Jewellery Making Tutorial: 2 Mini Makes Using Donut Spacer Beads

We're excited to announce the jewellery maker Sean Kerr will now be working with the JM team! Sean will be making mini tutorials for some of the products we're selling, to show you how you can incorporate the products into your jewellery pieces easily.

Today's make is using the 925 Sterling Silver Donut Spacers Bundle (SKU STVU85 and ADVU69)

Enjoy Sean's turorials below:

Mini Make 1: Spacer Earrings

Step 1

Cut 6 lengths of chain. 2 at 2 inches, 2 at 2.5 inches and 2 at 3 inches. We will use one of each length for each earring.

Step 2

Cut a short length of 0.4mm wire at approx. 3 inches and make a look using your needle nose pliers.

Step 3

We have 3 different design of spacer rings. I used one of each design for each earring. Place the spacer in the loop you have just made and wrap the loop by wrapping around the wire 2 to 3 times. Cut off the tail and thread on a micro-faceted gemstone onto the wire left over. I used micro-faceted Turquoise.

Step 4

Make another wrapped loop, but this time attach the longest length of chain to it. Your finished component should look like the step 4 picture.

Step 5

Repeat this process for each length of chain. I used a different spacer design on the bottom of each chain, but made sure that each length of chain matched with the second as shown in the picture.

Step 6

Open the loop at the bottom of your earring and feed on one of each length, starting with the longest length. Close the loop making sure that the chains cannot slip out of the loop. Repeat with the other earring.

While this is a really quick and easy make, the possibilities are endless. We all have so many gorgeous stones in our stash that you could easily add your own spin to this design.

Mini Make 2: Graduated Stretchy Gemstone Bracelet

I used graduated sizes of Amethyst for this stretchy because I loved how the gold looked against the rich, deep purple. However, you could use any combination of beads to create your own design. The only thing I found was that the spacers look really good with larger beads as the smaller ones made the gold rings sit badly. Experiment and have fun!

Step 1

Cut a length of stretchy elastic. Stretch the elastic in your hands and then thread on x7 6mm rounds separated by a size 8 gold seed bead. Start and finish this end with a seed bead.

Step 2

Thread on x6 10mm beads and use a Gold-Plated spacer between each one. You have three gorgeous designs to choose from so pick the design that works best for you.

Step 3

Thread on x7 6mm beads with a Gold seed bead between each round. However, this time finish with a 6mm round as in the picture.

Step 4

Tie the bracelet into a circle. I use a single knot followed by a double knot. Be careful that the knots don’t slip over the beads. I fins it easier to lay the piece down and allow it to slowly slide into place. Once you are happy with the knot, add a dab of glue and cut off the excess elastic. Leave it to dry before pulling the knot inside the gold seed bead.

- A blog by Sean Kerr

Tune in to the show on Friday 4th October, or check our website if you want to purchase your own Donut Spacer Beads!

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