DIY Masculine Lanyard Necklace

December 13, 2019

When I think about “Men’s jewelry”, bolo ties, belt buckles, cuff links, and tie clips come to mind (plus heavy gold-chain necklaces ala 1980’s Mr T). But what makes a piece of jewelry masculine? The key to making masculine jewelry is using masculine supplies and keeping it simple. Combine strong leather or waxed cotton cord with bone beads, metal beads, or glass trade beads and then add bold focal pendant. It is also a benefit if the jewelry has a utilitarian purpose.

Here is my version of “men’s jewelry” –an adjustable lanyard necklace made with guy supplies; it can be used to hold a decorative pendant or be more utilitarian as a key holder. Follow these steps to make your own:

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Upcycling Bottle Caps into Refrigerator Magnets

November 26, 2019

If your celebrations with family and friends include bottled beverages, don’t throw out the bottle caps. Craft beer and craft soda pop have bottle caps that are little works of art, and with just a few supplies you can turn them into magnets. Just follow these instructions.

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Jewelry Making Tutorial November Topaz

November 19, 2019

Swarovski topaz crystals are the perfect shade of rich golden yellow for classic November birthstone jewelry. Paired with the warmth of gold-filled findings, topaz is the perfect celebration of Autumn colors. And whether you are born in November, or just a lover of all things golden, this earring project is perfect for you.

Follow these instructions to make your own pair of “Tic-Tac-Toe” Earrings:

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Jewelry DIY – How to make “Threader” Earrings

October 18, 2019

These sweet, petite earrings feature Rings & Things ear threads and 3mm Swarovski crystal XILION bicone beads. The featured jewelry is the perfect color for October. But don’t be limited to our pink color choice–there are dozens (and dozens) of colors to choose from–so why not make a rainbow of earrings?

*Makers Note: Sadly, in 2021 Swarovski left the DIY Market and no longer sells their crystal beads and elements to the general public. But not to worry, Rings & Things now sells sparkly Preciosa Crystals and their 4mm or 6mm bicone beads will work great for this project (just use fewer beads)! You can shop for Preciosa Crystals here:

https://www.rings-things.com/crystal/preciosa-bicone-rondelle-beads

Swarovski 5328 Beads Color and Shape Chart Sample Card

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September Sapphire

September 20, 2019

Sapphire and sterling silver are a perfect combination. This September birthstone pairing features mini-sized Swarovski crystal briolette pendants, small sterling-silver crescent-moon connector charms and petite sterling silver earwires. This design is also easily adaptable for use with any birthstone color (or just your favorite color).

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How to Make Spiral Head Pins

August 23, 2019

Head pins are a jewelry-making staple. But in many cases, though they are necessary, they don’t add much in design value to a jewelry piece. Rings & Things offers several styles of ready-made head pins. And yes, some of the head pins Rings & Things carries are rather fancy, but not what I had in mind for a simple mixed-metal pair of earrings I was making. I needed something dramatic to combine with my favorite primitive India metal beads and a spiral shape seemed like the perfect thing. So, not having ready-made spiral head pins available, I set out to make some. (And you can too!)

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Jewelry-Making DIY: Sliding Knot Necklace Cord

August 16, 2019

A jewelry cord with a sliding knot closure is perfect for finishing casual necklaces and bracelets and offers many advantages. Cord coordinates with a variety of materials: gemstone, crystal, stamped metal blanks, wood and bone, mirage beads, metal charms, and enamel work. Inch-for-inch, jewelry cord is one of the most affordable finishes for pendants, beads, and charms. Sliding knot closures are adjustable in length, so one size fits all. And maybe most importantly, it is a metal-free finishing method (think allergy-free for sensitive skin).

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How to Make an Adjustable Necklace Extender

July 26, 2019

There is no perfect necklace length. A desirable necklace length can depend on many factors–the wearer’s neck size, the preferred necklace length, a shirt’s neckline, and/or the staggered layering of multiple necklaces. An adjustable necklace extender allows you to vary your necklace’s length. This is an accessory you can make yourself and customize to perfectly match your existing necklaces. Here are step-by-step instructions to make your own necklace extender:

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