You know how sometimes you go to the craft store with one project in mind and walk out with ingredients for a totally different one?
That's what happened here.
I had a bracelet idea for the February Pretty Palettes Challenge, but when I stumbled across these adjustable ring blanks (#10119986) from Bead Gallery at Michaels, I changed my mind. Rings are the perfect small project because unlike earrings there is no pressure to make a matched set: one and done!
I had no firm idea what kind of rings I'd end up making, but I knew I'd have fun figuring it out.
Three Ring Projects
Ring #1 (Polka Dot Statement Ring)
For my first attempt with the multiloop ring band, I used wrapped loop dangles, but I
didn't like how the beads flopped around. My second attempt (shown
here) used wire to weave pairs of beads through the multiple loops on
the ring band. The beads stay put with this method. The result is a whimsical statement ring with spiky
green polka dot glass beads (#10288466) and gold-colored craft wire.
Ring #2 (Romantic Steampunk Ring)
For this ring, I used the copper-plated wire coil
beads (#10464337) to fill in the open ring band on the side. (I was
careful not to wire wrap too far down the band, so the ring is still adjustable.) I
layered a couple of metal gears (#10322351) together and wrapped 4mm
pink cat's eye glass rounds (#10265297) around the edge. The spokes in the gears made wire wrapping especially easy. I glued the beaded focal
to the center of the ring band using E-6000 glue. If you prefer, you could wire wrap the focal to the ring blank. I love the unexpected use of pale pink combined with the edgy gears.
Ring #3 (Faux Druzy Ring)
This ring reminds me of Erin Prais-Hintz's original
inspirational astronomy photo. I used a brass jump ring as part of the
base to weave the faceted amethyst 3mm glass rounds (#10172502) to the front of the ring. The finished ring
has the look of a druzy, which is still a big trend for the spring. This one is my favorite.
Sometimes you need to just get out your beads and supplies and try a few different ideas before you get one that sings to you!
One More Project Idea
By the way, that multiloop ring blank is the same one that Molly Schaller used to make a bracelet (yes, a bracelet made with ring blanks!) in my book Unexpected Findings. If you're looking for another project that uses ring blanks, you'll want to check out her clever idea in the book. If you can't buy your own copy of the book, your local library may have one or may be able to borrow one for you.