘n Dippity! Stay tuned for her new beginner level classes this fall.
I’m not saying I choose my vacation destinations based solely on the locations of souvenir penny machines, but I am kind of hooked on these inexpensive keepsakes. And yes, I have the Penny Collector app on my iPhone, making the location of penny-pressing machines around the world readily available. But what is not to love–you basically get a keepsake charm (jewelry-making supply!) for less than a dollar. Swoon!
The popularity of bracelets just keeps increasing, and having fallen in love with some similar styles, I decided to tackle copper soldering and hand formed wire bracelet making in the same project.
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Learning a new jewelry-making skill expands your creative options! Metal etching is a fairly simple technique that offers endless possibilities! With just a little experimenting, you’ll be creating unique and personalized components you can add to all sorts of DIY jewelry! Read on to find out more. —
I love making my own cuff bracelets. It is really quite easy and there are so many option! The copper strips come in a package of six and are 6 inches by 1 inch, the perfect size. You can hammer them, stamp them, rivet on them, patina them. The possibilities are endless! I decided I wanted to make some that had a country chic look, floral and green. It was really fun, and quite easy! See below how. —
I have noticed bullet casing jewelry trending for awhile now. And I love it! It has a rustic, masculine feel. I also love etching metal with ferric chloride acid, something I have been doing for the last couple of years. Etching bullet casings seemed like the next logical step. I thought they would be a great gift for Dad (or Mom, depending on how you make them)! So round up your bullet casings and let me show you how to make these awesome necklaces! —
Vintaj Special Edition BIGkick Machine by Sizzix (out of production, and replaced/upgraded by the Big Shot Jewelry Studio) is the perfect tool for adding detailed patterns to metal. Unlike a rolling mill, the BIGkick machine is affordable, compact, and doesn’t require a lot of strength to use. It comes with the main machine body, a solo platform and shim, and a pair of cutting pads. There are dozens of DecoEmboss and DecoEtch dies in a variety of popular themes; these are sold separately so you can select the designs you like best and add to your collection over time. Finally the embossed and etched blanks can be polished to a high shine, or colored with Vintaj patina inks. Continue Reading…
For years, longitude and latitude coordinates have been growing in popularity when it comes to fashion. They have been popping up in tattoos, jewelry and clothing. I decided I wanted to make my own longitude latitude project, with coordinates from one of my favorite places on earth, Tulum, Mexico! You can easily do this project with any location on Earth! Simply enter your desired location plus “longitude and latitude” into any search engine, and the coordinates will come up for you! —