Specialty Techniques
Do you ever find yourself inspired by jewelry pieces that you see in boutiques or galleries, and wonder if you can duplicate items by learning a new technique? The answer is yes – you can! Introductions to techniques that are trending at the moment are listed below – peruse all of the possibilities that are at your fingertips!
Cage Pendants
Cage pendants are a fantastic way to turn your favorite sentimental stone or random bauble into a beautiful jewelry focal point. We all seem to have endless items floating in jewelry boxes and random storage areas that could be showcased in such a way. A great way to get started on this project is to visit the tutorial on Cage Pendants created by Studio Heath Jewelry.
Knotting
Knotting is a unique method of stringing beads and charms together on a strand. This method is both practical and beautiful, as it minimized bead slippage and adds detail between the beads, as opposed to the beads being strung together side by side. Knotting has most often been seen with pearls, but is becoming more popular with other materials, as well. A great way to get started on this project is to visit the Knotting Tutorial on Firemountaingems.com.
Metal Working
A large variety of metal jewelry techniques are accessible and easy for individuals to make at home. A couple of fun and popular metal jewelry techniques are metal stamping and metal clay designs. Get started on metal stamping by visiting the following Metal Stamping Tutorial from Beaducation.com. Should you be interested in creating metal clay designs, visit the Metal Clay Tutorial found on Firemountaingems.com.
Patera
Patera is a jewelry technique that features an image, paper piece or item of your choosing in a metal frame that can be hung from a necklace or bracelet. Patera metal findings come in many metal shades, shapes and designs. The item to be framed in the metal finding is glued and sealed into place with a glaze. This is a very easy project to do at home in a short period of time – just wait for the glaze to cure, and you have an item that is ready to wear! Get started on the patera technique by visiting the Patera Tutorial by Nunn Design.
Patina
Patina is a color effect on metals, giving a look of antiquing and age, adding a vintage or rustic effect to your jewelry pieces. Metals featuring patina finish look beautiful paired with beads and semi precious stones. The patina effect is easily done with a chemical solution. Get started on the patina technique by visiting the Copper and Brass Patina tutorial from Jewels-by-Jules.
Glass Tile and Resin
Glass tile pendants are another way to personalize a jewelry piece for yourself or others.
These pendants consist of an image being glued to the back side of a clear glass tile. Glass tiles can be purchased, along with a bail to attach to the glass pendant (for hanging from earrings, necklaces, etc.) through a variety of online retailers and craft stores. Get started on this resin technique by visiting the Glass Tile Graphic Pendant & Ring Tutorial by John W. Golden.
Reuse/Repurpose
As you visit boutiques and stores, more and more focus in jewelry and accessories is placed on the concept of reuse and repurposing. Simply said, one can make jewelry out of items that aren’t typically featured in jewelry pieces; items such as feathers, buttons, glass and pottery shards, aluminum can pieces, rope, old jewelry pieces and bottle caps are becoming prevalent parts of jewelry. Take a look around you at items that are beautiful in your eyes – is there a way that you could incorporate them into jewelry pieces? A great example of reuse in jewelry is the More Shank Button Jewelry Designs tutorial from Coffee Pot People.
Wire Wrapping
A great way to secure a stone or jewelry piece without drilling into it is to Wire Wrap. Wire wrapping is exactly that…wrapping wire around an item that doesn’t have a pre-drilled hole in it. Wire wrapping can be done with unusually shaped stones, pieces of sea glass or wood, pottery shards and many other items. Get started on the wire wrapping technique by visiting the Wrap Your Own Seaglass tutorial from Betty Ninja.
Did a new project catch your eye? Visit the suggested retailers below to find the materials you need to get started:
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