Ok, first up today, we have the Cassie Rings… Cassie’s in the Garden and Cassie at Work. Why Cassie? Well, Cassie Donlen, a very talented lampwork bead artist and jewelry designer, developed the design for these rings to show off cool lampwork beads. She then taught the technique in a jewelry making magazine and even sells the little brass screws in her online shop. So, yes, with time, patience, and the right tools, you too could make these! But, honestly, it’s easier to get someone else to do it… I promise! 
The band on these is a bit heavier than in Cassie’s version – mostly based on what I had on hand.
Sterling silver bands, cool lampwork beads, and brass screws make for fun rings!
In putting my own touch on these, the bands of the floral rings are stamped with leaves and the plain bead has a plain band. Theoretically, the screws can be removed and the beads changed out. Frankly, this would be a royal pain in the bahooty so I’d suggest against trying it unless you have the patience of a saint!
Ok, and now back to one of my own designs… also floral themed. This is Garden Volunteer… featuring hand-stamped leaves in copper riveted to sterling silver hand-stamped with dragonflies. (Why, yes, it is the same leaf stamp as in the Cassie rings!)
copper stamped with leaves meets sterling silver stamped with dragonflies via copper rivets and dangles on a sterling chain.
I’m getting more and more used to working with copper. It has a great organic quality to it that I’m liking more and more. It will never replace sterling for me – because I can’t wear copper without looking sickly – but I’m definitely enjoying it.
Hope y’all enjoyed these!
Cheers,
K2
You’ve been a riveting animal! I love the combination of the copper and the silver…copper really warms it up. The rings are lovely! Just so I understand…the little brass screws and washers: can you loosen or tighten them to fit?
I love your blog…I never know what I’m going to see next.
Hi Betsy!
Unfortunately, the screws simply hold the lampwork bead in place. Size is determined by one’s skill in whanging the silver into place. That said, I have found that they measure smaller than the fingers that can get into them, if you know what I mean. I can get a couple of them by turning my finger/the ring as sideways as it will go that, by the numbers, I should never be able to get on.
I do seem to be all over the place lately, don’t I? There’s just so much I want to do/try that I can’t seem to settle down to one style – not so good for business, I suppose, but lots of fun.
Cheers,
K2
I kind of all over the place too…besides delving into using copper with silver, my next foray is to try my hand at making lampworked beads. Besides working full time, my son getting home today from Abu Dhabi (party time!), posting to my blog (which I’ve been sorely slacking at), I’m sure I can fit those new things in somewhere.
Business, shmisness…You’ll go crazy if you get bored, so keep trying new things!
Forgot to ask, where are you located…are you in the States or across the pond?
Hi again!
I’m in central CT (just below Hartford)… though my good college friend, who now resides in Ediburgh regards this, of course, as across the pond!
K2
love the design. simple yet unique
Thanks!