When I came across Jenni of I Spy DIY's original heart ring tutorial , I was immediately charmed. Not only was it a simple and easy to do design, it was also adjustable. As with so many great basic tutorials, there was potential for adding to it.
As you can see from my attempt above, I added an extra loop at the tip of the heart as I preferred a softer look. I used soft temper 18G wire and wire wrapped a 4 mm lapis lazuli gemstone round bead with a short length of 26G wire.
The wire I used for the experimental prototype was color coated copper wire. It's quite soft so you can see some tool marks even though I kept these to a minimum. (See What to Do If Your Tools Mark Your Jewelry Wire).
If the ring is too big for you, you can easily trim the end loop and then reform the loop. If it is too small for you, then separate the heart from the end loop. It will still look good!
What Jenni did not mention in her tutorial is that you should shape and work harden the ring with a mandrel and a nylon hammer. The main heart element is rather flat (see below) and needs to be curved.
I had so much fun with this tutorial that I think a sterling silver version is in my future just as soon as I decide which gemstone I want to wear! Psst! This is another great tutorial idea for Mother's Day or Valentine's Day!
All photos were taken with my Modahaus Table Top Studio 216 with an Ott Lite desk lamp. See Jewelry Photography Using an Ott Lite Lamp and Natural Light Jewelry Photography with White Backgrounds for tips.
Before You Go:
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips
As you can see from my attempt above, I added an extra loop at the tip of the heart as I preferred a softer look. I used soft temper 18G wire and wire wrapped a 4 mm lapis lazuli gemstone round bead with a short length of 26G wire.
The wire I used for the experimental prototype was color coated copper wire. It's quite soft so you can see some tool marks even though I kept these to a minimum. (See What to Do If Your Tools Mark Your Jewelry Wire).
If the ring is too big for you, you can easily trim the end loop and then reform the loop. If it is too small for you, then separate the heart from the end loop. It will still look good!
What Jenni did not mention in her tutorial is that you should shape and work harden the ring with a mandrel and a nylon hammer. The main heart element is rather flat (see below) and needs to be curved.
I had so much fun with this tutorial that I think a sterling silver version is in my future just as soon as I decide which gemstone I want to wear! Psst! This is another great tutorial idea for Mother's Day or Valentine's Day!
All photos were taken with my Modahaus Table Top Studio 216 with an Ott Lite desk lamp. See Jewelry Photography Using an Ott Lite Lamp and Natural Light Jewelry Photography with White Backgrounds for tips.
Before You Go:
- How to Wire Wrap a Herringbone Ring
- How to Make a Wire Wrapped Eye Pin Ring
- More Wire Wrapped Ring Tutorials
- How to Wire Wrap Knot Rings
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips
Pearl, It's so funny, when you said that about seeing your tool marks, I was thinking, "I can't see any, cause she took a fabulous pic!" Then I read to the bottom of the post about using your Modehaus. If nothing else would convince someone they needed a Modehaus, that would. :)
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day!
Yes, there are tool marks if you look carefully. The Modahaus set ups are fabulous as well as all the tips I learned from Lex but the downside is, you do see every error up close and clearly now!
ReplyDeleteLooks like an easy thing for party favours if you use glass beads. In the pics is the blue tint intentional ?
ReplyDeleteGosh, so many nice tuts you posted lately, Pearl! And not enough time. There's too much leather and yarn to be made into orders.
ReplyDeleteOooohhh, darn it! I'm at my day job and won't be able to try this for several hours! And it looks like it's easy, too! I've put off trying to make rings because I'm a Nervous Nelly about ruining perfectly good wire by doing it wrong. I'll let you know if I do it wrong ;)
ReplyDeletePearl,
ReplyDeleteI really like your version. The soft lines and curl make it so much more femine.
Thanks for all you do.
Julie
Hah! I know what you mean about not enough time!
ReplyDeleteIt's best to practice with cheap wire first until you get the design right.
Thanks for the compliment, Julie. There are different ways to tweak this design.
I'm with Julie-I like the bead addition. I printed the tutorial off for my students as we have a ring class this weekend-how appropriate! I know they will LOVE it!!!
ReplyDeleteThat should be fun! It is an easy one for learners.
ReplyDelete