Metallic Multi Strand Necklace

This necklace is appropriate for work or a night out!  It is easy enough to make that kids can throw one together for a sophisticated and versatile handmade gift.

Estimated time to complete: 1 hour

Findings:

1MM Waxed Cotton Cord (neutral colors add sophistication)
2 Large Cording Endings
1 S-Hook Clasp (or whatever you have on hand)
*2 small jump rings
*you can just buy a multi pack that has a selection of findings, like this one on Amazon.

Beads:
Silver beads (small and square. I got mine from Michael's)

Tools:
Assorted Beading Tools
Beading Board
Candle (yes, any candle will do. Pine scented made the necklace smell nice)

40 second video on how I put this together!

Step 1:
Light your candle.
Decide what length you will be making.  I use 12.5 inches of beads.  Make sure to cut some extra cord as you may have to trim it because as it may fray while you are stringing.

Get your cotton cording and dip the end of it in the newly melted wax. Immediately, pinch the ends of your cord just to tap the wax down.  This will give you a hard tip and make your cord much easier to string. Tie a knot at the opposite end to keep the beads from falling off.  You'll cut the knot off, so make it as close to the end as you can.

Cotton Cording

Step 2:
String 12.5 inches of beads onto the first strand and set aside. Repeat for the next 5 strands.  

Step 3:
Cut off the knotted ends and gather one side of strands together to place in the cord ending.  Use pliers to bend the metal closure around the 6 strands.  Make sure this ending is tight.  Repeat for the other side.

Step 4:
Attach the S-hook closure with 3mm jump rings.

How To Wear This Necklace:

Leather and Cord Necklace

This necklace is really easy to make and great for casual wear and gifts. It is also a great project to do when trying to use leftover beads.

I have made a bunch of these necklaces and what looks best, in my opinion, is a mix of colored and metal beads.  This one uses blue, pink, red, turquoise, black, hematite and silver.

Leather Strip

Findings:
1MM Waxed Cotton Cord
Suede Leather Strip (any color is fine but I used turquoise)
2 Large Rings
Cording Endings
2 Lobster clasps
*1 Med jump ring
*1 small jump ring
*2 ribbon clasps






*you can just buy a multi pack that has a selection of findings, like this one on Amazon.

Beads:
Multi Color Seed Beads
Silver beads
Hematite Beads

Tools:
Assorted Beading Tools
Beading Board
Candle (yes, any candle will do. Rose scented made the necklace smell nice)

Step 1:

Cotton Cording

Light your candle.
Get your cotton cording and dip the end of it in the newly melted wax. Immediately, pinch the ends of your cord just to tap the wax down.  This will give you a hard tip and make your cord much easier to string.

Step 2:
 String 20 seed beads onto the cord.  Cut off the waxed tip and tie a knot about 1 inch from the top.  Push 5 beads up to the knot and tie another knot on the other side.  Space about an inch and repeat.  Do this 2 more times until you have a string of beads that look like this:



Step 3:
Cut your cord so that you have the one strand.

Seed Beads

Step 4:
Now dip the tip of the wax in the candle again and string 27 more beads of different colors.  Tie knots around 3 groupings of 9 beds like so:


Step 5:
Here is a close up of the necklace.  You can follow the beading as closely as you like.  It is almost impossible to mess this necklace up.  Try any combos that you like.  It is also best if the strands of cord aren't all exactly the same size.




Step 6:
Once you have as many beaded cords as you want, take 2 and secure one end with a small cord ending.  Then do the same for the other end.


Now attach each end to its own jump ring.  Continue to secure cords 2-3 at a time, depending on your cord ending size.  Attach to the jump rings.

PINK!!!

Step 7:
The Suede Leather Strip can come from a sheet of leather (cut it yourself with scissors) or pre-cut cording. When cutting it yourself, it doesn't need to be perfectly straight. Honestly, I just eye-ball it.  Just make sure the widths, at each end, fits your ribbon clasps.

Ribbon and Lobster Clasps

Step 8:
Attach your ribbon clasps and lobster clasps to each end.  The length of the suede cord is really dependent upon where you want the necklace to fall.  Sometimes, I make a couple of these, in different lengths, so I change the length of the necklace, just by changing out this one piece....especially when I'm giving it as a gift!

You have completed your necklace!