Who's Got the Button Rings?
We are gearing up for a new Jewel School event here in Knoxville, Tennessee. I actually started working with JTV at last year's event and I can hardly believe a year has gone by so quickly. I shared these rings in my class last year and now I'm sharing them with you. These are really fun to make and it is easy to find buttons at craft stores, yard sales, flea markets and online auctions. I have a huge collection of vintage buttons; it is one of my crafty obsessions. This is a whimsical way to show them off. Be forewarned, this can be addicting!
How to Make a Button Ring by Margot Potter for Jewel School
Materials
2 Smaller and larger stackable buttons
2 4mm Swarovski crystal beads
Tools
JSKIT0040 Ring mandrel
JSKIT0040 Chasing hammer
PLIER25 Flush cutters
PLIER27 Round nose pliers
PLIER22 Chain nose pliers
1. Wrap a 4” length of 20 gauge wire around the ring mandrel ¼ size up from desired finished size.
2. Thread wire tails into bottom and top button.
3. Make sure wire is tightly wrapped around mandrel and there are no bumps or slack in wire.
4. Thread a bead on each wire tail.
5. Use round nose pliers to loop wire at top of each bead. You can also opt to coil here for a more decorative finish.
6. Use your flat side of your chasing hammer to work harden the shank of your ring. Do not remove from mandrel until you have worked your way around the shank tapping gently to harden the wire.
7. Use the 26 gauge wire to tightly wrap the entire shank, this will give it stability and structure. Cut off excess wire and tuck under with chain nose pliers when you reach the top of the shank.
