The R&T Extra! June 2008
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The R&T Extra! June 2008 |
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Subscribe/unsubscribe to this e-mail newsletter In this issue: |
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Coming in July: New Online Store
And, our product pages will retain their current overall organization, for an easier transition. As can always be expected with new technology, we suspect that a few details won't be perfectly ironed out by the July 1st premier, and we ask that you bear with us during this transition. Despite these inevitabilities, we're very excited about the improved features in our upcoming online store. We hope you are too. Happy shopping! |
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Get Stuck In! Working with Gluable Findings Ever had a cool bauble you wanted to incorporate into jewelry, but it defied traditional construction methods? Fused-glass cabochons, vintage buttons, stamped metal disks and found objects are just a few examples of components that can cause major head scratching at the stringing board. In many cases, glue-on findings are the perfect solution-and Rings & Things carries a wide variety! It's both fun and easy to create accessories using gluable bails, disk-and-loop chain, ring blanks, bar pins, bobby pins, barrette backs, button shanks, cuff links, belt buckles, money clips … phew!
We also carry a full line of Aanraku glass-drop bails. These bails were designed for use with fused glass, but also work well with other media. (Keep in mind, though, that flat-backed objects work best.) The bails have an attractive leaf-shaped glue pad, a recessed well for added gluing security and a raised loop that aids in balancing the finished piece for wear. The loop size is ample on the necklace bails, allowing you a wide range of necklace cord choices (a favorite is R&T quality magnetic cable chokers). And, the loops on the earring bails are sized and positioned to directly accept a French hook. Similar in function are other gluable drop pads, available in several shapes with a front-to-back loop instead of a side-to-side bail. Gluable disks offer a great surface for creating larger collages which can then be attached to a bail, necklace tube, bar pin or other surface. Disk-&-loop (and square-&-loop) chain consists of several small glue pads spaced apart by strong circular links. The beauty of these components is that they allow you to create a continual chain of fun and frolicsome objects-you don't have to limit your colorful display to a central pendant! These great gluable components come in your choice of bracelet forms (with clasp) for finishing ease, or footage chain to give you length versatility. The bracelets are available in two sizes and come in white plate, yellow plate, silver plate, antiqued brass, antiqued copper, gunmetal and sterling silver. The footage chain comes in your choice of white, silver plate and gold plate. Plus, look for two new exclusive disk-and-loop bracelet styles in four finishes—coming to R&T this fall! In addition, have fun experimenting with gluable ring blanks, bar pins, hair findings and specialty findings, including button covers, button shanks, belt buckles, money clips and new cuff links.
It's important to always select a type of glue that matches your materials. We recommend testing glue on a small sample before making a large production run. This will help you confirm if you've chosen the correct adhesive. Be sure to also consider safety when working with these chemicals. Always protect your eyes and skin, and work in a well-ventilated area.
The Great Gluing Method: Glue adheres best to clean objects, so after any needed roughing is done, be sure to clean the surface of both your finding and your decorative element. One easy and effective cleaning method is to wipe both gluing surfaces with rubbing alcohol or denatured alcohol. Be sure to test your chosen cleaner for safety on your materials beforehand. For gluing, just follow the instructions that come with your chosen adhesive. Pay attention to curing temperatures and always allow the maximum curing time before handling your project. This will insure that your finished jewelry achieves the greatest durability. The next imperative step is to stabilize your work while the glue dries. This does not need to be elaborate. Most pendant bails just need a stable surface to rest on. For disk-and-loop forms, tie a string to each end loop, tape one side to a scrap of cardboard, pull the bracelet taut and tape the other side in place. Use a scrap of Styrofoam for items that do not have a level backside, for example finger rings. Just push the ring portion into the Styrofoam and level the gluing surface. Getting Stuck In: Perhaps you want to try out some gluables, but don't have specific ideas immediately popping into your head. If you're looking for inspiration, then check out our online Design Gallery and our Designer Tip Sheets; both feature creations that use gluable findings. We hope you'll have fun browsing, designing and getting sticky fingers! |
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June's Free Jewelry Project
Get ready for summer with "Lilith's Aurora" cuff-style bracelet! This feminine design offers a refreshing floral bouquet for you and your customers. Want something to wear on 4th of July? For some good ole red, white & blue, replace the black 5mm crystal bicones with blue 5mm crystal bicones and the black flower spacers with blue flower spacers! Or, choose any color combination that pleases your eye.
To view this Designer Tip Sheet (a PDF file), you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. You can download Adobe Acrobat for free here. Then, simply print the quick-loading or high resolution version of "Lilith's Aurora" bracelet design today. Find other Fourth-of-July color schemes, plus summer-themed beads and charms for the beach, picnics, summer sports and more in our summer components. Use these charming parts to make zipper pulls, wine-glass charms and other fun practical objects as well as summer jewelry designs! |
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R&T's String of Events: June 2008 Calendar
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Thanks! Russ, Kim and the whole Rings & Things crewP.O. Box 450 Spokane, WA 99210-0450 USA Phone (509) 252-2900 Fax 509 838 2602 Order toll free 1 (800) 366-2156 Website: http://www.rings-things.com You can subscribe/unsubscribe to our free newsletter and/or our e-mail sale flyers in seconds! If you've moved, please help us get our next catalog supplement to you. Just fill out this form: www.rings-things.com/addressform.htm. Newsletter Home |
We know some of you have been hoping for a long time, and now your wait is almost over. Rings & Things is premiering a brand new online store July 1st! Not only will the new store provide an improved search function, it will also offer these great features:
Finding Your Findings:
The Right Sticky Stuff:
Between road shows, purchasing trips and more, there's typically a lot going on at Rings & Things! Here's what's happening this month: