On Writing Tutorials and the Tale of Four Rings

It is not the most intuitive process to decide if a project makes a good tutorial. People can give you compliments and request these things, but the projects aren't always things that can be taught successfully! At least, not in that form. But I do try to at least to put in the work necessary to determine if I am able to do it!
I've been wrestling with a couple of ring designs for tutorials. One of the issues is whether two projects can be combined without needless repetition, or without making the tutorials humongous!
These are the two rings in question:
The first one has a relatively simple band, with an ornate setting for the undrilled stone. The issue with this is not showing others how to do it, it is making the process adaptable to other stone shapes and sizes. Do people really want to be left to their own devices when adapting things like this? I've kind of built a reputation for outlining possible pitfalls and how to get around them - I'd like to continue that!

The second ring has the same setting (and the same issues there!) but a much more ornate and somewhat complex band. The issue on this is the stability of the band for extended wear. This work has a natural tendency to flex, and in wire, that could be disastrous, so I have to develop a repeatable method for stabilizing the band.

Pretty much, that means making the rings about 5-6 times apiece and writing everything down! I'm working on it.....


Then, comes the 'problem' of the variations that arise during the course of this development! Whoa!! Did I hear you say "We should all have such 'problems'!!???!!" Yes, I'm whining! Loudly! But now, I think that the first variation is actually a great ring for a tutorial! I'm gonna work on this too, but I'll let you see the progression from the first ring of this type to the latest - Here is the Tale of Four Rings:

Click on any photo for a larger view :^))

This is the Terrapin Twist with 2.5mm garnet in the band. I loved it from the first,but there is a teensy little issue: the top doesn't mirror on both sides, and looks slightly off-kilter.


So I tried it in 3-3.5mm faceted amethysts all around (mmmmmm, purple!) and attempted to fix the symmetry in front. You know - kill two birds with one stone.... With stones this size, it isn't as comfortable to wear if they are all around the band, and the fix I applied looks kluged.



Back to the drawing board!















Here is the next version: Keep the flanking stones, make the band more plain for wearability, and figure out the symmetry on the top. I think this works!!!!! But let's see if the center motif is easily repeatable and while I'm at it, pare down the band even more. You know me - can't get enough of a good thing!



















The answer????? You tell me......



I hope this gives you some insight - it did for me!!!! Remember: Details allow your creative spark to ignite, and make your heart glow!!!!!

With Gratitude, Perri