Tag Archives: how-to

How To: Brass Bling Ring

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Materials:
Assortment of crystals and beads (as many as you desire)
6mm Blossom Bead Cap
64x21mm Diamond Trellis Filigree
2″ Head Pin (depending on the number of beads used)
4.75mm Jump Ring

Tools & Supplies:
Round nose plier
Chain Nose Plier
Side Cutter
Ring Mandrel

Other materials:
Freshwater pearls & Swarovski crystals (or the beads of your choice)

Instructions:

Step 1: Create your dangles.
A: String one 6mm round crystal onto a 2″ head pin.
B: String all of the remaining crystals and pearls onto individual head pins and form a wrapped loops.
C: Open the 4.75mm jump ring to string all of your crystals and pearls in your desired order. Close the ring to secure.
* Alternatively, you can string them onto wire and weave and wrap beads through the filigree. This skill is demonstrated in our Beaded Hoop Earrings Class.

Step 2: Create your ring base.
A: Use a ring mandrel to form the diamond trellis filigree to desired ring size by holding the center of the filigree to the mandrel and form the edges around using your fingers or chain nose pliers. Adjust the size by tightening or pulling open the back of the filigree.

Step 3: Assemble your ring.
A: Using chain nose pliers, pull each petal of the bead cap upward to create a flat daisy-like piece. Repeat for second bead cap.
B: String the 6mm round crystal on the 2″ head pin through the center of the jump ring that contains the dangles and then through the flattened bead cap.
C: While firmly holding all pieces together, thread the end of the 2″ head pin through an opening in the back of the filigree ring base.
D: String the second flattened bead cap through the head pin from the back of the filigree ring base.
E: Using round nose pliers, curl the tail of the head pin upward towards the top of the rin and wrap the excess wire around the filigree to secure.

Learn to Photograph Your Jewelry

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Jan
21
1:00 pm

Learn to Photograph Your Jewelry Workshop

Terri Swallow, author of Learn More Photo, will show how to photograph your jewelry using the Light shed kit with a regular point and shoot digital camera. She’ll show how the kit works and can be used at home without having to learn or buy a fancy camera. She will share tips and tricks to balance color and make your pieces sparkle. She’ll also cover some key techniques if you have one of those fancy cameras. Then, everyone will have the chance to either shoot their work (so bring your digital camera) or Terri will take some shots for you.

Bring two or three pieces you’d like to photograph as well as your digital camera. If you don’t have a camera, bring along a USB key so that you can take your pictures home with you.

This session runs 2 hours. We will supply busts, earring rings, etc.

Duration:
2 hours
Level:
All levels
Materials Fee:
None

$40.00

Class Registration Policy

Abeille reserves the right to cancel any class with insufficient enrollment. We will refund your registration fee if you are unable to attend a proposed make up date.

Store credit will be given for cancelations made at least 48 hours in advance of the start of a class, unless otherwise noted. All other cancelations or no-shows are nonrefundable.

Green Crafts: Decoupage Flower Pots

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Marie LeBaron outlines how to reuse tin cans to make the cutest flower pots. They can be decoupaged or painted. You can even take it one step further and waterproof them with resin. It’s a great project for all ages.

For more ideas, you can take a look at our “Green” series classes:

Jewelry Reinvented
Embellished T-shirts
Resin Bottle Caps
Bangles and Charms

You can also make your own gift bags with recycled newspapers. Check out this great tutorial by Jessica Jones of the “How about Orange” blog.

How To: Open or Close a Jump Ring

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Opening and closing a jump ring properly can make all the difference in the world!

To open a jump ring properly, hold either side of the jump ring in a pair of flat-nose pliers. Then simply turn one of your wrists so the jump ring rotates on the point opposite the split. Just twist until there is a small gap. Do not try to uncoil the jump ring as it can weaken the jump ring and makes it difficult to close.

To close a jump ring properly, again grab either side of the jump ring with a pair of pliers. Then turn your wrist in the reverse direction from opening so the jump ring rotates shut. Do not try to squeeze the jump ring shut or to coil it back into place, as neither of these techniques will result in as tight or symmetrical a close.

Not interested in using a clasp? Then try using a slip knot on leather or cord.

How To: Tag Necklace

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Create custom gift tags that can be easily turned into a beautiful necklace using chain, a silk ribbon or leather.

Materials:
Metal Blank
Embossing ink
Embossing powders
Decorative Rubber stamp of your choice
Paint or Marker

Tools:
Letter Stamp Set
House-hold hammer
Chain nose pliers
Cutters

How To:
1. Clean surface of the metal blank
2. Tape metal blank down to bench block or wood. Imprint name with a Letter Stamp Set available at Abeille (you can line up the letters in a straight line using a piece of masking tape.)
3. Apply black paint or colored Copic marker to the letters and remove excess paint with a paper towel.
4. Wipe edges of the blank clean to prepare surface for embossing powders.
5. Apply clear embossing ink to a decorative rubber stamp and randomly stamp onto the blank.
6. Cover the surface of the blank with embossing powder.
7. Shake off the excess powder revealing the pattern.
8. Use an embossing gun (or hair dyer with defuser) to heat the powder. Let cool for 5 minutes.
9. Once cool, add a jump ring, chain and any embellishments to create a versatile gift tag/pendant.

Need Help Selecting Wire?

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The question of the month has been how to select wire and which gauge wire to use for each project. Here is some information to help you make your selections:

German Bead Wire: It’s inexpensive and easy to use. It great for beginners and those practicing new techniques.
Non Tarnish Craft Wire: Great for all levels and can be used for many types of projects. It’s inexpensive, durable and comes in lots of bold colors, in addition, to the standard, silver, gold, copper and bronze.
Precious Metal Wire: Sterling Silver or Gold Filled: Great for lasting and luxurious gifts. We recommend that you don’t mix metals so if you choose to use sterling ear wires, then wrap your pieces with Sterling wire to have a 100% sterling piece. When working with semiprecious stones, I always use precious metal wire.
Tip: To save a bit of money, purchase deadsoft wire and work-harden it as needed. Also, consider buying only what you need. You can typically purchase by the spool, the foot or inch.

Unlike beading wire which is measured by diameter, wire is measured in gauge. The higher the number, the thinner the wire. The same goes for sheets of metal. Below are some project guidelines:

18 – 20 gauge: findings
20 – 22 gauge: earwires, headpins, eyepins, linking
24+ gauge: wrapping and knitting. We knit using wire as small as 30 gauge.

For more information on using wire, check out one of our wire working classes. As always, you are welcome to stop in with any questions or join one of our meetup groups. Enjoy working with wire.