Easy to Make Rubber Stamped Leather Bracelets

September 30, 2013
rubber stamped leather bracelets

Easy to Make Bracelets

With the holidays fast approaching, why not make some simple handmade gifts for friends and family?

Using rubber stamps and permanent ink pads, you can easily embellish ready-made leather bracelets to create fun and whimsical gifts in just a few minutes.

This DIY tutorial shows you how.

Supplies for DIY stamped leather bracelets

Gather your supplies

Gather your Supplies

You will need the following products and supplies:

Rubber Stamp Angel Policy

If you plan on selling your finished pieces, remember to check out the “angel policy” for the rubber stamps you choose. The manufacturer or stamp artist may have restrictions on using the stamped images on items created for sale.

Center the stamp on the leather bracelet

Plan your Layout

Plan your Design Layout

If you want a certain stamped image to appear in a certain location, like the center of the bracelet, you should plan your design layout.

Depending on the length of leather bracelet you choose, you can plan the layout directly on the bracelet.

Or use the bracelet as a template to trace its shape on paper. Trace several, so you can practice. This is helpful when determining the spacing needed between individual letter stamps when stamping words or names.

Stamp several times so the stamp picks up the ink.

Ink the Stamp

Stamp your Design

Place the rubber stamp on the ink pad and press down so the stamp picks up the ink. Repeat several times. Use plenty of ink for a dark image.

Place inked stamp over the leather bracelet

Center inked stamp over bracelet

Press the stamp down on the leather bracelet

Press the stamp firmly

Press the stamp firmly on the leather bracelet and hold for a few seconds. Then gently lift off the stamp.

Let the StazOn ink dry for several minutes

Allow the ink to dry

To prevent smudging, allow the ink to dry before stamping the next image. It takes about 3-5 minutes for permanent ink to thoroughly dry, if you can wait that long.

Stamp another image onto the leather bracelet

Ink another rubber stamp and press it down on the leather

Use more StazOn ink for a darker image.

Different amounts of ink create a nice contrast

Use plenty of ink for a dark image. Less ink makes for a nice contrast. Or use several different colors of the StazOn ink for your design.

Leather bracelets and StazOn ink make fast and scarey projects.

An easy to make spooky gift

Fixing Mistakes

StazOn ink is permanent. If you make a mistake, you can remove the image with StazOn All Purpose Cleaner. But be cautious, as this cleaner is a solvent and will also remove the dye on the leather bracelet.

When you are finished, use the cleaner to remove the dried ink on the rubber stamps.

Since the StazOn ink is permanent, there is no need to apply a sealer to the bracelet.

Draw your own design on leather bracelets with Sharpies

Draw freehand designs with Sharpie permanent markers

Another fast way to make a bracelet is to draw your own design on the leather using Sharpie permanent marking pens.

DIY rubber stamped leather bracelets

These bracelets are great for all occasions from Halloween and Christmas to Queen for a Day.

With ready-made leather bracelets, StazOn ink pads, and your favorite rubber stamps, you can start making your handmade holiday gifts now.

Amy

New York Fashion Week from the perspective of a Jewelry Designer

September 27, 2013

Our team from left to right. Jewelry Designer, Tiffany White of Geisha Creations, Angelana Perez, Mandy Vahlkamp, Nikki, Savannah Prochnau, Laurin Crosby, Amanda Hillmann, [...], and Eco Chic Clothing designer Alyssa Perez. Photo by Yassir Ketchum. Our photographers were also there, Eric Barro and Jac James.

Our team after the show, from left to right. Jewelry Designer, Tiffany White of Geisha Creations, Angelana Perez, Mandy Vahlkamp, Nikki, Savannah Prochnau, Laurin Crosby, Amanda Hillmann, […], and Eco Chic Clothing designer Alyssa Perez. Photo by Yassir Ketchum. Our photographers were also there, Eric Barro and Jac James.

Hi, my name is Tiffany White and I am the girl pictured on the very left of this photo. I am a jewelry designer, jewelry blogger, and jewelry making instructor. My world pretty much revolves around jewelry! I have worked for Rings & Things, and if you follow this blog, you have probably seen some of my jewelry-making blogs on how to do various techniques. When my company, Geisha Creations, was invited to show my jewelry at a fashion show during New York Fashion Week, Rings & Things was happy to help my team get there! In exchange for their support, I am writing a blog to tell you all about the line I created for the event and the journey to New York for Fashion Week.

Twice a year, New York City is transformed into a fashion mecca. Every September and February, New York City hosts the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and people from around the world flock to the city in their most stylish clothing and accessories. During this time, anything fashion goes. It reaches beyond the Mercedes Benz sponsored events. Fashion bloggers, underground runway shows, and street style make their presence visible throughout the city.

A few of the models in front of the entrance to Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Though the show we did was a smaller underground show, we went down to where the big shows were to get the attention of fashion bloggers and photographers. Models: Amanda Hillmann, Laurin Crosby, Angelana Perez, and [...]. Photograph by Eric Barro, WTFashion Magazine.

A few of the models in front of the entrance to Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Though the show we did was a smaller underground show, we went down to where the big shows were to get the attention of fashion bloggers and photographers. Models: Amanda Hillmann, Laurin Crosby, Angelana Perez, and […]. Photograph by Eric Barro of WTFashion Magazine. Clothing by Eco Chic Clothing and jewelry by me, Tiffany White of Geisha Creations

This fall, I was fortunate enough to experience all these things first hand. As a jewelry designer, I was invited to attend an underground fashion show that hosted several fashion designers. I was part of a design team that included a fashion designer, two photographers from WTFashion Magazine, six models, and me, the jewelry designer. Our fashion designer was Alyssah Perez of Eco Chic Clothing, and our collaborative line was called “Leather & Lace Dripping in Gold”. Alyssah made the Leather & Lace gowns, and I made the Dripping in Gold Jewelry. All ten of us boarded a plane in Spokane, Washington and made the 2,500 mile journey across the country to see first hand what New York Fashion Week was all about. It was amazing!

Our team at the Spokane International Airport, ready to board a light headed to New York City!

Our team at the Spokane International Airport, ready to board a flight headed to New York City!

When Alyssah Perez came up with the idea to make a line titled, “Leather & Lace Dripping in Gold” she contacted me and asked if I was interested in making the Dripping in Gold jewelry. I jumped at the opportunity to create a collaborative line, and loved her idea to make the jewelry all gold. We worked together and as she created the clothing, I created jewelry that matched the style and cut of the dresses. We debuted our collection at Runway Renegades, a local runway show here in Spokane. It was great practice for the show we would be putting on in New York City, less than one month later.

Some of the team hanging out at Times Square. From left to right, model Mandy Vahlkamp, clothing designer Alyssah Perez, photographer Eric Barro, and model Amanda Hillmann,

Some of the team hanging out at Times Square. From left to right, model Mandy Vahlkamp, clothing designer Alyssah Perez, photographer Eric Barro, and model Amanda Hillmann.

Though we worked most of the time while we were in New York City, we did get to enjoy the sites a little! On this day we ate lunch at the famous sandwich shop, Katz’s Delicatessen. From left to right, Mandy Vahlkamp, Alyssah Perez, Laurin Crosby, Tiffany White, Amanda Hillmann, and […].

The day of the show was crazy! It went so fast. The girls had to be at the venue early for hair and makeup. In addition to our team, there were several other teams preparing for the the show. When the show started, we were the first team to walk. One of our models had to walk twice so we had to do a wardrobe change behind the scenes, with only like 3 minutes! It was amazing to see all the photographers as the teams walked. Here are a few shots of the girls walking the at the Mad Girl’s Production Sugar and Art Fashion Show during New York Fashion Week. The angle on these photos is right when they walk out, before they walk down the runway. They stop and pose then do their walk.

Model: Amanda Hillmann Clothing: Eco Chic Clothing Collections, Alyssah Perez Jewelry: Geisha Creations, Tiffany White Photography: Eric Barro, WTFashion Magazine

Model: Amanda Hillmann
Clothing: Eco Chic Clothing Collections, Alyssah Perez
Jewelry: Geisha Creations, Tiffany White
Photography: WTFashion Magazine, Eric Barro

Model: Angelana Perez Clothing: Eco Chic Clothing Collections, Alyssah Perez Jewelry: Geisha Creations, Tiffany White Photography: Eric Barro, WTFashion Magazine

Model: Angelana Perez
Clothing: Eco Chic Clothing Collections, Alyssah Perez
Jewelry: Geisha Creations, Tiffany White
Photography: WTFashion Magazine, Eric Barro

Model: Laurin Crosby Clothing: Eco Chic Clothing Collections, Alyssah Perez Jewelry: Geisha Creations, Tiffany White Photography: Eric Barro, WTFashion Magazine

Model: Laurin Crosby
Clothing: Eco Chic Clothing Collections, Alyssah Perez
Jewelry: Geisha Creations, Tiffany White
Photography: WTFashion Magazine, Eric Barro

Model: Nikki Clothing: Eco Chic Clothing Collections, Alyssah Perez Jewelry: Geisha Creations, Tiffany White Photography: Eric Barro, WTFashion Magazine

Model: Nikki
Clothing: Eco Chic Clothing Collections, Alyssah Perez
Jewelry: Geisha Creations, Tiffany White
Photography: WTFashion Magazine, Eric Barro

Model: Mandy Vahlkamp Clothing: Eco Chic Clothing Collections, Alyssah Perez Jewelry: Geisha Creations, Tiffany White Photography: Eric Barro, WTFashion Magazine

Model: Mandy Vahlkamp
Clothing: Eco Chic Clothing Collections, Alyssah Perez
Jewelry: Geisha Creations, Tiffany White
Photography: WTFashion Magazine, Eric Barro

Model: Savannah Prochnau Clothing: Eco Chic Clothing Collections, Alyssah Perez Jewelry: Geisha Creations, Tiffany White Photography: Eric Barro, WTFashion Magazine

Model: Savannah Prochnau
Clothing: Eco Chic Clothing Collections, Alyssah Perez
Jewelry: Geisha Creations, Tiffany White
Photography: WTFashion Magazine, Eric Barro

Model: Angelana Perez Clothing: Eco Chic Clothing Collections, Alyssah Perez Jewelry: Geisha Creations, Tiffany White Photography:

Model: Angelana Perez
Clothing: Eco Chic Clothing Collections, Alyssah Perez
Jewelry: Geisha Creations, Tiffany White
Photography:

If you are reading this blog, you are most likely a jewelry fanatic like myself! So let me show you show you some close-ups of the jewelry I made for the show. I was fortunate enough to get a lot of the supplies from Rings & Things. If you have any questions about how I made items or what supplies I used, please feel free to ask in the comment section and I would be happy to help!

Close up of the earrings I made. These feature sparkly gold glass beads that I got from Rings & Things.

Close up of the earrings I made to go with one of the model’s dresses. These feature sparkly gold glass beads that I got from Rings & Things.

The necklace made for [...]. I antiqued and sanded this piece of raw brass and then added golden sparkly glass to give it some pizzazz..

Matching necklace: I antiqued and sanded this piece of raw brass and then added golden sparkly glass to give it some pizzazz.

Mandy Vahlkamp's necklace really embraces the "Dripping in Gold" theme. The necklace was made with 10mm gold sparkly glass beads available at Rings & Things.

Mandy Vahlkamp’s necklace really embraces the “Dripping in Gold” theme. The necklace was made with 10mm gold sparkly glass beads available at Rings & Things. Her earrings are made with brass leaf charm chain.

Close-up of Mandi's earrings featuring gold sparkly glass and brass leaf charm chain.

Close-up of Mandi’s earrings featuring gold sparkly glass beads and brass leaf charm chain. Rings & Things has several styles and platings of charm chain available. I love to use them in my designs.

Savannah Prochnau had sparkly golden chandelier earrings and a necklace with several pieces of antique brass chain.

Savannah Prochnau had sparkly golden chandelier earrings and a necklace with several pieces of antique brass chain.

Close-up of the earrings. Onion-shaped chandelier findings with graduated gold sparkly glass.

Close-up of the earrings. Onion-shaped chandelier findings with graduated gold sparkly glass. Rings and Things has several antique brass chandelier findings!

Amanda Hillman looked so gorgeous wearing these sparkly gold faceted glass and brass filigree leaf earrings.

Amanda Hillman looked so gorgeous wearing these sparkly gold faceted glass and brass filigree leaf earrings.

These earrings were made with jumbo brass filigree leaves. And though they are large, they are quite lightweight.

These earrings were made with jumbo brass filigree leaves. And though they are large, they are quite lightweight. Rings & Things carries similar brass filigree leaves.

Angelana Perez's dress was very regal and medieval so I decided to make a necklace with the same vibe. This Lion Head and Gold Coated Quartz necklace is my favorite piece from the line.

Angelana Perez’s dress was very regal and medieval so I decided to make a necklace with the same vibe. This Lion Head and Gold Coated Quartz necklace is my favorite piece from the line.

The necklace is made from a raw brass stamping that I antiqued, polished, punched holes in and sealed with a resin sealer. You can do this with all the raw brass items available at Rings & Things.

The necklace is made from a raw brass stamping that I antiqued, polished, punched holes in and sealed with a resin sealer. You can do this with all the raw brass items available at Rings & Things. This piece also exhibits some fun wire-wrapping.

Laurin Crosby is wearing golden jewelry that has a more rocker look to it, much like her dress with Swarovski studded leather top of her dress.

Laurin Crosby is wearing golden jewelry that has a more rocker look to it, much like her dress with Swarovski-studded leather at the top.

These earrings are similar to the ones worn above by Laurin.

These earrings are similar to the ones worn above by Laurin. Rings & Things donated the supplies to make these earrings and we sold them to raise money for our trip. These earrings are made of only four items! Sparkly Glass Gold Beads, Antique Brass Tassels, Antique Brass Eyepins, and Bronze Niobium Earring Wires. Feel free to recreate your own Dripping in Gold Earrings!

Well, I hope you liked the jewelry I created for New York Fashion Week! New York was amazing, a whole different world than Spokane, Washington. I feel so fortunate that I had the opportunity to travel with my amazing team to this show! I hope it is the first of many, and who knows, maybe one day I will be showing at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week!

~Tiffany White

Geisha Creations, Jewelry Designer and Owner

Rings & Things, Jewelry-making Intructor

And all around lover of jewelry!

Make Your Own Halloween Jewelry

September 24, 2013

Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays – I suppose because I love having an excuse to wear a costume. Honestly, candy has nothing to do with it! 😉

Apparently I’m not the only one who loves dressing up in ghoulish attire because our Halloween beads & charms are selling as fast as fun-size candy at the grocery store !

Below you’ll find 5 DIY Halloween jewelry tutorials, from cute to classy! You can make these projects with beads and supplies from Rings & Things. Happy jewelry making as the clock ticks towards Halloween …

Mmmwwwuuuaaahaahaahaahaa!

“Charmed” Bracelet

Fun charm bracelet made with TierraCast charms.

“Charmed” Bracelet

This hauntingly cool charm bracelet is made by attaching TierraCast Halloween charms and 4mm round Czech glass firepolish beads to a ready-made chain bracelet blank complete with clasp.
Click here for a full parts list, suggested tools, & tips.

“Ceramic Pumpkin Trio” Earrings

Easy jack o' lantern earrings project.

“Ceramic Pumpkins Trio” Earrings

Who doesn’t love easy earring designs? Choose from 3 different ceramic beads to make your favorite version of these cute seasonal danglers. The kidney wires insure a secure earring design that won’t fall out even during serious bouts of trick or treating!
Parts list, tips, & suggested tools here.

“Craneos y Flores” Bracelet

Gemstone skull bracelet.

“Craneos y Flores” Bracelet

One of our most popular designs this season is the “Craneos y Flores” bracelet which links gemstone skulls and ceramic spacer gear beads. This project is great for el Dia de los Muertos too!
Get the parts list, suggested tools, and tips here.

“Vintaj Pumpkin” Earrings

Autumn harvest earrings project.

“Vintaj Pumpkin” Earrings

These stylish harvest earrings pair Vintaj Natural Brass petal blanks, TierraCast leaves, and large bone beads colored with Vintaj Patina inks. This makes a great mixed media project for those of you who want to expand your jewelry making skills!
Click here for parts, how-to tips, & suggested tools.

“Fang’s” Pin

Metal work framed spider bar pin.

“Fang’s” Pin

For those of you who want to try metal stamping and riveting, this is the perfect project for you! Frame a spooky creature of your choice with a custom stamped brass frame. You’ll create a top-notch bar pin for your party agenda.
Suggested tools, parts list, and design tips can be found here.

Lady skeleton plastic cameo

Lady Skeleton Cameo ~ not a project, but isn’t it cool?

Okay, I admit this lady skeleton cameo isn’t a completed project, but it’s currently my favorite Halloween component. It’s available in two sizes, too! Choose from 25x18mm and 40x30mm.
What cool stuff can you make with it?

If the above projects aren’t enough to get your spine tingling, find more Halloween & Day of the Dead jewelry projects in our Design Gallery.

Keep in mind that you can always take the basic idea of a project and morph it into your own design. Don’t be afraid to experiment … Dr. Jekyll and Dr. Frankenstein would approve! ~ Melissa

Scavenger Hunt Contest

September 6, 2013

*Winners at the Bottom*

A Big thank you to all who entered.

Enter for your chance to win a $100 dollar or $50 dollar gift certificate. Contest runs from today through Monday 9/16/2013 @ 3:00pm PST.  To enter, all you have to do is answer 5 questions that relate to specific portions of our website. When you have the answers, you just write them as a comment at the end of this blog in the “Leave a reply” section and please include your contact email address (only used if you win). Don’t worry if you don’t see your entry at the end of the blog; we are keeping those hidden until the contest ends, so the answers are not given away. Easy enough, right? Here are your questions:

1. When do we have our Las Vegas Bead Show this year?

Answer: 11/04

2. In the Education Station section of our website, what tools do we list for using with compression rivets?

Answer: Metal Block, Leather Hole Punch, Rivet Setter, Brass Hammer

3. What size loop does the 1-Step Looper make?

Answer: 2mm loop

4. In our Design Gallery who created the “Belle Starr Leather and Turquoise Bracelet?”

Answer: Mollie Valente

5. What color/texture of the new TierraCast leather strips do you most enjoy?

Could of been any answer from this category.

https://shop.rings-things.com/cart/pc/TierraCast-Leather-Strips-c6253.htm

 ~ and now just for fun ~

6. What is your favorite Halloween themed item that we carry?

Find all your answers on our site here:

WWW.RINGS-THINGS.COM

  Good luck!!

Contest Results

First Place Prize – $100 Dollar Gift Certificate – given to the first person who answers all 5 questions correctly.

  • First place winner was Lisa (last name not given). She was the very first person to answer everything correctly.

Second Place Prize – $50 Dollar Gift Certificate – given to a random person who answers all 5 questions correctly.

  • Second place winner was Lucia King. She was randomly chosen out of all the other correct answers.

See respondents’ comments and favorite items!

Beadalon® Wire Banding Pliers

August 20, 2013

The initial bends when trying to band wire together can be frustrating. I have tried every tool, hoping to find something that would accurately bend wire into two perfectly-placed right angle bends without marring it. Now there is a specialty tool made just for perfect double right angle bends — Beadalon Wire Banding Pliers!

I am a perfectionist in the jewelry I create, and the last thing I want to do is fight with the very beginning of the project and end up with scratched banding, or having the banding bend be just a little off. Not only is it frustrating, but the accuracy of the banding can make or break the entire piece.

This tool is very easy to use — now you can quickly create two right angle bends close together, so you can neatly band the remainder of your wires together. We have created the graphic tutorial below to help you to learn how to use these cool wire banding pliers.

Please visit our Design Gallery for 100’s of free jewelry projects / tutorials, but we apologize that as of 2015 during a site upgrade, the 2 wire wrapping projects projects below have retired.

Wire wrapped bracelet project using Beadalon Wire Banding Pliers

Drusilla’s Bracelet of Submission by Amy Scalise

Wire wrapped bracelet project using Beadalon Wire Banding Pliers

Square Rose Ring by Valorie Nygaard-Pouzar

Although Rings & Things no longer sells any banding pliers, we’ve kept this infographic for those of you who already own some and need a quick refresher:

Make your wire bending projects easier with Beadalon Wire Banding Pliers

Beadalon Wire Banding Pliers Graphic Tutorial

How to Make Leather Bracelets – Two Finishing Methods

August 12, 2013

In this do-it-yourself jewelry-making tutorial, the bracelet blanks from last week’s blog post, “Customizing Tim Holtz idea-ology® Word Bands for a Handmade Look”, combine with Rings & Things’ new leather strips to make two styles of leather cuffs.

 

How to make a leather bracelet with metal stamped word band blanks.

Combine a customized bracelet blank with one of the many colors of Rings & Things’ leather strips to create a handmade leather bracelet.

 

Leather Bracelet Style One – A Single-Wrap Bracelet with Drawstring Clasp:

“In the Moment Leather Cuff Bracelet”

Tutorial: how to make a leather bracelet with drawstring clasp; a step-by-step DIY jewelry project.

Step 1: Gather together the supplies you will need to make a drawstring clasp leather bracelet.

You will need the following tools and supplies:

ruler

cutting mat

hobby knife

rotary leather hole punch

1/2″ wide leather strip

3mm suede lace

5-ply waxed linen cord

large-hole bead (hole size 4mm)

customized Tim Holtz idea-ology® word bands

Sharpie®, Extra Fine Point

 

Make a DIY leather bracelet: Cut the leather strip with a hobby knife.

Step 2: Cut the leather strip to length. Size the leather so it fits comfortably on the wrist, ends butted together; mark the leather at the cut length. Use a ruler and hobby knife to make a straight cut at the mark.

 

Tutorial Leather Strip Bracelet D

Step 3: Measure and mark the position of the holes to be punched (it is easiest to do this before you curve the word band). Mark two “stitching” holes on either side of the two word-band loops. Also mark a “lacing” hole set 1/4th inch from each leather end.

 

How to make holes in leather with a rotary leather hole punch.

Step 4: Use a rotary leather hole punch to cut holes in the leather strip at the marked positions. Use the smallest punch (2mm) to punch the stitching holes for the bracelet blank; use the largest punch (4.5mm) to punch the lacing holes for the drawstring closure.

 

How to attach a metal-stamped bracelet blank to a leather cuff using waxed linen cord.

Step 5: Align the bracelet blank with the punched stitching holes and stitch each side in place. The waxed linen cording is stiff enough to go through the 2mm holes without a needle. After making two or three stitches, pull the cord tight and secure with a knot on the backside of the bracelet.

 

How to make an adjustable drawstring closure for a leather cuff bracelet.

Step 6: To create the drawstring closure, lace the suede cord through one hole and then back out, so the cord tails are on the outside of the cuff. String both cord ends through the large hole bead. Combine both cord ends and make an overhand knot approximately 2″ from the cuff. Slide the bead to tighten or loosen the cuff.

 

How to use a drawstring closure on a handmade leather cuff.

“Live in the Moment” leather-cuff bracelet with drawstring clasp is ready to wear.

 

Leather Bracelet Style Two – A Double-Wrap Bracelet with Hitch Clasp:

“The Journey Leather Wrap Bracelet”

 

How to make a double-wrap leather cuff bracelet--you will need these supplies.

Step 1: Gather together the supplies you will need to make a double-wrap leather cuff bracelet with hitch fastener.

You will need the following tools and supplies:

ruler

Sharpie®, Extra Fine Point

cutting mat

hobby knife

rotary leather hole punch

screwdriver

1/2″ wide leather strip

idea-ology®, Hitch Fasteners

5-ply waxed linen cord

customized Tim Holtz idea-ology® word bands

 

How to make a double-wrap bracelet cuff--size and cut the leather strip.

Step 2: Cut the leather strip to length. Size the leather so it fits comfortably wrapped twice around the wrist; add one inch for the closure overlap. Mark the leather at the cut length. Use a ruler and hobby knife to make a straight cut at the mark.

 

How to make a leather cuff bracelet--measuring and marking for hole punching.

Step 3: Measure and mark the position of the holes to be punched (it is easiest to do this before you curve the word band). Place the leather on your wrist and determine approximate placement for the metal blank. Mark two “stitching” holes on either side of the two word-band loops. Also mark a “hitch” hole set 1/4th inch from the first leather end and 1/2 inch from the second end.

 

How to make a leather cuff bracelet--punching holes for a hitch fastener closure.

Step 4: Use a rotary leather hole punch to create holes in the leather strip at the marked positions. Use the smallest punch (2mm) to punch the stitching holes for the bracelet blank; use the largest punch (4.5mm) to punch the fastener holes for the hitch closure.

 

How to attach a metal-stamped bracelet blank to a leather cuff using waxed linen cord.

Step 5: Align the bracelet blank with the punched stitching holes and use waxed linen cord to attach the word band blank to the bracelet. Stitch the blank in place and knot the cord on the back side. For ease, a large sewing needle can be used.

 

How to make a hitch style clasp for a DIY leather cuff bracelet.

Step 6 a: On one end hole insert the screw side of the hitch fastener.

 

How to make a hitch style clasp for a DIY leather cuff bracelet.

Step 6 b: Attach and screw the hitch in place. From the backside, use a flat-head screw driver to tighten the hitch.

 

How to make a hitch style clasp for a DIY leather cuff bracelet.

Step 7 a: On the other end hole, use the hobby knife to cut 1/8″ slits on opposite sides of the hole, running parallel to the strip length. This will allow the hitch to slip into the hole, but stay securely in place.

 

How to make a hitch style clasp for a DIY leather cuff bracelet.

Step 7 b: Insert the hitch through the hole to close the fastener.

 

How to make a leather wrap bracelet with metal stamped blank --ready to wear.

“The Journey Leather Wrap Bracelet” is ready to wear!

 

Layer bracelets for a trendy look.

Bracelets can be worn together for a layered look.

 

Make things,

Mollie

 

Customizing Tim Holtz idea-ology® Word Bands for a Handmade Look

August 5, 2013
Use Tim Holtz idea-ology® word blanks to create "handmade" stamped bracelet blanks.
With just a few metalworking tools, you can easily turn Tim Holtz idea-ology® word bands into stamped bracelet blanks with a handmade appearance.

I love hand-stamped metal jewelry and given the popularity of this jewelry trend, chances are you do too. Metal stamping takes a few tools, basic stamping instruction, and practice; and sometimes more practice. But even though metal stamping is fairly easy, turning Tim Holtz idea-ology® word bands into bracelet blanks is even easier. Plus who can resist the 12 inspirational quotes?

The following is a DIY tutorial for turning Tim Holtz idea-ology® word blanks into curved bracelet blanks for use in your mixed-media jewelry projects.

You will need these tools and supplies to make a Tim Holtz idea-ology bracelet blank.
Step 1: Gather the tools and supplies necessary to customize your “stamped” metal bracelet blank.

You will need these tools and supplies:

Use the pein side of a chasing hammer and a steel block to add texture to Tim Holtz idea-ology word bands.
Step 2: For a handmade look, add a “hammered” texture to the word band.

Tape the word band, script side up, to the steel block with masking tape. Repeatedly strike the word band with the pein side of the chasing hammer to add a hammered texture. Remove the word band from the steel block.

Use bracelet-bending pliers to turn the Tim Holtz idea-ology word band into a curved bracelet blank.
Step 3: Shape the word band with nylon-jaw, bracelet-bending pliers.

Use nylon-jaw, bracelet-bending pliers to turn the idea-ology word band into a curved bracelet blank. Place the flat blank lengthwise in the pliers’ jaw with the script side facing the concave half of the jaw. Gently squeeze the pliers. Reposition the blank and repeat until the word band is fully curved.

.

For a splash of color, paint the idea-ology word band's script with Vintaj patina.
Step 4: Add color to the word band script by applying Vintaj patina.

For a splash of color, paint the idea-ology word band’s script with Vintaj patina. Use a paint brush to liberally apply the patina to the word band, making sure patina is applied into all the letter indentations. You can use a mix of patina colors, or a single color. Allow to air dry for a few minutes.

.

eWipe the surface of the word band with a damp paper towel or baby wipe to remove the excess patina. Be careful not to remove the color in the letter indentations.
Use a baby wipe or damp paper towel to remove the excess patina.

Wipe the word band with a damp paper towel or baby wipe to remove the excess patina. As you wipe, be careful not to remove the color in the letter indentations. Allow the patina to fully dry.

To finish a bracelet, just stitch or rivet the idea-ology word band bracelet blank to a leather cuff.
The finished “handmade” bracelet blank is ready to adorn the bracelet of your choice.

Now your “stamped” bracelet blank is ready to adorn your choice of bracelet (or maybe you turned all 12 word bands into bracelet blanks). In the next Rings & Things Blog post (How to Make Leather Bracelets – Two Finishing Methods), I will share two ways to finish leather cuff bracelets using the customized word bands and our new colorful leather strips. oh, and “word” from Tim Holtz is we can look forward to new styles of word bands coming soon, “Word Bands Observation” and “Word Bands Christmas”.

Make things!

Mollie

Concrete in Jewelry

July 29, 2013

Free tips for using Artisan Encapture Concrete and other jewelry grade concretes for mini mosaics, art concrete projects, concrete jewelry and more by Sondra Barrington of Rings & Things.

An industrial material such as concrete seems unlikely for jewelry, but it works very well! It is relatively lightweight, and very durable. It is great for personalized adornment, because you can embed virtually any charm, bead or found object you want.

Visit our design gallery for free jewelry projects and check our Mosaic Jewelry Board on Pinterest for concrete jewelry inspirations.

Difference Between Cement and Concrete

Cement is a powdered ingredient (mostly calcium silicates) used in concrete. It is strong, but brittle and susceptible to scratching. When mixed with water, it undergoes a series of chemical reactions and slowly crystallizes into a strong, interlocking form. Concrete is a mixture of cement, an aggregate (sand or gravel) and water.

Free tips for using Artisan Encapture Concrete and other jewelry grade concretes for mini mosaics, art concrete projects, concrete jewelry and more by Rings & Things.

cement powder

Jewelry Grade Concrete

EuroTool created EnCapture Artisan Concrete specifically for jewelry artists. This new kit makes it easy for designers to create small mosaics and concrete jewelry. For information on making your own concrete, visit Ganoksin.

Creating with Artisan Concrete

Tips on Using EnCapture Artisan Concrete

Storage of the product is critical. Extreme temperatures may affect the mixture or compound, and can jeopardize the integrity of the activator liquid. For best results store in a dry, cool location and don’t freeze. Keeping the compound dry is essential; once moisture is introduced the chemical reaction starts. Store products in closed containers. The shelf life, when stored properly, is one year (if not longer).

Coloring Concrete

Prismacolor colored pencils can be used to color the surface of concrete! To prepare the surface, wet-sand it using fine-grit, wet/dry sandpaper and let dry for 24 hours. To seal the color, spray with several light coats of Krylon UV sealant.

Free tips for using Artisan Encapture Concrete and other jewelry grade concretes for mini mosaics, art concrete projects, concrete jewelry and more Rings & Things.

Prismacolor Pencils

Safety When Using Concrete in Jewelry

Always use disposable cups and utensils. Throw away unused concrete; do not wash it down the drain (it will clog pipes). Wear a respirator, safety glasses and gloves.

Have Fun & Happy Creating!

Best Riveting Tool Set

July 22, 2013

With 100s of rivets, eyelets, and related tools to pick from, the #2 riveting question I get is:

What are the best tools to easily
set both rivets and eyelets?

The answer depends on whether you want to rivet mostly leather, or mostly metal.

For leather, see my Riveting with TierraCast Leather Findings tutorial.

For metal and mixed media, the best set of riveting tools is…

Continue Reading…

Create a Hinged Metal Memory Journal

July 18, 2013

Use a hinge to turn shrine-shaped metal blanks into a journal!

Decide on the layout, location of the hinge and other decorative elements. Using a checkered hammer, apply texture to the top and bottom panels of the journal. Patina, file rough edges and clean.

Hinged Pendant Memory Journal Rings & Things. This free DIY jewelry project features metal etching, metal stamping, dapping and riveting. Antique brass, nickel silver, copper and natural agate were used in creating this design. The one-step looping plier was used for the handmade chain.

Layout

Cut the hinges, which can be as wide or as narrow as you choose. For 3/32 tubing, make hinges that are one-half inch deep. You need an odd number of hinge tabs. Measure, mark and saw tabs into the top panel. Use plenty of cut lube to prevent the saw blade from sticking when cornering.

Hinged Pendant Memory Journal Rings & Things. This free DIY jewelry project features metal etching, metal stamping, dapping and riveting. Antique brass, nickel silver, copper and natural agate were used in creating this design. The one-step looping plier was used for the handmade chain.

Create Hinge Tabs

Using wide, flat nose pliers, crease and fold each tabs up to a 90 degree angle. The position of the fold determines whether the hinge will be visible from the front of the pendant, or only from the back side. Keep the textured sides face up, so the design is consistent.
Carefully roll tabs into cylinders using chain nose pliers or medium bail making pliers. Leave hinges a bit loose until after you have inserted the tubing, then you can tighten for best fit.

Hinged Pendant Memory Journal created by Sondra Barrington of Rings & Things. This free DIY jewelry project features metal etching, metal stamping, dapping and riveting. Antique brass, nickel silver, copper and natural agate were used in creating this design. The one-step looping plier was used for the handmade chain.

Roll Into Cylinders

Use a tube cutting jig to cut a length of tube 1mm longer than the width of your piece (for 1/2mm on each side).

Hinged Pendant Memory Journal created Rings & Things. This free DIY jewelry project features metal etching, metal stamping, dapping and riveting. Antique brass, nickel silver, copper and natural agate were used in creating this design. The one-step looping plier was used for the handmade chain.

Cut Tubing

Slide tubing down the channel and finesse hinges as needed. Rivet tubing into place to finish the hinge. Open and close hinge to ensure a proper fit.

This free DIY jewelry design by Sondra Barrington features antique brass, nickel silver, metal etching, dapping and creating hinges.

Assemble Hinge and Insert Tubing

Working with the bottom panel, lay out etched metal pieces for the cover and inside page. Cut, file and patina as necessary. Leave sufficient room for the hinge to lay flat against the bottom panel.

Hinged Pendant Memory Journal created by Sondra Barrington of Rings & Things. This free DIY jewelry project features metal etching, metal stamping, dapping and riveting. Antique brass, nickel silver, copper and natural agate were used in creating this design. The one-step looping plier was used for the handmade chain.

Lay out Etched Metal Page

Measure, mark and punch holes for decorative rivets, accents and center piece (using the small side of the hole punch).

Hinged Pendant Memory Journal created by Sondra Barrington of Rings & Things. This free DIY jewelry project features metal etching, metal stamping, dapping and riveting. Antique brass, nickel silver, copper and natural agate were used in creating this design. The one-step looping plier was used for the handmade chain.

Prepare Embellishments

Using two-part epoxy, carefully glue the etched metal panels into place.

Hinged Pendant Memory Journal created Rings & Things. This free DIY jewelry project features metal etching, metal stamping, dapping and riveting. Antique brass, nickel silver, copper and natural agate were used in creating this design. The one-step looping plier was used for the handmade chain.

Lay out Etched Metal Page

Using a dapping set, dome two small round shapes that can nest one inside the other. Patina, file away any rough edges and clean the domed metal. Layer, and rivet domed metal nests onto the top panel. Connect top and bottom panel with rivets. Use a tube rivet at the top so that you can thread a jump ring through it (if you choose).

Hinged Pendant Memory Journal created by Sondra Barrington of Rings & Things. This free DIY jewelry project features metal etching, metal stamping, dapping and riveting. Antique brass, nickel silver, copper and natural agate were used in creating this design. The one-step looping plier was used for the handmade chain.

Rivet Domes Into Place

Carefully clean and polish the pendant before attaching the necklace chain.

Hinged Pendant Memory Journal created by Sondra Barrington of Rings & Things. This free DIY jewelry project features metal etching, metal stamping, dapping and riveting. Antique brass, nickel silver, copper and natural agate were used in creating this design. The one-step looping plier was used for the handmade chain.

Clean Finished Pendant

Handmade jewelry looks great on a custom beaded necklace, on leather cording, silk ribbon or chain. I created a necklace by making individual links using the one-step looping plier, eye pins, metal beads and natural agates. The links were connected using jump rings.

Hinged Pendant Memory Journal created by Sondra Barrington of Rings & Things. This free DIY jewelry project features metal etching, metal stamping, dapping and riveting. Antique brass, nickel silver, copper and natural agate were used in creating this design. The one-step looping plier was used for the handmade chain.

Memory Journal Necklace

This free DIY Memory Journal pendant was created by designer Sondra Barrington of Rings & Things. This necklace features riveting, metal etching, antique brass shrine stamping blanks, dapping, and metal stamping. The chain was created in an ombre pattern using natural agate gemstone beads, TierraCast antique brass bead caps, metal heishi trade beads and the one-step looping plier with antique copper head pins.