Hot Jewelry How-Tos

How To: Open and close a jump ring with chain-nosed pliers

Jump rings serve a variety of purposes in jewelry making, the most common of which is connecting adjoining sections of a necklace, bracelet, or earring. If you would like to integrate jump rings into your jewelry crafting then check out this video to learn how to open and close a jump ring using two pairs of chain-nosed pliers.

How To: Make an easy looped headpin for jewelry making

What exactly is a head pin? In jewelry crafting, a head pin is the small wire loop on top of a bead that allows the bead to be attached to a necklace or an earring. If you're looking to get into making your own jewelry, then creating a headpin is one of the most basic skills you'll utilize for the rest of your career.

How To: Attach a pendant to an earring hook easily

What is the absolute, most basic thing you need to know in order to asemble an earring? Attaching the earring to its earring hook, of course. By learning how to do this, you'll be able to create a neverending host of funky earrings, from cool guitar pick earrings to drop pendant earrings.

How To: Make fashionable chunky glass pearl drop earrings

We've always had the impression that the only women who wear pearls are those who also own McMansions and tie cable knit sweaters around their shoulders at yacht club soirees. But now that we've seen this jewelry craft - a pair of chunky blue green glass pearl earrings - we're taking a second glance at these pearl things.

How To: Solder jump rings for an extra security jewelry closure

The difference between an amateur piece of jewelry and a professional one often lies in the details. Almost anyone can link chains together into a necklace and add small floral baubles, but the professional will take care to make sure the baubles are attached almost imperceptibly and the closure blends in with the rest of the necklace and also won't budge.

How To: Wire wrap a head pin loop

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to wire wrap a head pin loop. Begin by placing the bead on the head pin, or on a 5 inch piece of wire. Then make a bend on the head pin approximately 1/8 inches above the bead to a 90 degree angle. Now wrap the pin around the jaw of the pliers, pulling it slightly to one side. Holding the bead and wire, rotate the pliers back to form a loop. Finish by wrapping the tail of the wire around the exposed part of the headpin as many times as possible. This ...

How To: Knot pearl beads

This video tutorial is in the Arts & Crafts category where you will learn how to knot pearl beads from Brenda. Pearl knotting is making a simple knot between each pearl on a strand. They not only give a professional look, they also keep the pearls in place and prevent them from rubbing against each other. After you have strung the clamp to the end of the string, tie a double over head knot and string your first pearl. Make a simple knot on the string behind the pearl. Grab the string with a t...

How To: Apply a crimp bead cover

This video tutorial belongs to the Arts & Crafts category in which Maricela is going to show you how to apply a crimp bead cover. First take a crimp bead cover. Now slide it over the crimp bead through the open jaw. Next take your crimp forming tool and applying a slight pressure to close the crimp bead cover around the crimp bead. If too much pressure is not applied, the crimp bead cover will close evenly around the crimp bead and the effect will be that of a seamless round bead. And that's ...

How To: Make an ear wire earring hook

In order to make a hook for an earring, you will need the following: round nose pliers, a wire cutter, a nail file or sand paper, an ink pen, 20-22 gauge wire. With your round nose pliers, make little hook, in the end of the wire. Bend it, until it makes a little loop.

How To: Make a mosaic picture framer with ceramic micro tiles

In this video, we learn how to make a mosaic picture frame with ceramic micro tiles. First, glue on the four gemstones. These will go on all four corners of the frame. Next, place the square mosaics onto the base. You will place these around the edges of the frame that are perfectly square. After this, cut the other squares in half and glue them onto the entire frame in the middle of the squares on the frame. Next, let the frame dry for two hours, then mix the powder together with water and r...

How To: Make a Mediterranean blue bracelet

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to make a Mediterranean blue bracelet. The materials required for this project are: memory wire, Mediterranean Czech glass bead mix, 4mm sea side mix Czech fire polish round beads, wire cutter, super glue, bead stopper and 2 3mm memory wire end caps. Begin by cutting 3 1/2 clamps of wire and glue one memory wire end cap to the end of the wire. Then string the beads. Users may decide to make a repetitive pattern with the beads or randomly string the be...

How To: Make a twisted necklace

In this video, we learn how to make a twisted necklace. First, you will need to grab the cord you want for your bracelet and cut it double to the length you would normally use. Now, measure the cord in half, then start twisting the two together until you reach the end. You can do this with several cords if you would like a more unique necklace. After this, tie the ends and then loosen them up. Next, start to twist the necklace together again, then you can add your jumper bead into the necklac...

How To: Make a mosaic frog for your garden

In this tutorial, we learn how to make a mosaic frog for your garden. Start by painting white glue over the eye sockets where the eyeballs will be placed. After you place the eyes on, brush on glue to all surface areas and start to place the mosaic on the glue. Follow directions that are given to you for the patterns so you know where to place each tile. You must cut the corner pieces so they fit in correctly. After two hours of drying time, you will rub a powdered solution all over the frog,...

How To: Use cones when jewelry making

In this video, we learn how to use cones when jewelry making with Christina. First, take a half inch hard wire with a looped end and use a pair of pliers to open up the loop slightly. Next, take your strands of beads and place them onto the loop. After this, close the loop making sure it's secure and the beads won't fall off. Then, take the cone and insert the wire through the wide end and pull it through the narrow end. Using your fingers, bend the wire to a ninety degree angle, then trim of...

How To: Make a mosaic jewelry ring

In this video, we learn how to make a mosaic jewelry ring. First, put the glue into a container, then place the stones into the glue and then place them onto the ring. Start by making the outer ring of the circle, then continue to go around the inside and the middle. Once you have all the stones placed inside, let the ring and stones dry for a full two hours. Next, take your powder and add a small amount of water. Mix together until you have a toothpaste like consistency, then rub it on the r...

How To: Use a head pin while making earrings

In this video, we learn how to use a head pin while making earrings. Start off by grabbing a 1" long headpin and feed a bead through it until it reaches the other end of the pin. Now, decide how you want to close the loop. The first way to close it is to make a single loop by using pliers and making a 45 degree bend. Cut off any excess wire with wire cutters. The next way to do this is to wind the excess wire around the base until it comes to the bottom of the bead. This is visually appealing...

How To: Make a simple friendship bracelet

In this tutorial, we learn how to make a simple friendship bracelet. First choose three colors and then cut two strands of each 3 ft long. After this, tape the strings together at the end and tie a knot. After this, start to tie the strings, one underneath each other. Make sure after you do each color, you pull on the string tightly. As soon as you finish wit all the colors of the bracelet, continue to the bottom of the bracelet and tie it at the end. When you are ready to wear it, tie it aro...

How To: Make a snowflake with beads

In this tutorial, we learn how to make a snowflake with beads. You will need: clear crystals, beads, and thread. First, string six beads onto the thread. After this, string a crystal next to the beads. Now, tie this and start to repeat the process on the left side of the beads. Continue to do this process until you have created a shape that looks like a snowflake. You can do as many or as few of these as you would like. This creates a beautiful necklace, or you can use it as a bracelet if you...

How To: Make a floating flower, Swarovski crystal toe ring

Kameron Kay teaches us how to make a floating flower crystal toe ring in this tutorial. You will need: stretch cord, large crimp bead, flat nosed pliers, flat backed crystal flower, glue, and small scissors to make this. First, cut out your chord to the exact size that you need. After this, use glue to attack the ring into the middle of the string. Place a crimp bead on the bottom to help the bead stay in place, then glue these together as well. Next, tie this together and attach an end to th...

How To: Make a two-knot friendship bracelet

In order to make a 2 knot friendship bracelet, you need to anchor about 10 strands of yarn. Separate out 2 strands. Then, one by one, make a simple knot using the remaining strands. The knot is similar to the way you would tie your shoes. Simply, interlace them. Tie it first to the one nearest it. Then, tie it to the next one. Then set it aside. Continue working your way through, until each thread has made a knot in each of the two strands. Make sure that you tie each knot neatly. They will b...

How To: Make a pendant and adjustable cord necklace

In this tutorial, we learn how to make a pendant and adjustable cord necklace. First, grab your pendant and guide a small metal ball onto the bottom of it with a needle. Next, place a spacer through the top and another ball on the top of that. Now, take your pliers to bend the needle to keep the balls in the same place. Keep twist it until you make a loop shape with it. Now, place a string into the loop and then make a knot with the two ends of the string. This will now become your necklace a...

How To: Make a beaded ring using a daisy chain variation technique

In this tutorial, we learn how to make a daisy variation beaded ring. First, thread your needle with 1 yard of fire line. After this, string eight of the 4mm beads onto the thread. Tie these into a loop, then thread the 8mm bead down to the loop and run the needle through the fourth crystal and the 8mm will rest in the middle. Now, add on your petals by adding three seed beads and a 4mm bead, running it through the previous loop. Do this again on both sides and repeat the process. To finish, ...

How To: Fold a ring out of a one dollar bill

In this video, we learn how to fold a ring out of a one dollar bill. First, fold the white edges in at the top and the bottom. Next, fold it in half and then spin it around 180 degrees. Next, fold it in half again, then take the white edge on the right side and fold it down until you can see the 1. now, make a backwards "L" shape and fold it back down, then curl it up. Now fold the L underneath and curl the extra part underneath the 1. Now, place this on your hand and you can wear it as a ring!

How To: Make friendship bracelets adjustable

In this video, we learn how to make friendship bracelets adjustable. First, tape both sides of your bracelet onto a flat surface. After this, bring both ends into a circle shape at the ends. Now, take any color of string and make a loop with it over the ends of the bracelet. Now, put one end over the other and then put it through the bracelets and into the loop. Then, pull the end of the thread and put the bottom over and under the top piece. Then, put it through the bracelet and tighten it. ...

How To: Make a "glue in & glaze" jewelry ring

In this tutorial, we learn how to make a glue in and glaze jewelry ring. First, grab a blank ring that has a spot on the top to place a picture. It can have a jewel on it, just pop the jewel out. After this, choose an image from collage art papers, then cut it out. When done with this, place the image inside of the top of the ring and push it down with pliers. After this, place a clothing pin around the ring bottom to hold it in place, then grab you DG3 gel and add it to the top of the image....

How To: Mak a vertical-striped bracelet cuff out of beads

In this video, we learn how to make a vertical striped bracelet cuff out of beads. Start with a long piece of string and string on your beads until you have a length that fits well around your wrist. After this, tie the ends together and cut the tails off the excess string on the short side. now, start to thread through new beads around the entire bracelet. At the end of every few rows, tie it to keep it tight at the end. When you are finished, tie the string and make a knot, then cut off any...

How To: Use a big eye needle when jewelry making

In this video, we learn how to use a big eye needle when making jewelry. This is a great tool when using stripping material. The needle is made of the eye and will work with ribbon or thread. First, open the eye of the needle, then thread the material through the opening of the hole. Next, string your beads over the point of the needle and then onto the material. Continue to do this for all the different beads you want to add, then your bracelet will be complete in a few short minutes. This m...