There 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…
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.
Continue Reading…
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.
Continue Reading…
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.
Continue Reading…
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.
Continue Reading…
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!
Continue Reading…
Swarovski’s Spring/Summer 2021 launch TIME TO SHINE is about “embracing the transformative power of time” and is “brought to life in brilliant cuts and color”. The new launch features Shape 1400 Dome Round Stone. The dramatic new shape has 90 sparkling facets and a foiled back, so it is full of sparkle and shine; plus the shape “references both past and future”.
Continue Reading…
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what bead could be more perfect for Valentine’s jewelry than Swarovski’s heart-shaped “LOVE” Bead? I dangled a pair of LOVE Beads from the end of ear threads and in just minutes I made a pair of earrings that are flashy, yet elegant. And I must add, perfect for any day of the year. Love!
Continue Reading…
Rings & Things’ raw-brass filigree can be polished to a bright and shiny finish, but why stop there? The filigree are the perfect canvas for creativity, so why not use color to create a one-of-a-kind component for use in your jewelry making? Here are the steps for my (super-easy) method of colorizing raw brass filigree.
Continue Reading…
PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue
“Instilling calm, confidence and connection, this enduring blue hue highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.”
Read more…