If you haven’t heard of Adina Mills, she is an incredible Los Angeles based jewelry designer. Her work transcends “jewelry” into the realm of “wearable artwork.” If you love supporting talented artists, definitely check her out! As much as I’d love to buy her beautiful, naturalistic designs, my bank account refuses to let me. So, I decided to copy her look by creating a DIY Adina Mills inspired ring! Check out how below the cut!
Materials:
. Polymer/ Jewelry Clay (whatever your color preference)
. Uncut, raw gemstone of your choice (cost can vary greatly)
. Vegetable Oil
. Cookie Sheet
. Rolling pin
. X-acto knife
. Shellac
. Playing cards
Steps:
1. Knead clay until it is soft and workable.
2. Oil a clean, flat surface, your rolling pin, and hands to avoid sticking.
3. Stack 2 sets of 6 playing cards, tape them together and put them on each side of the clay.
4. Roll clay to the thickness of the cards, cut out a flat, ring shape with Xacto knife.
5. Wrap clay around the base of your gemstone and mold ring shape with your fingers.
6. Bake on a cookie sheet for 35 minutes at 260 degrees
7. Sand any areas that need smoothing with sand paper, paint edges if desired, shellac and let thoroughly dry.
Although not nearly as refined as Adina Mills’ designs, here’s the finished piece:
Did I do a good job of copying this designer style? Hope you like it, Lovelies!
guest
cute =3
guest
My only thing is that if I’m spending money on a gemstone, I’m not about to allow myself (who tends to be a klutz) to work with it. I’ll leave it to the professionals.
guest
Pretty, but so impractical.
orchid / 103 posts
@Proud2B2003@xanga - You can always find something in nature to experiment with!
rose / 937 posts
That is not… something I’d support or DIY.
guest
@Kim – This is true. I’m not a very good crafter.
guest
Or you can not copy another artists work?????????? she’s not designing and creating these expensive pieces so others can copy them????
guest
Pretty good job, I think, but gigantic.
guest
I like the idea of the rings, but these would look ridiculous on me. I would try it with smaller stones.
orchid / 103 posts
@colorMEpurple2@xanga - I linked to where you can purchase her work because I respect her as an artist. As a jeweler myself, I am very sensitive to these issues. Since it’s just a DIY project that’s inspired by her work, not an actual “copy” of any of her pieces, it’s perfectly okay. Unfortunately, part of the fashion designing world (including jewelry) is the emulation of popular design by others. That’s how trends get started. My intention was to promote her as well as let people know how to get a similar look.
orchid / 103 posts
@loner_writer@xanga - Thanks! It is definitely a statement piece : )
guest
@Kim - I understand that being a fashion design major myself, I just think you could’ve worded this better. I’m all for DIY inspired by expensive things with your own tweaks but “copy” is the wrong word to use
guest
I’m guessing that’s what the ancients used to do.. when they couldn’t cut jewelry as nicely.. and thought larger is better than smaller. Nice concept to bring up though..
guest
Why are there ads on all the pictures now?
guest
See, something this big on my fingers would hinder me a lot. I would much rather make a necklace with some raw gemstones. I think that’d be easier for me too.
Very pretty though!
guest
@colorMEpurple2@xanga - if you’re not making profit from it, who the hell cares?
guest
I’ve always wanted something like this, in ring form as well as necklace form, for as long as I can remember now! You are incredibly talented, and this is a fantastic idea.
orchid / 103 posts
If anyone is interested, check out this really interesting video about fashion’s lack of copyright protection
guest
I think brass knuckles would be more feminine.