Here I show you how to make quick personalised jewellery costume rings in 10 minutes. This project uses sliced wooden dowels, watercolour crayons and Fix and Flash super strong resin style glue cured with its own UV light.
This week, I was challenged by the folks at Hibs100 to create something with Fix & Flash's new resin style glue that cures under the supplied UV light.
But to get to know how strong it was first, I did a couple of fixes around the
camper van and house. Firstly I glued back some partially hanging LED strips. It worked instantly.
Then, what I was dubious about was gluing part of my YouTube mic's clothing. Especially when it involved moving parts I'd be pinching open with my fingers. I doubt even superglue would have lasted.
HOW DOES FIX & FLASH WORK?
To understand how Fix & Flash glue works, I think it's very much like UV nail varnish, but 10 times stronger. It's like a syrupy texture and a little grain of rice size drop goes a long way.
It also dries clear and glossy, so will appear invisible on shiny objects, such as a pair of glasses. And I also could use it to set my ring trays by overlapping the edges for a stronger fix.
I'll show you what I mean in my personalised jewellery ring step by step guide below. But I also knew from the woodworking community that many use a resin to seal unfinished wood.
BENEFITS OF 10 MINUTE PERSONALISED JEWELLERY COSTUME RINGS
I've found myself going to more parties over the last year and struggled with finding what to wear. And many of the styles I've picked up recently would benefit with a pop of colour.
And instead of wasting time hunting in shops for the right match of accessories, I can tailor something instantly to my outfit. And in 10 minutes!
They're also really quick and easy to make with no skills or fancy tools required. Oh, and budget-friendly. You could even make a collection in advance for a capsule wardrobe.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
- 18mm diameter dowel from most hardware stores
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Junior hacksaw
- Small mitre block (usually in tile stores)
- 240 grit sandpaper - avoid lower to prevent a rough finish
- Watercolour pencils (although ordinary crayons show very interesting woodgrain texture as above)
- Pot of water
- Any small paint brush (to apply water)
- Ring blanks - try to avoid cheaper ones that turn your finger green
- Gloves - as it is extremely difficult to get off your fingers once cured
- Fix & Flash glue from Hobbycraft
INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAKING PERSONALISED JEWELLERY RINGS
Firstly, using a tape measure, I marked 5mm with a pencil. If this seems too thick, you could always sand it down later.
However, you may struggle cutting at anything less than 3mm. However, it's cheap to just give it a go.
Then place the dowel inside the mitre block, holding it against the closest wall. Now line the pencil mark with the straight groove and slot the hacksaw in and carefully cut off.
SAWING QUICK TIPS
- As you're sawing, twist the dowel as you go to score around the dowel. This prevents chipping towards the end.
- Clamping the block to the surface you're working for ease if possible. Although I just went steady.
- Take your time. If you rush, you can accidentally saw the mitre block on and angle, ruining it's straight guide.
- The finer toothed hacksaw, the better
Sand smooth both sides while rubbing on sandpaper that's laid flat on a surface.
Also, sand around the edges for a curved look. It's completely up to you slim you want to sand it down.
Then before I coloured with watercolour crayons, I brushed water over the personalised jewellery bead. This will help the watercolours be absorbed more in to the wood and give a better pigment.
And for pattern and colour, I just freestyled for fun. But also made sure patterns ran along the sides and painted the rear too.
COULD I USE ORDINARY CRAYONS?
In fact, my first attempt was with ordinary Crayola crayons without prior water brushing. And yes, you can use them, but the coverage isn't as pigmented
Also, parts of the wood grain still shows through, but it gave a more interesting texture resembling a pebble or stone if you will. Admittedly, I do prefer the detail.
But I think the chalky style watercolours will give a stronger finish than over a crayon with a touch of wax. And for example, it's not recommended in general to varnish over a waxed painted project. But if you're designing for a one off, then you'll be fine.
So here's a few colour experiments. Some already covered in Fix and Flash. Others not. Also, the black ones are to be earrings.
APPLY A WEARING GLOVES
Once the beads are dry. It only takes a couple of minutes. Then while wearing gloves, squeeze the tube VERY gently and apply a drop and smooth over with the tip.
Apply more if needed, ensuring the top is entirely covered and avoid the sides so you can hold it steady.
Then flip the Fix and Flash to the UV light side and press the light to turn on.
Now run over the resin for a few seconds until touch dry everywhere.
Then flip on the reverse side and repeat and immediately place the ring tray on the back.
But make sure the pattern of the ring is facing the way you want while you'd be wearing it.
Now for the important part. Apply some on top of back of the ring tray to overlap the edges and set it in the resin.
Then cure again. And now you can hold on to the ring part and twist while applying around the edges to avoid runs. And for your final cure and it's ready to wear!
PERSONALISED RING WITH WOOD & RESIN VIDEO TUTORIAL
WHY NOT PIN ME FOR LATER?
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Disclaimer: I was gifted Fix & Flash for this project. All opinions and experiences are honest.
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