dtcmor
freely admits to licking rocks
Back to lickin' rocks again!
Member since May 2006
Posts: 898
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Post by dtcmor on Jun 26, 2007 9:40:17 GMT -5
A few weeks ago, I went to a small local rock show. While there, I sat and watched a woman that was doing some wire wrapping to see if I could pick up a few tips and tricks that would help me learn this neat part of the hobby. My 4yr old, Christian was with me, and the woman whipped him up a neat little bead ring from some copper wire and cheap beads. I watched very closely and then she slowed it down and showed me exactly how to do it for myself. Now I am hooked! We have many kids in our family and I thought they might enjoy a few of these so I set to work and whipped up a batch just for them. Little did I know they would be so popular - I now have all the women at work wanting me to make some for them and their kids too. Here are a few that I did last night. It is a very simple design and only takes about a minute to do. Hope you like them!   Thanks for looking! |
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Post by Lady B on Jun 26, 2007 10:09:43 GMT -5
Only a minute each? Wow! Those are fantastic! I can see why they are loved and wanted. :-)
Lady B
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nancyf
has rocks in the head
Wired Cowgirl
Member since April 2007
Posts: 629
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Post by nancyf on Jun 26, 2007 10:13:20 GMT -5
Hey cooool! Yep, those rings are easy and fun to make. Here's a tip: I use wooden dowels that you can get from the lumber yard or hardware store...I cut them to measure about 6 inches and put them in my vise that is attached to my work table. Marking your dowels to what size ring results is a good idea also. Hands free and keeps the shank even. You will also need a ring mandrel...don't buy the cheap ones (plastic)....also, make sure it is all round and smooth (no trough down the center).
HAVE FUN!!!!
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Post by takilasunrise on Jun 26, 2007 10:36:40 GMT -5
Boy, I guess they're easy.........you went crazy making them! They're cute! You could make them on the spot at a craft show and personalize them for someone (they pick out the bead, etc.).
Now you got me to thinking........I need to learn how to make them, but I will modify them to add them to the top of beverage swizzle sticks! Thanks!!
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adrian65
Cave Dweller 
Arch to golden memories and to great friends.
Member since February 2007
Posts: 10,790
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Post by adrian65 on Jun 26, 2007 13:14:33 GMT -5
Very nice! I like that simple idea. I like most the two ones with green rocks.
I wander how many did you make if these are "a few"!
Adrian
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Post by Jurrasic Jonje on Jun 26, 2007 14:21:05 GMT -5
Those look great. I keep getting requests for rings guess its time.
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nancyf
has rocks in the head
Wired Cowgirl
Member since April 2007
Posts: 629
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Post by nancyf on Jun 26, 2007 16:38:51 GMT -5
I made a tutorial for a similar ring and it will be on my site soon... ;D
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Post by Tweetiepy on Jun 26, 2007 17:12:14 GMT -5
Preston Reuther has something like this on his site - it,s a free tutorial!
great job - another addiction !
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Post by akansan on Jun 26, 2007 18:10:48 GMT -5
There's a book/pamphlet at Hobby Lobby with some bead/ring patterns in it that I almost purchased. They were really simple patterns, but the outcome looked great. I might have to go back and pick that pattern book back up. It was only $5.00 or so for about 30 patterns...
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Post by beefjello on Jun 26, 2007 18:55:50 GMT -5
Very cool Dave!
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dtcmor
freely admits to licking rocks
Back to lickin' rocks again!
Member since May 2006
Posts: 898
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Post by dtcmor on Jun 26, 2007 23:38:56 GMT -5
Thanks to everyone for the compliments! They really are alot of fun to make and the teens and kids are loving them. I also have tons of requests from work to make some more. I was thinking of even selling them to make a small profit for the materials - .50 or $1 each, nothing much, but to cover my expenses. Does this sound reasonable? Nancy - I was thinking about the dowel rods for shapers - but I really need to get a ring mandrel for acurate sizes. Thanks for the tip!  Takila - I had the same idea for making them on spot for craft shows and the likes also. My boy's eyes lit up when he saw the woman make one for him, and I know other kids would be facsinated too. Adrian - Yeah, this is only part of what I made. I think I ended up with 65 rings in my first sitting. They are so easy to make and it gets pretty addictive, I couldn't stop myself!!! Akansan - I will have to check out that pamphlet from HobbyLobby. I would like to have some variations in designs instead of just one pattern. I would like to try making some with real stones and gems with a bit of a classier style to them. |
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Post by Lady B on Jun 27, 2007 7:46:25 GMT -5
I think $1.00 per ring is very reasonable. And if you offered "Specials" for multiple purchases you could probably sell a bunch more, because who can resist those "Buy one for ___ and get the second for___" kind of deals. Making them on the spot at craft shows would be great!!!!
So are you going to offer them here on the "Buy/Sell/Trade post for those of us who can't make it up to Ohio? :-)
I also think your rings would make great prizes inside of Birthday Party surprise/goody bags.
Lady B
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Post by rockyraccoon on Jun 27, 2007 8:15:39 GMT -5
those turned out great! i can't do anything in a minute.
kim
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Post by Cher on Jun 27, 2007 16:47:22 GMT -5
Hey those are really cool, very neat for a cheap little addition to a sales booth. Where would one get a good ring mandrel?
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Shelbeeray
has rocks in the head
Member since January 2006
Posts: 688
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Post by Shelbeeray on Jun 27, 2007 21:53:24 GMT -5
I got my mandrel from Fire Mountain - get a steel one, because it helps to pound the shanks when you're done (with a leather hammer) to harden them. I also have one of those inexpensive plastic ones with the flat side. Hate it. My steel one is heavy, but I love it and the grooves really help me line up my wires nicely.
Great job on the rings! You're definitely the master since you can create them in a minute!!
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dtcmor
freely admits to licking rocks
Back to lickin' rocks again!
Member since May 2006
Posts: 898
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Post by dtcmor on Jun 28, 2007 0:39:06 GMT -5
Thanks again everyone for the great comments! I have been doing these for about a week now, and have finished about 150 of them. Everyone at work is keeping me busy, and I am getting more requests every day. When that first craze wears off, I plan to make a few display boxes and see if some of our local businesses would be interested in buying or consigning them to place on their cash counters for sale. Many places cater to the kids with candy and trinkets, so I am thinking this might go well enough for a very small profit. I am even looking at craft shows and other places to try them too. It should be interesting, and I will keep you all posted. Lady B - I would be willing to offer some here on the board, but it might be a couple of weeks down the road as my schedule is pretty full right now, and I would need a lot more time to get some ready. I'll let you know when I do!  |
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blarneystone
spending too much on rocks
Rocks in my head
Member since March 2010
Posts: 307
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Post by blarneystone on Jun 28, 2007 8:09:03 GMT -5
You're like a ring making machine! Nice job on those.
Dan
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