Craft Pond

Making jewelry was one of my first hobbies. When I was little, my friends and I would make friendship bracelets and (try to) sell them to the neighbors. I was born with an entrepreneurial spirit, but mostly I just love to make things! I am still making jewelry now, although I like to think my skills have improved a little!

Today I’m going to teach you a simple technique that you can use to create an almost endless amount of looks! It involves very few tools, and can be used with a variety of materials. Here we go!

Step 1: Go to the craft store and pick up these supplies:

2 pairs of jewelry pliers. I use round nose pliers.

1 jewelry wire cutter (oblique cutters)

chain of your choice (with clasp already attached)

beads of your choice

20 or 18 gauge wire cut into pieces longer than your beads  (same color as your chain. I cut my wire about 3″ to leave myself extra room)

Step 2: Count out a few links from the clasp and pull apart 1 link. If you have a chain with closed links, you will have to cut it. Set the link aside. I used a larger chain, so I only counted out 2 links from the clasp.

Step 3: Take one of your wire pieces and bend the end into a loop around your shorter length of chain. Make sure the loop is as closed as possible and the chain cannot slip out.

Step 4: Great! Now you’re ready to put your first bead on! Place a bead on the wire, then string your chain onto the wire, and close a loop around the chain.

Step 5: Count out 3 more links from the bead (or how ever many links you want to space out the beads.) and repeat steps 1-4. Repeat steps 1-4 until you reach the end of the chain. Enjoy your new necklace!

I made 2 varieties using this technique. You can use this easy technique to create so many different styles! Practice with different chains, and beads and see what you come up with. These would also make great gifts if you’re in holiday mode!