Tips

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Posted on Mar 16, 2010

By lola_D

For smaller size rings you can use 20 gauge wire. I would caution against using 20 g for rings larger than a size 8. 20 gauge tends to warp much more easily. With a smaller 20 gauge wire, I would also start almost 2 sizes larger than the intended ring. I started the Azure Monarch on an 8 and it ended up a snug 6 3/4 .

Go To "Royal Treasures Series: Boleyn RIng"

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Posted on Mar 14, 2010

I found this fantastic tip today, and I hope I am allowed to post the link/URL
It's really useful!

Make 'templates' for eye pins / simple loops and stop guessing or eyeballing when making them

http://www.conniefox.com/Education/Tutorials/WireTips.htm

It's so simple that I wondered why I didn't have that idea...


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Posted on Mar 12, 2010

By lola_D

Try a double coil around the frame.

Try mixing metals and colors. For example make a long coil bead from copper and gold. Add to the frame.

Go To "50% off President's Day SALE- Oval Units Tutorial"

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Posted on Mar 10, 2010

You can completely change the look of this vase by varying the beads that you add.

For sophisticated elegance add just silver beads, for a statement piece add just one colour or for a colour explosion add two contrasting colours. The effects are quite different.

Go To "Aquarius Vase"

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Posted on Mar 06, 2010

I get my buttons for this particular bracelet from Tandy Leather (The Leather Factory). They have an online catalog and many styles to choose from.

Go To "Peyote Stitch - Celtic Knotwork Bracelet"

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Posted on Mar 06, 2010

Using a magnetic board for counted cross stitch can make reading a Peyote Stitch Graph much easier. They are available from most large crafts stores. Try Joanne Fabrics or Hobby Lobby.

You can also find them online here:
http://yarntree.com/cross-stitch/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=481

Go To "Peyote Stitch - Celtic Knotwork Bracelet"

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Posted on Mar 04, 2010

For this method, you need a plain, unwound steel, guitar or piano string that will fit in a wire gauge at 25g - in guitar strings, that corresponds to a .017 or .018 string. Most of the time those strings are tuned to G on a guitar.
If you aren't near a music store, then here is one place you can get these - the D'Addario musical string site:
http://store.daddario.com/category/152831/Plain_Steel_Singles

look for strings labeled 'plain steel singles' with the numbers 017 or 018 attached to them. Should only cost about a dollar apiece.

I hope this clarifies things.

Perri
Shaktipaj Designs

Go To "Coiling with a Drill"

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Posted on Mar 03, 2010

The hardware store is a treasure trove for jewelry makers - especially when it comes to mandrels, finishing, and polishing tools.
If all you need is a few different rings sizes, or an unusual one, but an inexpensive socket wrench set. The sockets correspond to ring sizes and act like a ring step mandrel. When hammering, just avoid the area that has the stamped size.

Perri

Go To "Mandrels"