JEWELRY TUTORIAL: Spike Rings

If you watched League of Space Pirates Live From Space Episode 2: Infestation, you saw me demonstrate how to make spiked rings. If it wasn't clear enough (We're still working out the camera angle and lighting thing), here is a written tutorial with lots of nice photos. I made three styles, but will share the two simplest. I used a sew on spike for the short spike ring. For the tall spike ring, I used a filigree bead cap. I used the same kind of ring base and E6000 glue for both. There are lots of different spikes and ring base types. Feel free to play with this concept and make something more dramatic. Ok, on to the tutorial.

SUPPLIES:

• 1 Ring base/blank - I suggest an adjustable one. There are a variety of ring bases, so chose a style you like. I bought these. The size of the circle base was about the same size as both spikes I used
• 1 Spike - You can use a bead cap, a flat back (not screw) spike, stud, or spike bead of any height, material, or color. You want it light enough where it won't spin from weight or make your finger heavy. I'm fond of long filigree bead caps, because they are unexpected spikes
• E6000 - To adhere the spike to the ring base. You can find this at craft stores
• Toothpicks - To help clean up glue and apply it
• Pliers - If you use a bead cap spike that has prongs, you will need to bend the prongs onto themselves. Also, if you have trouble adjusting the size of the ring base, pliers are helpful

SHORT SPIKE RING

INSTRUCTIONS:

1) Take a little bit of E6000 and apply a thin and even layer to the back of the spiked bead. If you aren't confident with applying the glue straight from the tube, you can get some with a toothpick and then spread it onto the back of the spiked bead.

2) Quickly, put the back of the bead onto the circle base of the ring. Press the bead and ring together. Remove any excess glue with a toothpick.

3) Set it up to dry. I slipped my rings onto the handles of the pliers and laid the pliers down, so the rings would be propped up to dry. Let dry overnight before wearing.

FILIGREE SPIKE RING

INSTRUCTIONS:

1) With the pliers, bend the bead cap prongs inward. You need to push them together to create a flat surface. Overlap and arrange the prongs flat as needed. Be gentle while doing this, because you don't want to break them off.

2) Apply a thick layer of E6000 to the bottom where the prongs are flattened. The glue will go between the prongs a bit, and this is ok.

3) Quickly place the bottom of the bead cap onto the circle of the ring base. Clean up any excess glue with a toothpick.

4) Set it up to dry. I slipped my rings onto the handles of the pliers and laid the pliers down, so the rings would be propped up to dry. Let dry overnight before wearing.


PSSST: If spikes aren't your thing, you can use this same gluing method for almost anything you want to make into a ring. Cabochons, small trinkets, beads, game pieces, miniatures, doll accessories, small toys...just use your imagination and make sure your ring base is big or small enough to accommodate your decorative object. Happy makery!