Wedding ring stands are a great way to showcase your rings during and after the wedding. You can find a wide variety of ring stands online, or you can make one yourself. If you're feeling crafty, you can use materials like wood, velvet, glass, or marble to create a unique and personalised ring stand. Online tutorials can guide you through the process of designing and assembling your own stand, or you can purchase a ready-made one from sites like Etsy, Amazon, or eBay.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Materials | Wood, marble, glass, concrete, metal, plastic, leather, fabric |
Number of rings | Single, double, triple |
Shape | Heart, square, circle, hexagon, octagon, oval |
Features | Hinged lid, removable lid, window, clip, pillow, LED light |
Colour | Black, white, beige, brown, walnut, champagne, red |
What You'll Learn
Using wood
If you want to make a wedding ring stand out of wood, you have a few options. You could make a simple box, a carved block, or even a small wooden sculpture. Here's a step-by-step guide for each:
Option 1: Wooden Box
- Gather your materials. You will need some hardwood, such as maple or IPE, wood glue, a saw, a power drill, a router, a sander, and some hinges.
- Sketch out your design. Decide on the size and shape of your box, and whether you want to include any special features, such as a lid or a cushion inside.
- Cut your wood to size. Use your saw to cut the hardwood into the pieces you need for your box.
- Assemble the box. Glue the pieces together and let them dry overnight.
- Shape and sand the box. Use your router to shape the box, and your sander to smooth out any rough edges.
- Add the hinges. If you want your box to have a lid, attach the hinges now.
- Finish the box. You can stain or paint the wood, or simply treat it with oil to bring out the natural grain.
Option 2: Carved Block
- Find a suitable piece of wood. Look for a dense and strong type of wood, such as African Padauk or IPE.
- Cut the wood to size. Use a saw to cut the wood into a block that's a few inches tall and wide.
- Seal the wood. Apply a coat of gloss enamel spray to the wood to prevent ink or paint from bleeding into it.
- Design your decoration. You can download a design from the internet or create your own.
- Transfer the design to the wood. Shade the backside of your design with a pencil, then trace it onto the wood block.
- Colour in the design. Use paint, a paint pen, or a Sharpie to fill in the design.
- Add a hook. Screw a small cup hook into the top of the block, making sure it's big enough to hold your ring.
Option 3: Small Sculpture
- Choose your wood. Select a type of wood that is dense and strong, such as African Padauk or IPE.
- Cut out your ring blanks. Cut the wood so that the grain runs across it, not through it, to prevent cracking.
- Measure and cut the ring blanks to size. Each blank should be about 3/8" thick.
- Drill a hole. Use a spade bit or a drill bit that is slightly smaller than your ring finger to drill a hole in each ring blank.
- Sand the hole. Use a Dremel tool or sandpaper to sand the inside of the hole until it's the right size for your finger.
- Shape the outside of the ring. Use a cut-off wheel or a saw to cut out the general shape of the ring, then use a sander to shape it until it has a uniform thickness.
- Finish the ring. You can use a variety of finishes, such as beeswax, tung oil, or polyurethane clearcoat.
- Add any final touches. You might want to add some engraved designs or decorations to your ring stand.
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Using velvet
Velvet is a popular choice for wedding ring stands and boxes, as it is an elegant fabric that beautifully showcases rings. Here are some ways to create a DIY wedding ring stand using velvet:
Custom Velvet Ring Box:
A custom velvet ring box can be created by purchasing an affordable ring box from Amazon or Etsy and decorating it with velvet. You can choose a box with a plain lid and line it with velvet fabric, ensuring a snug fit. This simple DIY project adds a unique and elegant touch to your ring presentation.
Velvet Ring Display:
You can create a stylish velvet ring display with a few simple materials. Start by sourcing a small wooden box, high-density foam, spray adhesive, birch plywood, black velvet fabric, a ruler, scissors, and pins or a staple gun. Cut the plywood and foam to fit snugly inside the box, adhering them together with the spray adhesive. Measure and mark rows on the foam, about an inch apart, and carefully cut slits using a serrated knife. Cut the velvet fabric to size, allowing for enough length to insert into the rows and cover the bottom. Secure the fabric neatly with pins or staples, and then insert the completed insert into the wooden box.
Velvet Ring Holder:
For a simpler project, you can create a basic velvet ring holder by covering a small piece of cardboard or foam board with velvet. Secure the velvet with hot glue, and cut a slit to hold the ring. This easy DIY ensures your ring is securely displayed and is perfect for proposal or engagement photos.
Velvet Ring Tray:
You can also create a velvet ring tray by sourcing a tray with a foam insert. Simply cover the foam insert with velvet fabric, securing it neatly with hot glue. This project is straightforward and effective, providing a beautiful display for your wedding rings.
Velvet is a luxurious and elegant fabric that enhances the presentation of wedding rings. By following these simple DIY projects, you can create a unique and customized velvet wedding ring stand that will make your rings stand out and look amazing in photos.
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Using metal
Step 1: Creating the Ring Model
You can create the model for your ring stand using wax or plastic. Hand carving is the traditional way, but you can also use 3D printing if you have access to a 3D printer and are familiar with CAD software. If you choose to hand-carve, start by taking a wax blank and adding/subtracting wax to shape it into the desired form. For 3D printing, design your ring stand using CAD software and then print it out.
Step 2: Making the Mold
Create a rubber mold of your ring stand model if you want to save the design for future use or make multiple copies. To do this, bend an aluminum bar into a "U" shape and glue a small block of rubber to the bottom inside. Attach a sprue (a small rod of wax) to your ring stand model and fuse it to the rubber block. Use acrylic sheets to enclose the model, then mix and pour liquid silicone into the mold. Allow it to cure before removing the ring stand model.
Step 3: Investing Your Ring
Attach a small sprue to your ring stand model and affix it to a rubber sprue base. Apply a debubbleizer (a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap) to the wax model to prevent air bubbles from forming in the investment compound. Measure out the appropriate amount of investment powder and water, then mix them together. Put on a mask to avoid inhaling the investment powder, which contains silica. Pour the investment mixture into a flask, making sure it surrounds the model. Allow the investment to harden for about 2 hours.
Step 4: Melting the Metal
Prepare your chosen metal for casting. Common metals used include zinc, silver, and gold. Measure out the amount of metal needed, taking into account any losses during the casting process. Heat the metal until it melts, stirring with a carbon rod to distribute the heat evenly.
Step 5: Casting the Ring
Place the flask with the hardened investment compound into a kiln and begin the burnout process. This will melt and remove the wax model, leaving behind a cavity in the shape of your ring stand. Heat the kiln in increments, gradually increasing the temperature. Remove the flask from the kiln once the wax has burned out. Carefully pour the molten metal into the cavity in the investment compound. Allow the metal to cool and harden, then remove the ring stand from the flask.
Step 6: Cleaning and Finishing
Use a small pick to remove any excess investment compound from your ring stand. Run it through an ultrasonic cleaner to get rid of finer chunks. Create a pickling solution by heating water and adding a small amount of Sparex. Soak your ring stand in the solution to remove any oxidation. Finish by polishing the metal to your desired luster using buffing compounds and wheels.
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Using glass
Glass Ring Pyramid:
A unique and modern design, the glass ring pyramid is a beautiful way to display your rings. You will need:
- Glass panels cut into triangular shapes
- A metal frame, preferably gold or brass-coloured
- A small chain and hook
- A clasp or bolt
Carefully assemble the glass panels to form an enclosed pyramid structure, with an opening like a small door. The metal frame should be finished with a beautiful gold or brass colour, and the edges of the glass can be soldered or glued to the frame for extra stability. Attach a small chain and hook inside, on which the rings can be hung. Finally, add a clasp or bolt to keep the pyramid closed and secure.
Glass Ring Dish:
A simple yet elegant design, the glass ring dish is perfect for storing multiple rings and other small accessories. You will need:
- A circular or heart-shaped glass plate
- A central pole or pillar made of glass or metal
- A small tray or dish to attach at the base
The central pole should be securely attached to the centre of the glass plate, with the tray attached below to form a stable base. The tray can be used to store earrings, pins, and other small items. This design is perfect for displaying multiple rings and can be placed on a nightstand or dresser.
Glass Ring Box:
A more enclosed design, the glass ring box is ideal for travel and securely storing rings. You will need:
- A rectangular glass box with a lid
- Metal clasps and hinges
- A velvet tray liner
- A dense insert with slots for rings
Attach metal clasps and hinges to the glass box, ensuring a secure closure. Line the inside with velvet, and add a dense insert with multiple slots to hold rings in place. This design is perfect for travel, as the latch will keep the box closed and your rings secure.
Glass Ring Terrarium:
A creative and unique design, the glass ring terrarium is a fun way to display your rings. You will need:
- A glass terrarium with an open or removable top
- Small decorations, such as moss, stones, or miniature figurines
- A small hook or chain to hang rings
Decorate the inside of the terrarium with small items, such as moss, to create a unique scene. You can hang rings from a small hook or chain attached to the inside of the terrarium. This design is perfect for displaying rings in a creative and playful way.
These glass wedding ring stand ideas offer a range of styles and complexity, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your skills and preferences.
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Using marble
Marble is a popular material for wedding ring stands, and you can make your own at home. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating a marble ring stand using clay:
Materials:
- Polymer clay in various colours (white, black, and coloured clay of your choice)
- X-Acto knife or plastic clay knife
- Small oven-safe bowls or ramekins
- Gold liquid gilding and a small paintbrush (optional)
- Rolling pin or something large and round to roll with
- A can or bowl to trace the opening
- Glaze to seal the dish (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Clay:
Roll each colour of clay into a snake about 5-9 inches long, depending on the size of the bowl you want to make. For a marbled effect, twist and combine the different colours of clay together. You can do this by alternating the colours and gently twisting them together to form a rope.
Roll and Twist:
Roll the combined clay back and forth into a snake shape about twice the original length to blend the colours. Twist the ends in opposite directions to create a candy cane effect. Fold the snake in half and twist the two ends together. Repeat the process of rolling, folding, twisting, and rolling until you achieve a marbled look.
Form a Ball:
Roll the final snake into a ball, smooshing it together, and then roll the ball on a surface until it is smooth. If you don't see most of your colours on the top of the ball, cut it in half and smoosh the two halves back together.
Roll Out the Clay:
Use a rolling pin or glass jar to roll out the marbled ball into a slab about 1/4-inch thick. Remember to frequently lift and turn the slab to prevent sticking to your work surface or rolling pin. Roll in different directions to push the clay from various angles.
Cut Out the Dish Shape:
Lift your clay off the surface and place it back down before cutting to prevent sticking. Use a round item about 6 inches wide (or smaller for little bowls) to cut out a circle. You can use an X-Acto knife or even a butter knife for this step. Decide if you prefer a more "unfinished" look or something smoother for the edges.
Shape the Dish:
Place your clay circle gently into an oven-safe bowl or ramekin that is slightly smaller than your circle, so it sags a little in the centre and gives a dish shape. This will create a more even bowl. If you prefer an "unfinished" look, place the clay over the underside of a bowl.
Bake the Dish:
Bake the dish according to the temperature and time instructions on your clay package. For elevations above 3500 feet, add about 8-10 minutes to the baking time. Remove the bowl from the oven and let the clay cool completely before touching it to avoid cracking.
Paint and Glaze (Optional):
Once cooled, you can use a paintbrush to paint the rim of the dish and allow it to dry. You can also add designs, such as painting names onto the dish, and let it dry completely. To add a glossy finish, seal the dish with a glaze. Please note that glazing does not make the dish waterproof or food-safe.
Your DIY marble wedding ring stand is now complete! These stands are perfect for storing your rings safely and can also be used as wedding favours or gifts.
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Frequently asked questions
The materials you will need depend on the type of stand you want to make. For a wooden ring stand, you will need wood (either in the form of scrap pieces or a pre-made box), wood glue, a hand saw or power drill, sandpaper, and hinges. For a more simple design, you can use cardboard, glue, and fabric or paper to decorate.
First, gather your materials and cut your wood to size. Next, glue the pieces together and leave to dry. Once dry, use sandpaper to smooth the surfaces and shape the stand. Cut the stand in half to create a box and lid, and use a hand saw or power drill to create a hole for the rings. Finally, attach the hinges to the box and lid, and add a fabric or foam lining if desired.
For a simple stand, cut a piece of cardboard to size and shape it into a box with a lid. Decorate the box with paint, paper, or fabric, and add a piece of ribbon or string to keep the box closed. You can also add a piece of foam or fabric to the inside of the box to hold the rings in place.
Websites like Etsy, Amazon, and Instructables are great resources for finding inspiration and materials for your wedding ring stand. Etsy and Amazon offer a wide range of ready-made stands and boxes that you can use as a starting point for your design. Instructables provides step-by-step guides and video tutorials on how to make various types of ring stands and boxes.