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The Six Strand Wood Bead Necklace
| Learn to make this multi-strand necklace by follow a few simple steps.
Based on a 20" necklace (this doesn't included the pendant in the measurement) you'll need the items listed below. If you want a longer necklace, plan on purchasing (1) addition strand in each color of the wood beads.
Begin by cutting 6 pieces, 25" each, of the FireLine beading wire. You'll need the additional length to knot at the end. Holding two of the cut pieces of wire together, make a simple overhand knot (double knot if you like) at one end. Using sharp scissors cut off the excess/tail of the knot and apply a dab of glue (Dazzle Tac, Bead Tip Cement or the like will do) on the knot and let it dry. |
Thread the other end of the 2 strands through a bead tip and pull through so that the knot is inside of the "clam shell". Gently close the bead tip with pliers. Choose one of the colors of the wooden beads and string three beads onto both strands of wire. Then separate the treads and begin stringing each strand with the same beads. Using a beading needle will make this process go much quicker and it will be easy to knot the other end so you might want to purchase either SoftTouch beading needles or English beading needles in size 10.
When you have threaded both strands evenly and to your desired length, bring both pieces together and string on 3 beads followed by a bead tip. |
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It might be easier to bend the clam shell out (in other words, open it up) and using both strands make a simple overhand knot. Follow this with either another overhand knot or a square knot. It's important to push down before doing this to take up the slack and get the knot in the clam shell. This will be much easier if you are using a needle but if not, trying using an awl or a needle to guide the knot down toward the bead tip. Once you've done this, do the same for the other two colors of beads (one of the colors should be alternated with the gold beads) as shown in the photo. |
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Now that all 3 strands are completed, using a headpin, eyepin or wire, create a loop as shown. The loop needs to be big enough to accommodate the looped ends of the bead tips (sorry, the "ready made" loop on an eyepin is too small - if you're using a head or eyepin, just cut off the part you don't need and make the loop) but small enough to fit inside the bead/end cone. Also, it's important that you use a wire, headpin, or eyepin that is 20 gauge or 21 gauge - it needs to be strong and 24 gauge is not strong enough.
Attach the bead tips by using gentle pressure to close their loops around the loop you've just created. Slide that through the bead cone and make a loop on the other end. Once you've done one side, you'll want to twist the strands before attaching the bead tips to the other side. Twist them just enough to be esthetically pleasing before finishing the other side. Attach the toggle clasp using the jump rings. |
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To make the bail, you'll need to cut an 8" piece of the Fireline and either fold it in half or run a needle half of the way down the wire and fold (basically, you're doubling the string material) before tying a simple overhand knot. Slide on a gold bead followed by the backside of the pendant. Then, on the front of the pendant, begin placing gold beads (about 10) on the wire. Lay the pendant face-down on a surface and place the wood bead strands on top of the gold beads. Take the wire over the wood bead strands and back through the gold bead, pendant and the other gold beads.
Pull the wire to take up any slack and tie two knots between the first and last gold beads (where the original knot was tied). See the photo to the right. Trim away any excess wire so that the bail looks professional.
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To create the design above you will need the following items
Wood Round Beads - (Choose 3 colors that will compliment the pendant) (for a 20" necklace - which includes the clasp and end cones, but not the pendant, in the measurement - you'll need 3 strands of 2 colors and 2 strands of another color for a total of 8 strands).
To see more beading projects and jewelry design ideas click here
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