Thursday, December 20, 2012

Teach Me Something Thursday, Volume Sixteen.


Between now + the new year, I feel there is always some sort of event going on. If you're anything like me, wearing the same outfit + accessories is a no-go [when it comes to school, I could care less in sweats], especially if people will be taking photos. The necklace you'll learn how to make below is a great accessory for your holiday soirees, plus they make great gifts.  This installment of TMST is from Marianna, owner of Castellammare Designs. 


This is Marianna of Castellammare Designs Jewellery writing from Ottawa, Canada. I’m visiting my good friend Michele’s blog today to show you the basics of making a beaded strand necklace. Today I will be showing you the steps I took to make a Smoke Ombre Pearl Strand Necklace for Michele. You can use this technique with just about any type of bead and in any combination you like.

Supplies
  • Beading wire, cr
  • Crimp beads
  • Crimp clams
  • Beads (I used 8mm glass pearls)
  • Clasp
  • Jump rings


Tools
  • Crimper
  • Wire cutter
  • Pliers
  • Bead board
  • Bead mat (you can use a towel)


Start by laying your beads out on the bead board in the pattern of your choosing. Note the measurements are listed right on the board. I’ve decided to make this necklace 18” so I want my beads to extend a bit further than the 9” marking. The beads will sit tighter on the wire then on the board so keep this in mind.

Next, measure out your wire. You want 18” plus an extra inch on each side so aim for 20” of wire. Once cut, take one of the crimp beads and one of the crimp clams and attach to one end of the wire. Do this by using the crimper to flatten the crimp bead to the wire. Close the clam over the bead. Lightly tug the clam to make sure it’s secure.
Now you can start stringing your beads!

Once all your beads are on the wire, carefully lay the wire back onto the bead board and check the necklace measurement. If you measure just below 18” not to worry, the clasp will add another ½” or so.

When you are happy with the length you can begin to close off the loose end.  Add a clam to the strand (open side out) and a crimp bead. Crimp the bead with your crimpers about ½” away from the last bead. Why you ask? You want to allow the beads room to move. If the necklace is to tight it may snap when worn. Now cut off the excess wire at the end and close the clam over the crimp. Almost done.

Now, use the pliers to open one of the jump rings and attach it to the hole on one of the clams. Add the clasp and use the pliers to close the jump ring. Do the same on the other side only without adding a clamp.

Try on your necklace, we are done!

Marianna is giving away a $30 shop credit to Castellammare Designs for Giveaway a Day December, so make sure to enter!

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