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The Million-Ring Design Pattern

Category:

Jewelry

Type:

Ring

Skill Level:

Intermediate

Pattern Description:

Wire Rings have nearly endless variations. I've made thousands of rings in the past decade and I've never made the same one twice, although I use essentially the same technique every time. I'm sure I could make a million and never repeat one!

This technique gives you a solid foundation and allows for infinite diversions from the main steps to create a ring that's uniquely yours.

Despite each resulting ring's one-of-a-kind design, I developed this technique for production and sale; therefore it is quick, economical, and profitable. I never make fewer than 50 at a time, and I sell hundreds each year at juried art galleries and craft shows; for years my retail price was $22CDN but since holding the tiny wire aggravates my repetitive strain injury and hurts my fingers, I raised the price to $28 to try and keep sales low - but I sell just as many! Whatever your goal - making gifts or items for sale - you will find these rings easy to make and popular with others.

Hope you enjoy making these as much as I enjoyed putting these instructions together for you.

Materials:

1foot of 20 or 22ga round artistic wire
1foot of 26 or 28ga round artistic wire
one 6mm glass bead, four 4mm glass beads (or your choice of beads)
two 2mm metal beads to match the wire
a ring mandrel
a hammer
flush cutters
chain nose OR bent chain nose pliers