EnCapture Artisan Concrete

February 4, 2013

We tested the new EnCapture Artisan Concrete Kit!

This free jewelry project by Rings & Things uses bezel cups, jewelry grade concrete (EnCapture Artisan Concrete), Gilders Paste, rhinestone chain, vintage inspired filigree, black gunmetal chain and has a delicate flower bead as the center of the mini mosaic.

Flor Sepultiado Mosaic Necklace

This “unique texture-rich medium for jewelry making”  is designed for embedding treasures such as glass, gemstones, metal, buttons, wire and beads to create visual interest and contrast.  Here are some tips for using it!

This free jewelry project by Rings & Things features a stitched devil head lampwork bead as the centerpiece of a mini mosaic. Small beads surround the black white and red focal, which is set into Encapture Artisan Concrete (jewelry grade concrete). The small mosaic is held inside an inexpensive 1" round bezel cup.

Stitched Devil Mosaic Necklace

Mixing: We found the easiest way to mix the concrete was making a slurry (or thin paste) by putting a small amount of the base material in the mixing cup and adding the activator. To the slurry, mix in the base material and pigment incrementally until you have achieved the desired color and consistency.

Application:  You can extend the life of your concrete while you are working by covering the mixing cup with a damp paper towel. We recommend you remove excess concrete from your embedded treasures as you work using a damp paper towel, cotton swab or toothpick. It is easier to remove when it is moist than after it starts to dry.

Initial cleaning of the mini mosaic involves wiping away the excess jewelry grade concrete (Encapture Artisan Concrete) from the silver flower and rhinestone chain. Remove any excess concrete from the back of the gunmetal bezel cup. All parts available at rings-things.com

Work Time:  As the concrete starts setting within 5 minutes, you must work quickly!  Pre-arranging your design is very helpful.  We found it easiest to trace the bezel, and to mock-up the arrangement on paper.  This allows you to quickly and precisely place each item when it is time.   
Encapture Artisan Concrete (jewelry grade concrete) sets quickly. The lampwork cat head bead and smaller gemstone round beads were positioned into place before the concrete was placed, making it easier to create a small mosaic. All parts available at www.rings-things.com
Green Cat Mosaic Necklace
Design:  Including small beads in your design is easiest if you string them first (this way they can’t roll and move as easily). For a more elaborate or mosaic-style design, setting your treasures with a dab of two-part epoxy glue is recommended. Glue your items in place and allow the glue to fully dry before applying concrete.  
Trade beads, a Tierra Cast hamsa hand, an Amate primitive heart or art heart (arte heart) silver bezel were carefully glued into place for this small mosaic. The designer bezel will be filled with jewelry grade concrete (EnCapture Artisan Concrete) once the glue has dried. Free DIY jewelry project by designer Sondra Barrington of www.rings-things.com.

Hamsa Hand in Heart Mosaic Necklace – Tutorial

Finishing Touches:  If you do not like large grains of sand from the concrete being visible in your design, you may be able to bury them by gently poking them down into the wet concrete with a toothpick.

Once the product has cured, for a beautiful golden sheen, the brass brush works wonders!  If you do not want to alter the color of your finished piece, gently clean around embedded treasures with the straight carver.

Using a toothpick to place jewelry grade concrete (Encapture Artisan Concrete) into the small mosaic, around the silver flower and rhinestone chain. Carefully place the concrete to avoid getting it on the gunmetal bezel cup. All parts available at rings-things.com

In addition to the tools and supplies provided in the kit, we found the following tools and supplies very helpful:
* Damp paper towels/moist towelettes
* Extra wood mixing sticks
* Cotton swabs
* Tablet & pencil
* Extra disposable plastic mixing cups
* Extra dust masks
* Extra disposable gloves
This free jewelry project by Sondra Barrington of www.rings-things.com features a silver Amate primitive heart bezel. This deep dish art heart bezel has been filled with jewelry grade concrete (Encapture Artisan Concrete) and an assortment of trade beads, small silver beads and a Tierra Cast hamsa hand charm. The mini mosiac is hung from an inexpensive choker.
Links:

An Easy Way to Translate Websites

January 24, 2013

Translating websites that aren’t in your native language, or just translating them for fun, is easier then ever. Google’s translation software for websites is automatically installed in the Chrome browser and in its sister browser, Iron.  It is also available as an Add-On in many of the other browsers. Here at Rings & Things we recommend Chrome, or for the more privacy-conscious, the Iron Browser as your default web browser.

To begin you will need do download and install the browser if you don’t already have Chrome or Iron. You can find free downloads here:

Google Chrome: https://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/browser/

Iron: http://www.srware.net/en/software_srware_iron_download.php

Cosmetically and functionally the browsers are almost identical, with most of the differences being internal. What are the internal differences?  Iron removes the unique ID that Google gives to every install of Chrome, removes all optional settings that would allow Google to track your browsing habits, and removes the automatic update feature.

Installation of either browser is simple and should only take a few minutes.

Once it is installed there is nothing else to do to get Google’s translation software. When browsing a site in a foreign language each browser should automatically offer to translate the page to your native language. If it doesn’t, or if you want to translate from your language to another, just right-click on the page for a list of options and chose (in my case) “Translate to English”.  This will bring a bar below your tabs that will tell you what language it is translating from and to. If you choose, you can change the language it is translating to any language you wish.

chrome-1

chrome-2

Cheers!
Todd, Rings & Things Web Guru

Jewelry Trends: Top 12 of 2012

January 14, 2013

Now that we are halfway though the first month of 2013, I have been reflecting on 2012. It was a great year for jewelry! From neon jewelry to rough gemstones, there was a style of jewelry for everyone. I have compiled a list of my personal favorite jewelry trends from this past year, though I suspect some of these trends are around to stay! For awhile longer at least! If you are interested in buying any of these amazing pieces below, simply click on the picture and it will link you to the item in its etsy store.

1. Noteworthy Neons

Being a kid of the eighties, I remember owning bright hammer pants and neon splattered sweatshirts. So when I started seeing jewelry popping up this summer in those familiar unnatural hues of lime green, bright pink, electric orange and glowing yellow I was thrilled. If you want to create some neon jewelry of your own, check out these new neon Swarovski pearls or brightly painted wooden beads at Rings & Things. Or if you prefer buy a piece already made, check out these awesome works of wearable art below.

I love this Neon Bib Necklace by Devi Chand of HippieKingdom. It is made from handmade paper beads.

I love this Neon Bib Necklace by Devi Chand of HippieKingdom. It is made from handmade paper beads.

I adore these long neon earrings by Heather at BlueKat Designs. Look close and see if you can tell what they are made out of!

I adore these long neon earrings by Heather at BluKat Designs. Believe it or not, these earrings are made with hand painted bobby pins! How cool!

This neon bib necklace is so chic! It is made by jewelry artist Kelly M of KRM Jewel.

This neon bib necklace is so chic! It is made by jewelry artist Kelly M of KRM Jewel.

2. Love Triangles

I started to see triangles trending early in 2012, and they are still super hot. Geometry has never been so fun! If you want to experiment with some triangular designs of your own, check out these new raw brass geometric blanks at Rings & Things. Or let someone else do the work and pick up one of these great finds below!

I love these Double Triangle Earrings by Betty at Foxtail Boutique! Make sure and check out her shop for tons of cool triangular jewelry!

I love these Double Triangle Earrings by Betty at Foxtail Boutique! Make sure and check out her shop for tons of cool triangular jewelry!

triangle necklace

This necklace has a great combination of sharp edges and soft pastels. Wood Bunting necklace by Jess of Fawn and Rose Jewellery.

This piece of jewelry doubles as a bracelet and ring! I love how in this piece, the triangles have a tribal feel. This awesome design is by Jennie of A la Pop Body Jewelry.

This piece of jewelry is a double ring and bracelet! I love how in this piece, the triangles have a tribal feel. This awesome design is by Jennie of A la Pop Body Jewelry.

3. Some like it Rough

Gemstones that is! When I started seeing rough gemstones coming into our showroom at Rings & Things I was intrigued They came in pyrite, garnet, lapis and quartz, just to name a few. I wasn’t sure what to do with them, but I found some designers below that made amazing jewelry with rough gemstones. Check out Rings & Things here for our current supply of rough gemstones.

Catherine Ulanovski of CJBijoux Jewelry created this stunning ring with a rough piece of apatite.

Catherine Ulanovski of CJBijoux Jewelry created this stunning ring with a rough piece of apatite.

I love the combination of the natural aquamarine and the industrial chain in these earrings by Jillian of Nooni Jewelry

I love the combination of the natural aquamarine and the industrial chain in these earrings by Jillian of Nooni Jewelry

Pyrite is one of my favorite stones in the rough, and I especially love these pyrite and Swarovski earrings by Sadena of Primrose and Scout Jewelry.

Pyrite is one of my favorite stones in the rough, and I especially love these pyrite and Swarovski earrings by Sadena of Primrose and Scout Jewelry.

The stones on this necklace are stunning! I love the way that Isabella of Nature Look Jewelry has made it so they almost are floating.

The stones on this necklace are stunning! I love the way that Isabella of Nature Look Jewelry has made it so they almost are floating.

4. Lustworthy Larimar

I will admit, I was completely clueless about Larimar until 2012! Suddenly, I had people requesting it right and left. So what is Larimar? It is a magical cool blue gemstone found only off the coast of the Dominican Republic, which is fitting. If you have ever snorkeled in crystal clear water where the sand is bright white, this is what larimar looks like. It has white cloudy veining that reminds me of the sunshine glimmering though the water. Check out these stunning larimar pieces below or get some larimar of your own to play with.

This vintage bracelet features a huge piece of high quality Larimar. You can find this bracelet in Paula W.'s vintage jewelry shop, Marsh Raven.

This vintage bracelet features a huge piece of high quality Larimar. You can find this bracelet in Paula W.’s vintage jewelry shop, Marsh Raven.

I love these stacking rings featuring Larimar, Topaz and Moonstone. These fabulous, handmade rings are by Liz of Fanta Sea Jewelry

These gorgeous stacking rings feature Larimar, Topaz and Moonstone. These handmade rings are by Liz of Fanta Sea Jewelry. She has amazing craftsmanship!

The pretty wire wrapped ring includes a stunning Larimar bead. This piece is from Sara at Blue Soul Designs.

This pretty wire-wrapped ring includes a stunning Larimar bead. This piece is from Sara at Blue Soul Designs.

I love the irregular cut of these pretty larminar stones. These gorgeous earrings are by Pauline Jacobson of Coral Reef Dreams.

I love the irregular cut of these pretty larminar stones. These gorgeous earrings are by Pauline Jacobson of Coral Reef Dreams.

5. Magical Druzies

Druzies are one of my favorite phenomenons. Druzies are when there is a fracture in a stone, and that fracture is filled with a coating of tiny crystals. They are super sparkly and come in a variety of colors and stones. Look at the array of jewelry made with druzies below or check out the current selection of druzies at Rings & Things.

This stunning ring features the most beautiful agate teardrop druzy. It was made by Priscilla and Vi of Oh Kuol Jewelry.

This stunning ring features the most beautiful agate teardrop druzy. It was made by Priscilla and Vi of Oh Kuol Jewelry.

I love these stud earrings with sparkly golden druzies. The artist, Sandra, has tons of beautiful pieces available at her shop, Doolittle Jewelry

I love these stud earrings with sparkly golden druzies. The artist, Sandra, has tons of beautiful pieces available at her shop, Doolittle Jewelry

These earrings feature druzy amethyst slices with gold plated edges. They are so pretty! They can be found in the etsy store Magic Loot.

These earrings feature druzy amethyst slices with gold plated edges. They are so pretty! They can be found in the etsy store Magic Loot.

6. Wrapped Leather Bracelets

Unless you have been under a rock for the last year, you have seen a wrapped leather bracelet. They are often referred to as Chan Luu style bracelets. They have been in magazines, stores and on the wrist of every celebrity and I personally love them! They are very modern Bohemian. If you want to attempt to make one yourself, Rings & Things has a variety of kits that include all the supplies you need to make them! Or let someone else do the work and snag one of these below:

I love how this bracelet Kate Greenwood of PZW Design uses stacked rondelles instead of the typical round bead. Plus how cute is that elephant button!

I love how this bracelet by Kate Greenwood of PZW Design uses stacked rondelles instead of the typical round bead. Plus, who doesn’t love an elephant button?

How cute is this bracelet with square beads and a sleek modern button? This bracelet is by Camila of Sinona Design.

How cute is this bracelet with square beads and a sleek modern button? This bracelet is by Camilla of Sinona Design.

This black leather and sparkly silver wrapped leather bracelet is a bit "blingier" that it's gemstone cousin. This one is actually a design from the Rings & Things Design Gallery. Click on it for instructions on how to make it!

This black leather and sparkly silver wrapped leather bracelet is a bit “blingier” that its gemstone cousin. This is actually a design from the Rings & Things Design Gallery. Click on it for instructions on how to make it!

7. Shoulder Duster Earrings

I have always been a fan of ridiculously large earrings, so when shoulder dusters came back in style this year, I was psyched! A shoulder duster earring is simply an earring so long that it dusts the top of your shoulder when you wear it! I found some amazing duster earrings on etsy below! Or follow this link to see how to make your own pair of rhinestone duster earrings in our design gallery.

I love the Greek goddess feel of these beaded dusters by Nicol Markowitz of Firecracker NEM.

I love the Greek goddess feel of these beaded dusters by Nicol Markowitz of Firecracker NEM. She has some amazing beaded pieces in her shop!

These earrings have colorful distressed hand painted wooden rectangles that just remind me of the Caribbean! They are designed by Kezzmit.

These earrings have colorful distressed hand painted wooden rectangles that just remind me of the Caribbean! They are designed by Kezzmit.

These earrings are so beautiful! And I just love the colors! These earrings are by Kadhi at KadhiBo.

These earrings are so beautiful! And I just love the colors! These earrings are by Kadhi at KadhiBo.

8. Fashionable Feathers

2012 was undeniably the year of the feather! I think my grandma even had a pair of real feather earrings last summer! I personally can’t get enough feathers! There was so much beautiful feather jewelry on etsy it was hard to chose just a few pieces! Oh and I even threw in a piece from my etsy store, Geisha Creations (shameless self-promotion!) If you want to experiment with some feather jewelry of your own, check out all these great feather beads and charms at Rings & Things.

These feather earrings are basically the coolest earrings ever! They are made from leather and dipped in gold. If you must have a pair, check out Sabrina Chin's shop, Love At First Blush.

These feather earrings are basically the coolest thing ever! They are made from leather and gilded with gold. If you must have a pair, check out Sabrina Chin’s shop, Love At First Blush.

This brass cuff bracelet is from my store, Geisha Creations. I made it using an acid etching technique.

This brass cuff bracelet is from my store, Geisha Creations. I made it using an acid etching technique.

This necklace by Jen Gers of Piece Lust features a pendant that frames a real peacock feather! How cool is that?

This necklace by Jen Gers of Piece Lust features a pendant that frames a real peacock feather! How cool is that?

When I found this feather ring I was so excited! This piece is by Betsy and Will of Betsy and Iya.

When I found this feather ring I was so excited! This piece is by Betsy and Will of Betsy and Iya. Check out their shop for some really unique items!

9. Kool Kyanite

I discovered Kyanite a few years back and loved it! It was always pretty hard to find though. Luckily, now that it is so popular, it is also easier to find. Kynanite is usually an icy blue, though sometimes it can be found in green or dark blue. I love all the kyanite jewelry I found below. Click here for the current selection of kyanite available at Rings & Things.

These kyanite earrings ear stung on guitar wire. I love the rustic feel of them. They can be found in Andi's etsy store, Alizarine

These kyanite earrings are strung on guitar wire. I love the rustic feel of them. They can be found in Andi’s etsy store, Alizarine.

These earrings combine green kyanite and silver. I love the wire wrapping! These are by Strawberry Fog. This shop has the best earrings!

These earrings combine green kyanite and silver. I love the wire wrapping! These are by Strawberry Frog. This shop has the best earrings!

This necklace features an amazingly blue piece of kyanite framed by intricate wire wire. This necklace can be found at Stephanie Taylor's etsy store, Peacock Blu Creations.

This necklace features an amazingly blue piece of kyanite framed by beautiful intricate wire wrapping. This necklace can be found at Stephanie Taylor’s etsy store, Peacock Blu Creations.

10. Back to the Future

I am secretly kind of a science fiction nerd, so I love futuristic jewelry. I think this trend will be even more mainstream in 2013, so keep your eye out for it this year. I am in love with all the designs I found below! Check out this link for a sparkly modern bracelet in our design gallery.

How fabulous is this modern bib necklace? It can be found in Nim's store, Lucky Twin.

How fabulous is this modern bib necklace? I love the geometric pattern! It can be found in Nim’s store, Lucky Twin.

These earrings are what I imagined earrings would look like in 2013, when I was in the 1980's! They are by Afua Kumasi of Afrique La Chic.

These earrings are what I imagined earrings would look like in 2013, when I was in the 1980’s! They are by Afua Kumasi of Afrique La Chic.

I love the modern look of spikes. These earrings are my Xappa of Xappaland.

I love the modern look of spikes. The design of these earrings is so balanced and unique. These earrings are Xappa of Xappaland.

11. Tassels are worth the hassle!

Tassels are a great way to add movement to your jewelry. I have always fashioned them myself by cutting segments of chain. If you want an easier way to incorporate tassels into your jewelry you can buy pre-made chain tassels at Rings & Things. Or you can just pick up one of these beautiful pieces below!

I love the combination of blue topaz and shiny gold in these dainty tassel earrings! You can find these earrings in the shop, Taylor Made Jewelry.

I love the combination of blue topaz and shiny gold in these dainty tassel earrings! You can find these earrings at Taylor Made Jewelry.

These earrings could have been featured in two categories! These tassel, shoulder duster earrings are such a statement! They are by urbaneARMOR.

These earrings could have been featured in two categories. These tassel, shoulder duster earrings are such a statement! They are by urbaneARMOR.

This beautiful necklace has a chain tassel on the front and a teal tassel on the back. Plus the wire work is just amazing! It can be found at the etsy store SabiKrabi.

This beautiful necklace has a chain tassel on the front and a teal tassel on the back. Plus the wire work is just amazing! It can be found at the etsy store SabiKrabi.

12. Keys

It is pretty safe to say that keys will always be in style, but in 2012 I started seeing them pop up in jewelry all over the place. I found some really unique pieces of key jewelry below. If you want to play around with some keys in your jewelry, you can also purchase a variety of key charms and crystals at Rings & Things .

This necklace is so fun! It has a cute skeleton key suspended in a small glass vial. This piece is by Mollie Valiente of Ethereal Girls. Her shop features tons of unique mixed media jewelry.

This necklace is so fun! It has a cute skeleton key suspended in a small glass vial. This piece is by Mollie of Ethereal Girls. Her shop features tons of unique mixed media jewelry.

There are so many great things about these earrings! I love how they are asymmetrical. I also adore the combination of the lion keys with the rustic copper connectors. These earrings can be found in Danielle's etsy store, Ferd & Bird.

There are so many great things about these earrings! I love how they are asymmetrical. I also adore the combination of the lion keys with the rustic copper connectors. These earrings can be found in Danielle’s etsy store, Ferd & Bird.

This bangle bracelet uses an old key as the clasp! So clever and unique! This bracelet can be found at Danielle R. Quigly's shop Danielle Rose Bean.

This bangle bracelet uses an old key as the clasp! So clever and unique! This bracelet can be found at Danielle R. Quigley’s shop Danielle Rose Bean.

Well that’s it for my favorite trends of 2012! Now to see what 2013 has in store! I hope I was able to inspire you to try out one of these trends, whether you choose to create a piece all your own, or purchase a handmade piece from one of these amazing artists. I hope that in 2013 I will be able to post lots of fun and informative jewelry blogs for you!

Signing off,

Tiffany White

Rings & Things Blog Contributor

Cleaning and Polishing

December 7, 2012

Hi, guest blogger Rita here, with some information on cleaning, polishing, and keeping your metal jewelry clean.

There are a variety of products out there for cleaning and polishing, and whether you are trying for a specific finish, or wanting to keep your jewelry creations pretty after sale, knowing what to use can be very confusing.

Continue Reading…

Trash to Treasure: Merging Creativity and Environmental Responsibility

November 21, 2012

 

Our new customer checkout stations. Made from recycled and re-purposed materials. There are five total, including one handicap accessible unit.

People often ask me what it is like to work for Rings & Things. The truth is, I love it. I was initially drawn to Rings & Things because being a jewelry-maker, it always seemed like working there I would literally be like “a kid in a candy store”. Quickly after being hired though, I discovered there was so much more to Rings & Things than just beads. They have to be one of the most creative, innovative and environmentally responsible companies around. One recent example of this mentality is these beautiful new additions to our Spokane, Washington showroom. These new customer checkout stations were made from recycled, re-used and re-purposed materials.

 

Rings & Things co-owner, Dee Mueller, working on one of the  mosaic portions of the new fixtures. The mosaics were created with scrap tile and broken beads.

 

Over the summer, we decided that the showroom was in desperate need of new customer checkout stations. While most business owners would order something new, Dee Mueller, co-owner of Rings & Things, decided she was gonna make something better than you could ever buy. Dee and her husband, Russ Nobbs, own Rings & Things, a company that just celebrated its 40th anniversary. Over the past 40 years, both Dee and Russ have made huge efforts to promote environmental responsibility in the Spokane area and to their employees. At our Spokane warehouse, everything in house is recycled (and I mean everything!), a bike is available for employees to travel green on their breaks, and there is even in-house composting. The compost is used by Russ and Dee in their garden, where they grow fresh produce to share with all their employees. Recently, Russ was inducted into the Washington State Recycling Hall of Fame for all of the contributions he has made to recycling in the Spokane area. He heads up recycling at several events here in Spokane as well as leads the recycling portion of an annual clean-up of our cherished Spokane river.

 

Russ Nobbs, in his signature tie dye shirt, at the annual Spokane River Clean-Up. Every year, Russ, Friends of the Falls, and a brigade of volunteers remove, sort and recycle three to ten TONS of garbage from the Spokane River gorge.

Russ Nobbs and Dee Mueller, husband and wife, and owners of Rings & Things.

 

The cabinets were a way for Dee to honor the efforts her husband has made over the years. Dee is an experienced cabinet maker and jeweler, so this was a fun opportunity for her to bring together her passions. Dee worked in her home garage and her shop at the warehouse to build these beautiful fixtures, which without a doubt took hours and hours to make.  She used scrap wood left by a neighbor to build the frames, found “seconds” counter tops at a local counter top fabricator, and got the side panels from the Habitat from Humanity store. Those are the functional elements. What is really fun about these portable checkout stations though is the decorative elements. Dee’s creativity really shines through here. She used scrap tile and broken beads to create beautiful mosaic strips on each unit. Each one is slightly different, though they are all unified by a similar color scheme and focal point. The focal on each cabinet is an inlaid carved stone Cicada, an exotic winged beetle like insect.

 

Mosaic detail on the front of one of the checkout stands featuring a carved stone Cicada, broken gemstone beads and freshwater pearls.

The front to another checkout stand. This also has a broken Chinese turquoise pendant.

The new stations are an amazing addition to our Showroom and are really a testimony to the philosophy of Rings & Things. It would have been easier to buy mass manufactured units, but Dee wanted something special, that would stand the test of time and be unique to Rings & Things.  For me, it is inspiring to see what beauty and functionality can be created from one man’s trash.  If we could all reuse, recycle and re-purpose just a little more, imagine the reduction in waste to our lovely Earth.

~~Tiffany White,   Rings & Things blogger

 

Co-owner of Rings & Things, standing behind one of her completed checkout stations.

 

Please feel free to ask any questions about the construction of these fixtures below in the comment section.  Click here to learn more about Russ Nobbs’ recycling efforts.

 

Modern Tassel Earrings Tutorial

November 1, 2012
Black tassel earrings - Tutorial

Modern and Edgy Gunmetal Tassel Earrings

Hello everyone! Tiffany here with a fun tutorial for you! With winter approaching, I find myself putting away my bright and airy spring and summer jewelry and replacing it with darker, fancier neutral pieces. I want jewelry that can easily go from the office to after work cocktails. Tassel earrings have always been a favorite of mine. I especially love the way tassel earrings move with you, catching the light. Recently, I have seen modern tassel earrings similar to these at high end department stores. Being a jewelry maker, I of course wanted to make my own version. Beading chain was the perfect material to make these earrings, because it really reflects the light. After a little trial and error, I have come up with a fairly easy way to re-create this designer look from home.

Supplies to make black tassel earrings

Everything needed to make these earrings. Look below for close-up photographs of all the items. Fun tip: I use dollar store sheet pans lined with bead mats to create all of my projects. They stack easily to neatly store all your on-going projects.

The supplies needed are the following:

Supplies to make chain tassel earrings: Beading chain, post earring findings, jump rings, ribbon crimp ends

I used gunmetal beading chain, jump rings and ribbon ends. For the post, I used white finished ones that I gave a patina with Novacan Black patina solution, so they would match better.

Tools and Supplies needed to create black chain tassel earrings

Tools and supplies needed to complete these. Pardon the condition of my E-6000, it has seen better days. Ruler, E-6000 adhesive, tape, chain nose pliers, and metal shears.

Step 1 - Black chain tassel earrings tutorial

Use your ruler to decide how long you want the tassels to be on your earrings. Note, that you will lose about 1/2 inch when trimming the tassels. I found 3 inches was the perfect length for me.

Step 2 - Black chain tassel earrings tutorial

Use your metal shears to cut the beading chain. Once you cut one, you can ditch the ruler for now and just measure each additional piece by holding it next to the first piece.

Step 3 - Black chain tassel earrings tutorial

Cut a total of 24 pieces of beading chain, 12 pieces for each earring.

Step 4 - Black chain tassel earrings tutorial

Line up twelve pieces of the beading chain.

Step 5 - Black chain tassel earrings tutorial

Use the edge of your ruler to tidy up the twelve pieces of beading chain. You want the pieces to be as flush as possible at the end, and snugly next to each other.

Step 6 - Black chain tassel earrings tutorial

Take a small piece (about an inch) of gift wrapping tape and gently place it on top of the beading chain ends. The tape is not what will ultimately hold the chain, it is just to hold it together so you can use adhesive.

Step 7 - Black chain tassel earrings tutorial

Wrap the tape around the ends, securing it by overlapping it once. Cut the excess tape and press closed.

Step 8 - Black chain tassel earrings tutorial

Use your metal shears to trim the ends of the tassel where the tape is. You want to leave only about 1-2mm of the taped section. Just enough to keep it held together. You don’t want any tape to show after you put the ribbon end on.

Step 9 - Black chain tassel earrings tutorial

Place a thin line of E-6000 glue across the top of the tassel. Make sure that there is some of the glue touching all the pieces of beading chain.

Step 10 - Black chain tassel earrings tutorial

Place the ribbon end over the end of the tassel, where the glue has just been placed. Make sure the ribbon end is centered over the tassel, then pinch it closed with your chain nose pliers. Do this carefully because if you clamp down too hard it can spread the beading chain out of line.

Step 11 - Black chain tassel earrings tutorial

Use your chain nose pliers to attach the post findings with a jump ring. You could of course also simply add french wires to the end of your ribbon ends. Let the earrings dry overnight to be safe before wearing them out.

Step 12 - Black chain tassel earrings tutorial

If needed, trim the bottom of the tassel earrings with your metal shears so all the ends make a straight line. Also hold the two earrings next to each other to make sure they are the same length and trim as necessary.

Step 13 - Black chain tassel earrings tutorial

The last step is to wear them and wait for the compliments! Seriously, these earrings get noticed!

Well, I hope you all enjoyed this tutorial! Please feel free to ask me any questions about how I made these!

Thanks!

TIffany

Gemstone and Leather Cuff Bracelet Tutorial

September 24, 2012

Gemstone & Leather Cuff Bracelet, simple & fun!

How many times do you open up a magazine and see photographs of adventurer type models wearing simple, but chic leather jewelry? I see it quite often when I’m thumbing through the usual magazines at check out while I’m shopping. It’s easy to see why these types of bracelets are oh, so trendy. They’re simple, stackable and easy to customize! Plus leather is pretty durable if you’re like me – a little too hard on your jewelry.

I’m going to show you just how easy it is to make this bracelet in a few photographs!

Continue Reading…

The Man Cuff: How to make a Manly Etched Metal and Leather Cuff

September 10, 2012

The Man Cuff. The perfect gift for that hard to shop for guy in your life!

As a jewelry maker, one of the most difficult things for me to do is make men’s jewelry. I think it is just my instinct to make things that are pretty and feminine. My husband has been begging me to make him a “cool” bracelet for years. I always kind of shrug off his request, but keep the idea simmering on the way back burner. Recently I began etching metal, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to finally make something masculine. Etching metal gives you the freedom to incorporate any design into your work, even manly ones.

For this bracelet, I am going to briefly show how to etch metal using ferric chloride acid. If you plan on etching metal, I highly recommend that you read through our metal etching blog and all the safety guidelines associated with etching metal.

You can also do this project by using metal stamps to create phrases or designs, if you are not ready to dive head first into etching.

Items needed to make this bracelet:

To start this project, first etch the metal piece that will be the center of the bracelet. The way that the etching process works, acid eats away at the metal where there is no ink. Therefore, you can stamp any image onto your brass or copper sheet metal, and any exposed metal will be etched. I have done a wood grain pattern for this bracelet, but any masculine image would work. It seems like images of fish, guns, tools, bicycles, or anything sports-related would work well, depending on the hobbies of the recipient.

Use permanent ink to put your desired image on the metal. Make sure your metal is clean and free of any oils or dirt before stamping. I like to use a kitchen scrubbie to make sure it’s really clean first.


I made six pieces at once, by stamping first with the rubber stamp, then outlining the areas with a permanent black marker. If you want to make just one piece I would aim for dimensions around 1 by 2 inches. Also, make sure to cover the back of the metal with permanent ink.


Place the metal on packing tape and float it in a bath of ferric chloride, just enough so all the metal is touching the liquid. Remember to use gloves, safety glasses and read through the safety guidelines first! For a detailed explanation of how to use this product please read our blog on etching and on safety considerations when etching.


After about 30 minutes in the solution, your design will be etched nicely into the metal. Use baking soda, a scrubbie and warm water to clean your metal in a plastic container. Make sure to wear gloves. You can keep the remaining acid to etch more metal later; the acid will etch 3 or 4 times (or even more! but it takes a bit longer each time you use it). When it has lost all etching power, it must be brought to a waste disposal facility. Do not throw it away with the garbage or down the drain! Do you really want to find out what happens to your house when you etch the pipes?


Cut your piece using metal shears (if you only made one piece, you could have done this step before etching) and file the edges smooth. The image won’t show up very well yet, but after it is darkened with patina it will be easy to see.


Blacken the metal by dabbing on a little Novacan Black patina solution. I usually just use a cotton ball or paper towel to apply it. Rinse the piece in water, and then use a fine sanding sponge or steel wool to remove the patina on the raised parts of the metal.


Use a metal hole punch to make four holes on the corners of the etched piece of metal.


Bend the metal using H. If you don’t have these pliers, you can get a curve by bending the metal over a can of soup. It doesn’t work quite as well, but it will get the job done.


Place your piece of metal over the leather bracelet cuff. Use a small pen or marker to mark where the holes are onto the leather.


Using the metal hole punch, punch holes into the leather where you marked it.


Use a
needle and thread to secure the metal to the leather. I like to use
Superlon thread and a Big Eye needle, since I can never thread a beading needle.


I secured the metal by going around 7 times and then tying the two threads together tight on the back of the bracelet. Cut the thread short and for extra security add a dab of glue onto the knot.


Completed Bracelet! These leather blanks are great because they have two size adjustments and come in a variety of colors.


The Man Cuff

Well I hope I have inspired you to make something masculine! But of course you can still make these girly if you want with flowers and unicorns. That is the beauty of etching! Feel free to ask me any questions you might have about what I have done here.

~~Tiffany

If you are loving this leather cuff, here are a few more free jewelry-making designs from the Rings & Things Design Gallery:

“Having a Ball Bracelet” created by Rings & Things designer Valorie Nygaard-Pouzar.

“Palomita Wrapped Leather Bracelet” created by Rings & Things designer Polly Nobbs-LaRue.

“Tough Girl Rhinestone Chain and Leather Bracelet” created by Rings & Things designer Rita Hutchinson.

DIY Project: Souvenir Penny Bracelet

August 13, 2012

Hello bloglandia! Tiffany here. I just recently returned from a fabulous week on the Oregon Coast with my family. While there, I succumbed to one of those touristy penny smashing machines. For some silly reason, I can never resist those machines! Perhaps they remind me of being a kid again and smashing pennies on the railroad tracks. Well anyway, upon my arrival home, I found myself with a pocketful of pennies stamped with fish and boat images. I was about to throw them into one of my many junk drawers to be lost forever when I had an epiphany! I thought to myself, aren’t you a jewelry maker? and couldn’t you possibly make something wearable with these souvenir pennies? Well, since the answer to both of these questions was yes, the Souvenir Penny Bracelet was born!

Everything needed to make the Souvenir Penny Bracelet. Look below for close-ups of all these items.

This bracelet is really easy to make. To get started you need the following items:

Smashed pennies, copper oval jump rings, and antique copper lobster clasp. When smashing the pennies, try to pick pennies that are older than 1981, because they are solid copper. The solid copper will take to the patina better.

Tools for making the bracelets. Chain nose pliers, bracelet shaping pliers, two-hole metal punch. The bracelet shaping pliers are optional, but they really create a great shape.

Renaissance Wax for sealing the copper. Polishing pads for buffing away patina. Liver of Sulfur for blackening the copper.

Now that you have all the tools and supplies, there are a few easy steps to follow.

1. Punch holes in the pennies.

Just twist the handle on the top of the punch to make the holes. There are two sizes, I prefer the smaller size.

2. Use the bracelet shaping pliers to bend the pennies into a curved shaped. This will help the pennies shape to your wrist better and give the bracelet a polished, professional look.

Simply place the pennies in the pliers and they will do the work for you! Sorry mine are kind of worn looking, I use them a lot!

Use the pliers to bend all the pennies. This will help them to lay better on your wrist!

3. Antique the pennies and jump rings. I like to use liver of sulfur, though there are several antiquing solutions that will work on copper.

Squeeze a small amount of Liver or Sulfur gel into a small container. I use a small glass bowl as my designated antiquing container.

Add warm water to the liver of sulfur gel and stir the mixture. It will stink like rotten eggs. Place your smashed pennies and copper jump rings in the solution. You may need to clean the surface of the pennies and jump rings with some fine grit steel wool. This will take off any oils, dirt, or coatings that will keep the patina from penetrating the copper.

After a little bath in the liver of sulfur, the pennies will turn black. You can see on the last penny, the difference a patina makes.

4. Buff and polish the pennies.

Use the steel wool first to remove the majority of the patina. Then use the polishing pads to make the copper shiny. The patina helps to make the images and lettering really stand out.

5. Seal the pennies with the Renaissance wax.

Rub a layer of wax on with either a paper towel or soft cloth. This will seal the patina, prevent further tarnishing and protect your skin from any possible reaction with the copper.

6. Assemble the bracelet.

Use the chain nose pliers to attach the pennies together with oval jump rings. In between two of the pennies add a lobster claw clasp. Remember to always open your jump rings by pulling them apart sideways.

7. Enjoy your new bracelet!

Now that your bracelet is all done, the only thing left to do is wear it and wait for the compliments!

Hopefully I have inspired you to make something fun with all your smashed souvenir pennies! Happy travels!

~~Tiffany

DIY Earring Cards that won't break the bank!

July 20, 2012

Whether you make jewelry as a hobby, to sell at craft fairs or to just give as gifts to friends and family, presentation is always an issue. You wouldn’t hang up a beautiful print on the wall without a proper frame. Well, the same goes with your jewelry. It is after all wearable artwork that you have created, and it should be presented in a pretty way! I decided to try and find some DIY earring card ideas that are cute, quick and inexpensive. That way you can spend more time making the jewelry, and less time (and money) worrying about how to display it.

For this project, there are are few basic supplies needed to get started. A paper cutter makes this process much easier and faster. You can find small affordable ones at any craft store. Also, a glue stick is great for layering paper, to make thicker cards. I just use a pushpin to make my holes on the cards, though craft stores will sometimes have paper punches available specifically for creating earring cards. I have tried them, but I still prefer my pushpin. The last two items I recommend are nylon or rubber earring stoppers, to keep your earrings on the cards, and adhesive clip cards, so you can hang the earrings on display racks. The rest of the items I used I found for less than $3 at my local mega store.

Basic supplies needed. Paper cutter, glue stick, pushpin, adhesive clip cards, and nylon earring backs

Close up of the earring clip cards. Sometimes,you may need to trim the bottom. This can be done easily: just trim them with scissors.

Close up of the nylon earring backs. There are a few different styles of these available, but I like the bell shape best.

NEW ~*~ NEW ~*~ NEW ~*~ NEW ~*~ NEW 

Since publishing this post in 2012, Rings & Things has introduces new earring-hole-punch tools.  Appropriately named, both punches make the hole-punching task “easy”!

Easy Earring Card Leverback Punch

Easy Earring Card Double Post Punch

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Okay, so now that the basics are covered, time to have fun! Check out all the affordable ideas I came up with below!

Playing Cards

52 cards for a few bucks! And they come in so many different designs!

The classic poker card transformed! Simply adhere the clips to the back so they can hang!

I particularly like these Japanese themed playing cards paired with the Buddha Heads Earrings!

Greeting Cards

All of these cards came from packages of six or more and were less than $3. A paper cutter can transform them into functioning earring cards in no time!

Use your glue stick to glue a second neutral piece of paper to the back, creating a border. The floral card was perfect for resin flower studs and I just love how the zebra print looks with the neon pink chalcedony!

Paint Chip Samples

These offer great pops of color! Coordinate your earrings to have matching colored cards!

Total cost for paint chips, Free! At least for now, though I am sure due to Pinterest, they are disappearing more quickly from the shelves, so don’t be surprised if they start charging for them soon!

Gift Bag Tags

I found a 6-pack of these blank floral gift bag tags for $1! Check the dollar bins at your store, you never know what you might find!

Book pages

Love this look! Cut the pages vertical or horizontal and use the glue stick to adhere them to thick white construction or scrap book paper. Great for vintage looking earrings!

Maps

Buy inexpensive road maps, adhere to thick white scrapbook paper. I love this one, because you can pick out your favorite cities or coordinate your jewelry with the maps. Pair beachy earrings with maps of Hawaii of Celtic Earrings with maps of Ireland!

Well I hope I have inspired everyone to make some pretty earring cards! Please feel free to ask me any questions and add any ideas that you have for creating funky earring cards! Look forward to more blog post to help you with displaying and packaging your jewelry!

~~Tiffany