Flower Wire Wrapped Gemstone Ring

Ring around the Collar

I warned you that I really like to make wire rings, right?  And hopefully, you've also determined that I like flower motifs?

So, today's project shouldn't be much of a surprise.

Yes, it's another variation of the wire wrap briolette ring I made earlier in the week - with a bead surround to make it like a flower.

And I've got to say, I'm liking it.

Elegant Wire Wrapped Ring with Gemstone Briolette Bead

Ring Me Up

Making another wire wrap ring is on the agenda today.  This has to be one of the simplest wire wrap ring designs, but with the right beads, it always looks great.

Here's a link to a well done free tutorial at Lytha Studios. (no need for me to re-create it here).

The reason I'm posting this today is because  the last picture on the tutorial has always inspired me.  Most of the rings in the tutorial are pretty standard stuff - 8mm faceted crystal, 8mm round pearl, a nice flat faceted crystal - hmm, another unique idea - but the last picture of the onion briolette got me.  What an elegant little ring!

So, I had to find a similar stone and try it out.

Wire Wrap Swirl Ring with Loop for Bead Dangles, DIY Jewelry Making

One ringy dingy. Ah, two ringy dingies

Yesterday, I posted instructions on how to make a simple ring with a bead dangle.  They're super easy to make and are great stacking rings.

But, with just a few more twists of the pliers, you can make it into a more substantial ring.  

Make a Wire Wrap Stacking Ring with Bead Dangles

Put a ring on it

I love rings.

My jewelry blogging life didn't start here at Lisa Yang Jewelry, it started at Make Wire Rings - where I still have many design ideas for wire rings.

Today's rings were inspired by this picture on Pinterest.

It's a simple wire ring with a turquoise bead dangle.  The link to Etsy no longer works, but I still admire the simplicity and versatility of the ring.

Here's my version with a pink freshwater pearl.

And another version with a turquoise star bead dangle.  When I made this ring, I was learning to solder and make stacking rings, so my first attempt at a dangle ring was soldered.

Both are easy to make, but today I'll show you how to make the wire wrapped version.

Easy To Make Button Clasp Focal, DIY

Don't push my buttons

I don't often use buttons in my jewelry.  Not because I don't have any.  

Of course, I have jars of them - vintage and new. 

 

I've always thought I might use them as molds, or stamps, or closures on leather bracelets.

Today, I finally used one to design a simple clasp and focal.

The button is nothing fancy - from Joann Fabric and Craft Store.  They cost $2.50 for two one inch buttons or the same price for one 1 1/2 inch button - and that's without the 40% coupon they always offer.

I wanted to make a clasp that can be used as a focal, so I didn't want it's function as a clasp to be obvious.  Here's what I came up with.

Easy to Make Wire Framed Bead Dangles, Free Step by Step, DIY

I was framed

This is another technique that I use to make bead dangles when I either can't find the headpins or want something that has a little more pizzazz.

In a previous post, I shared the technique I use to create the green bead dangle without headpins.  It's hard to see from the picture below, but the wrap goes on one side of the bead giving an asymmetric look or the ability to hide the wrap on the back side of a piece.

This technique is a variation and results in a fully framed bead dangle.  It's perfect for earrings, drops on bracelets, simple pendants or inc - depending on the bead you choose.

I find this technique works best for round, faceted, rondelle and drop beads - but if you have a tight wrap technique, it can work for flat, pillow or oddly shaped nuggets too.  It just has to hold the bead snugly and prevent it from turning inside the frame.

Wire Wrapped Dangles Without Using Headpins

Put down the head pin.  It doesn't have to end that way.  Here's another option to add bead dangles to your wire jewelry when you don't have a headpin available or when you want to use a scrap piece of wire. As a bonus, it's more decorative in your jewelry design than a head pin too!

Headpins are a jewelry making staple that can be found anywhere beads need a place to rest.

Like most jewelry makers, I use lots of head pins, always have and always will.  But, if I don't have one handy, it will never stop me from getting the dangle made.  There are so many other options!

This weekend I didn't have any headpins while I was making these long rosary wrapped earrings. Instead, I used the same wire as the rest of the loops and let the wire take a lap up around the bead to make one more wrap.

Here's the step by step:

Make Long Dangle Earrings in Under 30 Minutes

It's Almost Show Time!!

Holidays are the time of year for craftspeople like me.  

We work all year long coming up with new designs and honing our techniques just so we can be paralyzed with fear and stress over not having enough jewelry to sell at holiday boutiques or shows.

And then there's the gifts!  

If you're just getting started making jewelry, of course, you want to show off your skills and give a few handmade sparklies to friends and family.  Guess what? - they will love them and want more every year.  That's great, but refer to paragraph one and add that to your holiday stress-list.

Take a Deep Breath

No worries though - just have a strategy.  I always try to have some jewelry styles that are relatively quick to make, inexpensive, but perfect for holiday wear.  

These long dangle earrings can all be made in less than 30 minutes, use materials that you probably