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DIY Constellation Jewelry

February 8, 2018

Create custom pendants by setting crystal chatons in metal stamping blanks! This fun, easy, inexpensive project works well for small gatherings (bridal parties, crafternoons, solstice celebrations, baby showers, wine with friends…) Just a few supplies & three simple steps…

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Wire: Hardness, Softness and Types of Metal

October 5, 2017

I’m sorting (mostly tossing) a bin of papers that “I might need some day” and ran across these notes written at least 10 years ago by Rings & Things founder, Russ Nobbs. It’s a nice summary of wire-related jewelry terms that can be confusing. So I’m archiving it here on the interwebs before recycling the piece of paper.

Hardness is the “temper” of the wire, or how springy it is:

  • Dead Soft is as soft and bendable as the wire can get.
  • Full Hard is as stiff and springy as the wire can get.
  • Half Hard is … halfway in between.

Sterling wire is inherently softer than Gold Filled (GF) wire.

Steel wire ( such as 316L and memory wire) is inherently harder than most other jewelry wire.

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How to Make Leverback Earrings featuring Swarovski Crystal Rivoli Stones

June 10, 2016

These eye-catching earrings have a lot going on visually, but really it takes just three jewelry parts and a little glue to make them. And if you have never explored the use of glue in jewelry making, now is your chance. Follow these steps to make a pair of sparkly earrings featuring Swarovski Crystal rivoli stones and glue-on leverback earring findings.

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How to Turn Your Souvenir Pressed Pennies into Jewelry – DIY Earring Tutorial

May 26, 2016

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!

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DIY Aromatherapy Tassel Bracelet Tutorial

April 28, 2016

How-to Create a Custom Essential Oil Infused, Gemstone & Crystal Tassel Bracelet

Bracelet

This bracelet can be customized to include personal elements, represented by:

  • Gemstones and their properties (chakra, metaphysical, healing…)
  • Aromatherapy/essential oil blends and their uses (mosquito repellent, stress-relief, calming…)
  • Color intention and symbolism (harmony, strength, stability…)

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