As the clock starts ticking down the hours, minutes and seconds to finish off 2015 and chime into 2016, did you make any last minute New Year’s resolution? Making New Year’s resolutions are easy but the hardest part is the commitment. Resolution bracelets are the perfect accessory companions to help you stick to your 2016 plans. Here are some inspiring resolution bracelets that we’ve made showcasing metal stamping. Check out our previous blog post on how to get started with metal stamping, to learn how to make this popular personalized jewelry.

 

Quoted Stamped Bangle

Quotes are words of encouragement. We have quoted Ghandi on this bangle with, “The future depends on what you do today.” What is your favorite quote?

To make this bangle, start out with a Z005837 copper stamping blank. Take some Sanding Sponges like TL00154 and sand down the edges and corners of the stamping blank. Once you have smoothed them down, lightly pencil your quote on the stamping blank, keep in mind the size of the letter stamps you intend to use. Space words evenly to fit the whole quote. Stamp your quote. Use a black permanent market or Stamp Enamel to fill in your letters. Wipe and shine your stamping blank with a polishing cloth. This will also help rub off the light pencil marks. Use a Bending Bar to curve your bangle and Bending Pliers to help shape the bangle.

Items Used:

• (1) Z005837 – 1/4×6 Inch Rectangle Copper Stamping Blank
• A010615 – Lower Case Jeanie Metal Letters Stamping Set

Picture Jasper Charm Bracelet

Picture Jasper is about peace and relaxation. It’s why we included some Picture Jasper dangle charms in this bracelet to help calm your mind and soul for 2016. We’ve also added a few Chinese crystal dangle charms for added sparkle. We’ve used metal blanks and stamped words to help encourage the mind and soul to “take chances” and “be patient,” as wells as to just “breathe,” “heal” and to “laugh more” in the New Year.

Items used:

• (1) Z001016 – 10mm Silver Cable Chain
• (5) A008547 – 8mm Black Diamond Rondelle Chinese Crystal
• (7) GS00406 – 4mm Round Picture Jasper
• (12) A001493 – 2 Inch Silver Headpins
• (5) A019452 – ¾ Inch Pewter Stamping Blank
• (6) A001529 – 6mm Silver Jump Ring
• (1) Z005822 – 16mm Swivel Lobster Clasp
• TL00191 – 3mm Upper Case Bridgette Metal Letters

 

Focus Wrapped Bracelet

We love the versatility of this wrapped bracelet. We cut a piece of our Lycra cord in half and pulled/stretched it until it curled sideways, providing a soft yet strong, stretchy bracelet base. Thread the lycra cord through both sides of the metal blank we have stamped “Focus” on. Tie it according to the example we have below and wrap around your bracelet three times for a versatile look.

This bracelet is perfect to wrap around your wrist for a morning jog to “focus” on a healthy goal. Or wear this bracelet while studying your next school exam, so you can “focus” on getting that A+! Focus on the goal and you shall succeed!

Items Used:

• (1) A021495 – 1.375 Inch Oval Pewter Stamping Blank
• (1) A017779 – 30mm Yellowish Paisley Italian Lycra Cord
• TL00191 – 3mm Upper Case Bridgette Metal Letters

 

Are you ready to start beading but unsure of what you need to get started? We have compiled some beading essentials that we always have on hand.

Tools: Tools are the number one essentials of beadings. Without the necessary tools, you will not be able to complete most of your jewelry projects.

Chain/Flat Nose Pliers – Personally, I like to have two pairs of chain nose pliers on hand. Sometimes when opening jump rings with a stronger gauge or for daintier/smaller size jump rings, it is helpful to use two pliers.

Round Nose Pliers – This is another great essential tool if you are planning to do a lot of wire or headpin looping and/or wrapping.

Flush or Side Cutters – These are great for soft wire or headpin precise cuts. Make sure to use a softer gauge wire with these cutters, as thicker/stronger wire can damage these cutters. You may want to get a Memory Wire Cutter for thicker and heavier duty cuts.

Crimping Tool – This tool is best to have around for your flex wire and crimp tubes.

Memory Wire Cutter – This cutter is used for thicker and heavier cuts like bulky chain or thick gauge wire.

Or, to get you started, you can always get a starter plier kit/set, which will have most of the essentials tools listed above.

 

Stringing Materials are the backbone of your design. It holds and shapes your beads and findings together.

Elastic Cord – Great for starting out making stretchy bracelets. Elastic Cord is sturdy cord that comes in different colors and thickness.

Beading Wire – For a clean, finished, durable, and flexible jewelry design, use flex beading wire of many different colors and thickness. It is best to use with crimping tool and crimp tubes.

Beading Thread – This is similar to nylon thread used for knotting a pearl necklace or hemp cord for making the popular macramé bracelet.

Chain – Make chain into tassels, or use as an extender to a bracelet or necklace, or layer different chain finishes for a necklace complete of chain.

 

Findings: Findings are the extra bonus pieces to your jewelry that gives it that WOW factor. It individualizes the jewelry with different pops of color finishes, unique designs or shapes.

Ear Wire – Ear wire comes in different styles: french hook, lever back, post, thread and kidney. Choose your statement ear wire.

Headpins/Eyepins – It is always essential to have some standard headpins with flat bottoms and eyepins with a looped ends of all different lengths and finishes on hand. They can be quickly used for earrings or to make bead dangles. We do recommend getting a variety of headpin/eyepin with different gauges. The larger the gauge count (22 and higher), the thinner and flexible the wire will be. These are best to use for wrapped loops or lightweight bead dangles. For headpins/eyepins that has a lower gauge count (18-21), they are thicker and sturdier. These are best for making wire loops and pendant charms.

Clasps/Claw/Toggles – Add finishing touches to your necklace or bracelet with a unique clasp or toggle. TierraCast® has some decorative clasps and toggle findings.

Jump Rings – Jump rings comes in many sizes and used for attachment of charms, pendants, clasps, beads, and anything that needs dangling. You can also round up a large amount of them for a chain maille project. The gauge of the jump rings also does help to have many different sizes on hand. A larger gauge jump ring are great to use for simple, small charms, while smaller gauge jump rings are thicker and best to use for holding clasps and extender chain for a sturdy hold.

 

Bead Storage:

 

Neatly contain your beads and findings with bead storage. We love to have see-through containers so that you can visually see your products. With many bead storage options to choose from, you are sure to find one for your beading needs.

Now that you have your jewelry beading essentials, round up your favorite beads, spacers, bead caps, pendants, etc. and get to beading! There are endless possibilities and styles when it comes to beading. What will you make today?

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