How to Make a Beaded Statement Necklace {And How Not to}
Nothing punctuates an outfit like a good statement necklace. And not only are they all the rage, they’re just plain fun to wear.
And they will make your life complete.
Okay, that’s just a slight exaggeration, but I did have a Hallelujah moment when I finally found these red beads I’d been searching high and low for in my very own Hobby Lobby…
Those beads, combined with this 30-inch gold-“ish” chain, some crimp beads, and some Tiger Tail jewelry wire, and I was set for the statement necklace my wardrobe has been waiting for.
{Let me just insert here: do not try to make this with a lesser wire such as filament. The crimp beads will cut the filament and your beads will go flying just about the time you put your finished necklace on and you’ll have to spend the next five minutes on your hands and knees searching for all your beads and bribing your kids to help you. Yes, it really happened.}
Once I had all the correct supplies, I sorted out the beads in 3 rows, each slightly longer than the other. I did this on carpet because I don’t have a professional bead tray thing and beads will just roll around if you do it on a hard surface. My rows were approximately 6″, 8″, and 10″ long.
Then, I beaded the first strand onto the Tiger Tail wire. (Cut your wire at least 4 or 5 inches longer than your bead strand.)
I just used a clothes pin to clamp the wire while I was working so the beads didn’t slide off.
Next, I got the chain ready for the beads.
I wanted a double chain, but half the length, so I took the 30″ chain and opened the 2 links in the very center of the chain, then re-attached them to the links near the clasp.
I ended up with a sort-of “half” necklace, with two loops.
Then, I was ready to attach my first strand of beads.
So, I threaded a crimp bead onto one end of the beads…
Looped the wire through the chain link…
And back through the crimp bead and the last 2 or 3 beads.
Then, I just crimped it firmly with my pliers and repeated the steps for the other side of the strand, snipping any excess wire after it was secure.
Then I did the same thing for the second and third strands.
And then I put it on and wore it happily ever after.
Everyone can use a good statement necklace! And if you love to DIY, you can easily make this yourself. And for those of you who don’t DIY, before you ask if I’ll make one for you, I have good news: my sister has a limited supply of these in her shop right now. Click here to get one before they’re gone.
I’ll be sharing this little project with a few of these friends!
September 6, 2013 @ 1:01 am
Beautiful! I love it!
Patty at Home and Lifestyle Design
September 7, 2013 @ 1:47 am
Thanks, Patty!
September 6, 2013 @ 11:46 pm
Love how this turned out. I need to find those beads now!
September 7, 2013 @ 1:48 am
Thanks! Have to love Hobby Lobby beads!
September 8, 2013 @ 5:58 pm
oh good for you..love what you did..and Hobby Lobby(:)
September 9, 2013 @ 2:15 pm
Thanks! glad you like it!
September 9, 2013 @ 2:26 am
Julie I love this! Thanks for the great tutorial! I can't wait to get to HL for the supplies!
September 9, 2013 @ 2:16 pm
Great! Hope you enjoy yours too 🙂
September 10, 2013 @ 9:14 pm
Nice! I like how you went into so much detail. If you would like to see more DIY projects I invite you to my site at http://www.diytiger.com
April 4, 2014 @ 6:04 am
So cute! Making my own jewelry has always seemed so hard and intimidating but you make it look so easy. I definitely want to give this one a try!
Sara
stripesandpolkadotsblog.com
April 28, 2014 @ 12:01 pm
Your crimps aren't going to last – you need crimping pliers that fold them in half, vertically.
April 28, 2014 @ 12:13 pm
Thanks for your tip! They've been fine so far, but if something happens to them, I'll try your method!
November 2, 2015 @ 3:37 pm
HI, what are the sizes of the beads? it is hard to find the beads that you had.. I don't have hobby lobby near my place. Any suggestions where i can get those?
Lisa