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Jewelry Making: Basic Tools and Techniques
Trivia: What is the name of the largest internal organ in the human body (by mass)?
RetireHub
July 05, 2025
Rise and shine, RetireHub community! ☀️ Your Saturday newsletter is here!
Today we’re sharing fun tips on jewelry making: basic tools and techniques, along with the best deals, fun trivia, and more!
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 | By: Melissa McClone Taryn Lawson is determined to save her family bakery by showcasing her desserts at the summer fair—but she needs help building her booth, and the only person available is Garrett Andrews, the man who ghosted her after a holiday fling. Garrett, a trial attorney back in town for his sister's wedding, regrets how things ended and sees this as a chance to make things right. As they work side by side, old feelings resurface—forcing them both to decide if love deserves a second chance before time runs out. |
On this day in 1989 Seinfeld, then called "The Seinfeld Chronicles," made its debut on NBC. Though initially met with modest ratings, the sitcom would go on to become one of the most celebrated and influential comedies of all time.
Jewelry Making: Basic Tools and Techniques to Get You Started
Jewelry making is a rewarding and creative hobby that allows you to craft beautiful, wearable art with your own hands. Whether you're interested in stringing beads, wire wrapping, or working with metal, getting started doesn’t require a large investment—just a few essential tools, some patience, and a spark of imagination.
Basic Tools You'll Need
To begin, there are a few fundamental tools every beginner should have in their toolkit. Round-nose pliers are used to make loops and curves, especially for earrings or clasps. Chain-nose pliers are great for gripping, bending wire, and opening or closing jump rings. Wire cutters are essential for trimming headpins, wire, or even some chain links. You’ll also want crimping pliers if you’re working with beading wire and need to secure clasps. Lastly, a bead mat or tray will help keep your small pieces from rolling away during assembly.
Common Techniques for Beginners
One of the easiest entry points into jewelry making is beading. Using a strong, flexible stringing material like nylon-coated wire or elastic cord, you can create necklaces and bracelets by simply threading on beads and adding a clasp or knot to finish.
Another popular method is wire wrapping, where you use soft, pliable wire to create loops and connections between beads. It’s commonly used to make earrings or to wrap stones that don’t have drilled holes. Though it takes some practice, the results can be stunningly professional.
Opening and closing jump rings is another foundational skill. The key is to twist the ring open sideways with your pliers—never pull it apart—which keeps its shape intact for a secure hold.
Tips for Success
Start with affordable materials while you're learning, like glass beads and craft wire. Watch beginner tutorials online to see techniques in action, and don’t be afraid to make a few “happy accidents” along the way. As your confidence grows, you can explore advanced tools like mandrels, metal stamps, or even soldering kits.
Jewelry making is not only a calming and fun pastime—it also allows you to make personalized gifts, keep sentimental keepsakes, or even build a small side business. With just a few tools and techniques, you’ll be well on your way to creating one-of-a-kind pieces that sparkle with your own style.
Yesterday’s Poll Results: What is the best part of your nighttime wind-down routine?
Most respondents wind down by watching TV or listening to music (39.5%), followed closely by those who enjoy reading before bed (29.3%). A smaller but cozy crowd (13.2%) says they fall asleep the moment their head hits the pillow, while others unwind by scrolling, stretching, or sipping something warm. It’s clear: everyone has their own bedtime rhythm!
TOP COMMENTS
“Warm shower & no TV”
“I watch The Golden Girls every night while snuggling my pup when I fall asleep.”
“I do 20 minutes of red light therapy before bed.”
Sounding the Differences: How Hearing Loss Affects Men and Women Uniquely
Hearing loss doesn’t affect everyone in the same way. Men are more likely to experience age-related hearing loss, often tied to long-term noise exposure from work or hobbies involving loud machinery or tools. Women, on the other hand, may be more sensitive to high-frequency loss—making it harder to hear things like birdsong or soft voices over time.
But no matter the cause or pattern, support is available. Hearing rehabilitation, which can include auditory training, communication strategies, and counseling, helps ease the challenges of hearing loss and improve daily life. Whether it’s rediscovering your favorite music, enjoying conversations without frustration, or feeling more confident in social settings, understanding these gender-specific patterns can be the first step toward a better quality of life.
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Slang Phrase of the Day
Phrase: Viral-worthy
Meaning: "Viral worthy" describes content—like a video, photo, or post—that has the potential to quickly capture widespread attention and be shared extensively across social media platforms.
In a sentence: That adorable video of the puppy helping in the garden is totally viral worthy—everyone’s going to want to see it!
Good News of the Day
Community Steps Up: Ice Cream Vendor’s Hard Work Earns $20K in Donations
A heartwarming TikTok video of Don Tomas, a dedicated ice cream vendor in Florida, walking miles under the scorching sun with his cart has gone viral, resonating with viewers nationwide. Inspired by his unwavering commitment, Beryenis Lopez launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Tomas, aiming to alleviate his burdens and improve his working conditions. The campaign has already raised over $30,000, surpassing its $35,000 goal, showcasing the power of community support and the impact of small acts of kindness.
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RetireHub Trivia
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Which country hosted the first Winter Olympics in 1924? |
What 1990s computer game allowed players to build roller coasters and manage amusement parks? |
What is the name of the largest internal organ in the human body (by mass)? |
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