Bling Ring Tutorial and Giveaway

When I first started making jewelry, it was all about crocheting with wire and beads.  Shortly thereafter, I learned how to string bracelets and wire wrap earrings.  But it was the very first set of "bling rings" I made for friends for their Oscar party swag bags that turned out to be the biggest hit among my family and friends. 

 

So I started making more, in various shapes and sizes.

 

 

 

 

I hadn't made any rings for quite some time; that is until I noticed that Halcraft had some incredibly awesome slider components in the Bead Gallery section at Michael's ... statement ring awesomeness that quickly reignited my ring-making passion.

 

 

Behold just a small sampling of my current addiction:

 

 

I had more, but they were either hijacked by friends or given as gifts.  I can't tell you how much I love making and wearing these rings!

 

I also can't tell you how long I've been wanting to do a tutorial on my blog, so I'm thinking my bling rings would make a perfect tutorial debut.

 

Fingers crossed that I do this properly ...

 

Supplies:

 

Halcraft Slider Components from Michael's (or any other slider component(s) of your choosing)

Strong Elastic Cording (I use Stretch Magic .5 mm)

Size 11 Metal Seed Beads (I used gunmetal for the ring below)

Clear, Fast Drying Nail Polish

Sharp, Tiny Scissors

Ring Mandrel or Ring Sizing Guide

Bead Stopper

 

Instructions:

 

#1 -- Cut two 9-inch lengths of elastic cording.  Tie one-third of the length into a slip knot and secure with a bead stopper. 

#2 -- String one size 11 seed bead on one elastic length.

 

#3 -- Run the other elastic length through the same bead in the opposite direction.

 

#4 -- Pull both ends of elastic until bead sits up against the previously slip-knotted end.

 

#5 -- String one seed bead onto each elastic length.

 

#6 -- Repeat steps 2 and 3. Pull both ends of elastic until bead sits up against the two beads added in step 5 .

 

#7 -- Repeat steps 5 and 6 until you have reached the desired length (use your finger, a mandrel and/or a ring sizing template as your guide, keeping in mind the additional length the slider component will add, as well as the extra beads that will be added in this step and in step 11 below).  String three seed beads onto each elastic length. 

#8 -- Run both elastic lengths through one end of the slider component as shown below.  String four additional seed beads onto one of the elastic lengths. 

#9 -- Tie both of these elastic lengths together and knot several times.  Secure the knot with nail polish and let dry.

 

#10 -- Remove bead stopper and untie slip knot from the other end. 

 

#11 -- String three seed beads onto each elastic length, wrap beaded band around front of the ring focal ...

 

 

... and run both elastic lengths through the other end of the slider component as shown below. 

 

 

#12 -- String four additional seed beads onto one of the elastic lengths (as in step 8) and tie both of these elastic lengths together and knot several times. Secure the knot with nail polish and let dry.

#13 -- When the nail polish is completely dry, trim ends as close to knot as possible.  Add another coat of nail polish to knot and let dry.

 

 

#14 -- Flip band around to back side of ring focal. Slip onto finger and enjoy!

 

If you have any questions on this tutorial, or if I missed a pertinent piece of information, please let me know!  In the meantime, I'd love to have a little bling ring giveaway!

To win the above "Downton Abbey" inspired ring -- made to order just for you -- please leave a comment below.  For an extra chance to win, become a follower of my blog.  If you already follow my blog, please let me know in the comments.  I will pick a random winner on Sunday, March 24th.

{The giveaway is now closed -- Congratulations Zan Caperton!}

Thank so much for stopping by today ... I really appreciate your being here and hope you enjoyed my very first tutorial! =)