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| This sparkling crystal bead chain works great by itself or with a special pendant. |
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This project was inspired by an amazing ceramic and crystal pendant I bought from
Lisa Peters Art on Etsy. I loved the colors as well as the way Lisa combined the ceramic and sparkling crystals. It sat in my stash for a few months before I figured out what to do with it - make an amazing beaded crystal chain to match!
You can make this chain to accent a pendant or just wear it on its own. It also makes a fabulous bracelet!
Materials:
For necklace:
- 290 Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED Elements 4mm bicones (A)
- 5 grams size 11 seed beads in color to match A (B)
- 82 Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED Elements 4.5mm Simplicity (C)
- 5 grams size 11 seed beads in color to match C (D)
- Braided beading thread such as Fireline or Wildfire, 6 lb. test
- Size 12 beading needle
- Clasp of your choice
- Scissors or thread cutter
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1. On a comfortable length of beading thread, pick up 1 A and 1 B.
Repeat for a total of 6 A and 6 B. Pass through the first A and pull
snugly to form first unit. |
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2.Pick up 1 B, 1 A. Repeat for a total of 6 B and 5 A. Pass through the
bead you exited at the beginning of this step and pull snugly to form a
second unit. Weave through the next 3 B and 2 A until you exit an A. |
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3. Continue to add units until you have reached the desired length
for the first half of the necklace. Since this piece will be in a "V"
shape, you want to determine the length by holding it at the back of
your neck where you will add the clasp and then measuring how far it
falls down your chest.
4. To stitch the second half of the necklace, go through one more A
and then continue to add units to the other side of the necklace.
5. Add the center embellishments: Exiting from an A on the top right
inside, pick up 1 C, 1 D, 1 C. Pass skip two A in the unit and pass
through the next A on the bottom, moving from left to right. Pull snugly
to center the D in the unit.
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6. Weave through the beaded chain, adding 1 C, 1 D, 1 C.
7. Add the bottom embellishments: Exiting from the left bottom center B,
pick up 1 A, 1 D, 1 C, 1 D. Skip the last D strung, pass back through
the C and pick up 1 D, 1 A. Pass through the next bottom center B in the
next unit and repeat.
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8. To add the center units (optional), work three more units using A and
B and right-angle weave.
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9. Embellish with C and D as you did for the rest
of the chain. |
This crystal bead chain also looks great when you make it up with fire-polished beads or druks. Hang a special pendant from it or wear it just as is!
Bead Happy,
Jennifer