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:

How to Attach a Jump Ring

There are many different size jump rings and all work the same way.  I use the smallest jump rings for earrings and attaching closures to bracelets, but which ones you use are up to you.

Step 1:
Grab the jump ring with 2 sets of pliers. Bend one plier towards your body and one away from your body.  Don't pull the jump ring open as if you are trying to straighten it out.
It should look more like an "S" than a "U".

Step 2:
Add whatever elements you are trying to combine and close the ring back up.  It is extremely important that you close the ring back evenly (not overlapping) and without a gap.  If it is uneven or overlapping it may snag clothing and if it isn't tightly closed then the chain or whatever it is combining may fall through the gap and come undone.

Turquoise Pendant Necklace

This necklace is really easy to make and great for casual or work wear as well as a gift. It is also a great project to do with kids or for those just getting into jewelry making.  It only takes about 20 minutes to make.

Findings:

  1 Silver Chain

Lobster Clasps and Jump Rings

  3 Beads
*1 Lobster clasp
*4 Med jump ring
*1 small jump rings

*I got all my components fromMichael's

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

Tools:
Assorted Beading Tools
Beading Board (optional but I can't live without mine)

Step 1:
Decide where you want the necklace to fall and measure out the chain. Mine is about 22 inches. To cut your chain to size, simply grab a link and bend it open to separate the chain you want from the chain that will leftover. Throw away the bent link.

Step 2:
 To create your pendant, attach the three beads together with 2 medium jump rings.  On the top bead of the pendant, attach a medium/large jump ring.  This top jump ring will attach your pendant to the chain.   Place one chain end through the top jump ring.

Step 3:
Attach your lobster clasp to one end of the chain with the small jump ring.




Step 4:
Attach a medium sized jump ring to the other end of the chain.

You have completed your necklace!

Criss-Cross Bracelet

Nautical Bib Necklace

Findings:
20 Gauge Bendable Wire or Headpins
Bead Stringing Wire (Michael's)
*Crimp Beads
*Jump rings
*Head Pins
Seed Beads (Navy Blue: Joann's Fabric, White: Michael's)
Bead Covers (Michael's)
Bead Bugs (Amazon)
*Assorted Beading Tools (Amazon)

*get a kit multi kit as buying these individually can get expensive.

Step 1:
Decide the length you want and cut 3 cords of wire. I use Leave 4 inches extra on each for tying the knots, at the ends. You may want to make more than 3 strands, if so you'll have to get bigger Bead cones to cover the ends, which can get thick when they are all put together.















Step 2:
Attach a bead bug to one end of one cord and start adding your seed beads.  You can add them in alternating patters.  Or all one color.  Your choice. Repeat for all 3 wires.

Step 3:

Slide the end of the first wire through your looped headpin and through the crimp bead to hold it together.  Make sure the loop of wire isn't too long because you want your Bead Cone to cover the ugly ends.  

Step 4:

If you are using the 20 gauge wire, then you can make a loop with it and wrap it around itself a few times to make it look nice.  However, its easier to just use the regular looped headpin pictured above. I just add a seed bead then close the wire loop, so I can attach a jump ring.  

Step 5:

Attach lobster clasp and jump rings to finish.  You can 

You have completed your necklace!