Hi there! Today I made this necklace for my friend Carly’s birthday, and I thought it would be fun to share with you how I made it. It’s kind of an anthropology inspired style. I used silver and turquoise beads, but you can use any colors you choose! To get started you will need: crimp beads, some beads of your choice, some beading wire (I use Beadalon satin silver wire) 2 pairs of jewelry pliers, small wire cutters, a clasp and a jump ring.
Step 1: Cut your wire/string to about 24″ (My necklace measured about 17″ once finished, I just like to allow a lot of extra string). Place a crimp bead on the wire, then the clasp. Fold over the short end of the wire, back into the crimp bead. (Ignore the unpainted nails, usually I do them really pretty- I swear!)
Step 2: Using your pliers, squeeze the crimp bead closed over the wire, creating a loop for the clasp to hang from.
Step 3: Trim the excess short wire right up to the crimp bead, then start stringing your beads. Once I hit near the middle, I started stringing the large turquoise beads. It will depend on the size of your beads, and the length you want your necklace to be. I just estimated!
Step 4: Once your beads are strung, simply repeat step 1 with the crimp bead and the jump ring. This necklace makes a great and thoughtful DIY gift, or just something new and pretty to keep and wear! Enjoy!
