It’s taken a while, but I’ve finally been won back over by the pearl. It’s probably been about 10 years since I last wore pearl (or pearl like) beads. It’s not that I don’t like them. We just never really saw eye to eye really. It’s funny the way we can change our minds about these things. I’m a fickle creature. The thing was because of my misguided animosity to the pearl I didn’t have any in my little box of tricks (beads) so… I made one.
You’ve probably seen air dried porcelain on Pinterest (if you need the recipe check out my DIY {tutorials} board for a fantastic one). Once you’ve made your faux porcelain you’re ready to go! Alternatively you can just buy a large pearl, a much less messy option!
Instructions:
To Make the Pearl…
1. Take a small amount of porcelain and roll into a ball.
2. Cut off a small section of wire (around 3″) and push through the middle of the ball.
3. Balance the wire so that the ball is not touching anything and leave to set. This will take about 12 hours. Then carefully remove the wire.
To Make the Ring…
1. Cut off around 8″ / 20cm of 15g / 1.5mm thick wire.
2. Wrap around a mandrel slightly smaller (it will stretch) than your desired size. Wrap the wire back on itself so your ring has ‘horns’.
3. Using your pearl measure where to bend the wire to fit into the hole.
4. Bend both side in towards each other and cut so they meet in the middle.
5. Gently pull these sides away from each other and thread the bead on, pushing them back together again.
That’s your big boy pearl ring made! If you’re more of a delicate soul then this awesome tutorial from SwellMayde is pearlfect…
sorry…
I love this – such a statement ring! I never knew you could make your own porcelain clay – so many possibilities!
Thanks Alex! and yes, give the porcelain a go. It’s ridiculously messy so be prepared, but amazing and really easy to use.