Inside Jewelry Stringing Magazine : Chain Maille

5 Jewelry Making Mistakes to Avoid

DanielleF@9 — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 10:00:00 GMT

I've been beading for almost ten years now--ever since I joined the staff of Jewelry Stringing. And over those ten years, I've made lots of beading mistakes. Thing is, those mistakes turn into lessons. Hard-earned lessions sometimes, yes, but lessons nonetheless. When learning to bead, it's as much about figuring out what NOT to do as it is figuring out what to do. I think you know what I mean. Below I offer some advice based on my screw-ups...I mean, adventures in learning.

Don't use your nice wire cutters on memory wire. Really. Memory wire is steel, and it's really hard. The first time I used memory wire, I was too lazy to go find another pair of pliers to cut it. So, I used my jewelry wire cutters. And, just like all the warnings tell you, it does mar the blades of the pliers, which makes it harder in the future to cut everything else. Buy some memory-wire specific cutters like the ones at right from Fire Mountain Gems, or use hardware-store cutters.

When closing jump rings, take your time and close them well the first time. In the past, I've wiggled jump rings back and forth so many times trying to close them perfectly that they actually broke in half. To avoid this, grasp each side of a jump ring's opening with a pair of pliers. Don't pull apart. Instead, twist in opposite directions so that you can open and close without distorting the shape.

When using beads on cloth, make sure the beads have a permanent finish. I once bead-embroidered some pillowcases (one of my very first beading projects) with cute little flowers. When I washed the pillowcases, the colors of the beads bled all over the pillowcase, ruining it. I should have known--they were cheap beads, but, hey, I was a newbie!

Be careful when using thread burners or lighters to cauterize the ends of synthetic threads. I was finishing a small earring project I had stitched with FireLine braided beading thread and thought I'd try the finish-by-fire method I've read so much about. I only had a lighter, not a thread burner like the one at left from Artbeads.com. I guess I got a little flame happy. Not only did I singe my tail thread, but I also burned through other threads, causing the piece to fall apart. Luckily, it didn't take long to redo my earring, but I learned that a little bit of heat goes a long way.

When carrying your in-progress jewelry to a mirror to check out how the size of a necklace is working on you, make sure the ends are secured really well with bead stops. I've lost a few beads in the sink after some ill-placed bead stops fell off my piece, cause the whole necklace to come apart. I like the original size Bead Stoppers. Just make sure they've got your beading wire trapped securely in the coils before moving your jewelry around.

What lessons have you learned through beading trial and error? Share them below!

-Danielle

In Defense of Jewelry Kits

cchatenever — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:00:00 GMT

I always feel a tad guilty when I make jewelry from a kit. After making jewelry for so many years and seeing firsthand how much work goes into the planning and design stages of each piece, I feel like I am cheating when I use a kit to skip over those steps. On the other hand, I feel like there is something to be said for giving yourself a break every now and then and breezing through an easy project.

I studied German in college and before big tests I liked to take a break from my flashcards and pick out an easy assignment to do from the chapters I had already learned. While it didn't hurt to brush up on my basics, I think the most useful part of this exercise was that it always gave me a little ego boost--it reminded me how much I had already learned and gave me the motivation to keep working at it. This strategy can be applied to any skill that you are trying to develop--including jewelry making! The next time you find yourself in a designing rut, consider whipping up a copy of a project you have already made and really loved, or working through a simple jewelry kit. It just might be enough to bump you out of your rut and get your creative juices flowing again!

A few days ago we got a shipment of Weave Got Maille's latest kits. I haven't had time to do much designing lately, so I thought this would be a great opportunity to get out my pliers and play with beads for a few minutes. Each kit comes with everything you will need to make up either a bracelet or a pair of earrings except for a few pairs of flat-nose pliers. I went with their Sedona Shaggy Loops Bracelet kit (its blue/brass color palette is one of my favorites!). As I worked through the pattern I stopped to snap a few in-progress shots:

It was a really pleasant way to spend a few minutes on a stressful afternoon! While the technique was familiar and this bracelet went pretty quickly, I was also reminded that there is something to be learned from every project (no matter how simple): I opened up all of my jump rings before I started constructing the bracelet and as I was putting it together I realized I opened them a bit too far. Next time I am going to save myself some work and be a little less zealous with my pliers. I also learned that a chain maille project isn't the best way to break in a new set of pliers with a stiff spring--my hand was cramping up halfway through!

Do you ever pick up beading kits for yourself? Or do you have other tricks for overcoming creative ruts?

Happy weekend!

Chloe

What's Your Bracelet Style?

Dblair — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

When it comes to favoring a particular type of bracelet design, honestly, I'm all over the board. It just depends on my mood and my outfit.

Is your style casual and easy-going? Or do you love the sophistication of more classic pieces? Perhaps bold statement jewelry or whimsical accessories show off your personality best.

Whatever your style may be, here are a dozen bracelet designs to inspire (download step-by-step instructions from the Interweave Store for just $4 each):

Make this unique Coral Charm Bracelet by gluing your favorite assortment of cabochons into matching brass bezels.

Casual:

Create this lively Motion Ocean Bracelet by connecting various colored jump rings with dotted components.

Step-by-step photos show you how to create the wire wrapped links in this flexible Bangle Bracelet.

The clear instructions for this Bejeweled Crystal Bracelet make it an easy introduction to beadweaving.

Classic:

This Macrame Pearl Bracelet is an ideal one-size-fits-all project, perfect for using beads from your stash.

Make this Frosty Pink crystal and pearl bracelet using elastic cord for ease of wearing. (Free download)

It's hard to believe that chain maille is at the center of this gorgeous Blue My Mind bracelet.

Statement:

Make a statement with this chunky Anemone Bracelet, which features colorful cane-glass beads.

If you'd like to try basic metalworking, this Fluted Silver Cuff features hammered fluted and domed shapes.

No doubt you'll be ready for summer wearing this Brandon Beach Bracelet!

Fun:

The colorful mix of resin, Lucite, and clay beads really make this Candy Charm Bracelet pop!

I love the eclectic mix of elements in this funky Found Object Charm Bracelet.

Spring weather means it's time to rid your wardrobe of long sleeves and adorn your wrists with a bit of color. So you'd better get busy!

Bead happy,

Make These Wintry Stamped Earrings

Dblair — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Even if you've never stamped on metal before, you can make these shimmery earrings in just a few easy steps.

Here's what you'll need:

Circle pendants or blanks (I used 20.5mm antique silver-plated blanks from FusionBeads.com)
Star or snowflake charms (shown here are 6mm sterling silver starburst charms from Nina Designs)
Jump rings
Ear wires
1/8" or 1/16" metal alphabet stamp set
Bench block
Hammer
Black permanent marker, such as a Sharpie
Extra-fine steel wool, or a polishing pad (I like the Pro Polish pad from Beaducation.com)
2 pairs of chain- or flat-nose pliers

		Place the pendant or blank on a steel bench block. Hold the letter stamp perpendicular to the blank and strike the stamp very deliberately with the hammer. Do not strike the hammer more than once because the stamp will move ever so slightly and your letter will be blurred. Continue in this manner until your entire word has been stamped.
		Darken the letters using a permanent marker.
		Buff off the excess color using a polishing pad or steel wool, leaving the impressions black. Use jump rings to attach the charms to the blank, then attach the ear wires.
Get creative! Metal stamps come in a variety of designs and fonts. Some of my favorite sources, not only for stamps but for tips as well, are Beaducation.com, PJ Tool Jewelry, and Artbeads.com. Happy stamping! Debbie Blair, Managing Editor

Coral Multistrand Necklace How-To

Kate Wilson — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 11:00:00 GMT

I've been saving back several hanks of coral-colored Czech seed beads in various sizes for a rainy day. Today it didn't rain, but it was a quiet day at the office and I decided to give the bead spinner a go and put together this chunky necklace. Awhile ago, Danielle Fox and I tried the bead spinner out for the first time and found that it takes practice to use efficiently. So I decided to start with the bigger beads until I got the hang of it.

I placed a bead stop on one end of 3' of thread, strung 24" of beads, then placed a bead stop on the other end of the thread. I ended up stringing 4 strands of large beads (size 8/0) and 10 strands of small beads (small 9/0). Then I tied one end of the strands together in groups to make the strands more manageable.

Next, I tied one end of all the strands together with an overhand knot; then I strung the loop of 1 eye pin and tied another overhand knot that attaches to the loop (and repeated on the other end of the strands). I dabbed the knot with clear jewelry cement and let it dry.

Then I finished each end with a cord end and wrapped loop, and attached jump rings and the clasp. Voila! To wear, twist the necklace to create a spiral before clasping the closure.

Bead chic!

Kate Wilson

Project Editor

Resources
Blue Moon seed beads: Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores; FireLine braided beading thread in brick red and paprika: Sparkle Spot; Cord ends: The Bead Cache.

Inside an Editor's Toolbox: 5 Must-Have Tools

DanielleF@9 — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 10:00:00 GMT

When I first began my job as an editor for Beadwork and Jewelry Stringing magazines, I had no prior jewelry-making experience. I had no beads, no findings, no wire--nothing. My new coworkers helped me remedy that situation very quickly. The first thing they worked on was helping me create a toolbox. Nearly ten years later, the five tools they helped me pick out are still my go-to tools for creating strung and wireworked jewelry. Today, these are the tools I recommend to anyone who is beginning a jewelry-making hobby:

	1. Crimping pliers: My first jewelry teachers insisted that finishing jewelry with crimp tubes that you cinch with crimping pliers created a more secure connection than simply squishing crimp beads with flat- or chain-nose pliers. So, I learned how to use crimping pliers right away. Remember, you use the back notch of the pliers to press the tube around the ends of the wire, then you use the front notch of the pliers to fold the two halves of the tube together For more information, watch this Jewelry Stringing 101 crimping video.
	2. Wire cutters: These are necessary for cutting beading and gauged wire. Just remember not use them for cutting steel memory wire. The steel wire is too hard for the cutters and will mar them. I recommend getting some quality pliers--it really makes a difference. My pliers are from Soft Flex. Co.
	3. Round-nose pliers: If you want to start making loops with wire, you need to have a pair of round-nose pliers. Mine is an ergonomic pair from Lindstrom. The nose of my pliers is fairly small, which works for me since I generally make small loops. I later bought a pair of round-nose pliers with a bigger nose for those projects that require larger loops.
	4. Flat-nose pliers: Another essential tool for doing wireworking, these pliers have a large, smooth nose for gripping wire without marring it. This tool is good for holding and bending wire. My ergonomic pair is from Lindstrom.
	5. Chain-nose pliers: These pliers are different from flat-nose pliers in that the nose tapers a lot more, allowing you to grip wire with more precision. It's great to have two smooth-jawed pair of pliers--such as a pair of chain- and flat-nose pliers--to open and close jump rings. Again, my ergonomic pair is from Lindstrom.

Do you have other tools you recommend to new beaders? If so, share them in the comments section, please!

DIY Jewelry Techniques: The Hollywood Look For Less

Kate Wilson — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 10:00:00 GMT

AP Photo by Richard Drew, via CBS News

Elizabeth Taylor was famous for much more than her extravagant jewelry collection, but her dazzling diamonds and gemstones didn't exactly go unnoticed, either. The Hollywood star's collection of more than 300 pieces of jewelry was auctioned off, piece by piece, last December at Christie's auction house in New York City.

One of the pieces that caught my eye was an ivory-and-gold necklace composed of 18th and 19th century opera chips mounted in gold and attached to a gold chain. The necklace was valued at around $2,000 and sold for $314,500. But you can get a similar look for much less by using techniques from Handcrafted Jewelry 2012.

French Faux Porcelain Charm Bracelet
by Shelly Hickox

Artist Shelly Hickox used die-cutting, painting, stamping, and embossing enamel techniques to create charms for her French Faux Porcelain Charm Bracelet. The same techniques can be used to create faux opera chips. Choose letter stamps in different fonts to spell the name of your favorite opera house or of opera houses from places you've traveled.

Vintage Chandelier Necklace
by Jessica Inman

Apply copper tape around the edges of the faux chips and solder them, like Jessica Inman did to a chandelier crystal for her Vintage Chandelier Necklace.

Gypsy-Inspired Gelatin Necklace
by Jenn Mason

Finally, assemble the necklace by using jump rings to attach the charms to a chain the same way Jenn Mason, Editor of Cloth Paper Scissors and Pages magazines, did for her Gypsy-Inspired Gelatin Necklace.

There are 39 mixed-media techniques in Handcrafted Jewelry 2012 that you can learn and apply to your own jewelry projects. Create the projects in the magazine to familiarize yourself with the techniques--then adapt them to your own designs or let a red-carpet piece of jewelry inspire your own version!

What's your favorite method for making jewelry? Do you incorporate unusual objects, make your own beads, or use special techniques? Share what you like to do in the comments section below!

Happy media mixing!

Kate Wilson
Project Editor

Fashion Trend: Gold Fever

Kate Wilson — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 10:00:00 GMT

With so many recent styles pointing back toward yesteryears, it's no surprise that gold has hit it big as a primary metal in contemporary jewelry designs. I used to think of it as the metal of my mother's generation, but I've recently caught the fever and want everything I wear to be gold. It's got everything--it looks rich, complements every color, and brings out the glow in otherwise dull skin tones.

I'm also obsessed with geometric forms lately. So I combined my favorite trends for some fun stringing projects last week.

Gold-and-agate necklace materials:
17 agate 6x8mm pebbles (Bead Trust)
20 gold-tone brass 2x21mm tubes (similar at Designs by Darla)
1 gold-plated 19mm twig toggle clasp (Nunn Design, FusionBeads.com)
2 gold-plated 8mm jump rings
6 gold-plated wireguards (Beadalon)
44" of red 1/8" wide cotton cord (Jubili Beads & Yarns)

Triangle earrings materials:
6 gold-plated 16.5mm diamond-cut triangle links (Beadalon)
4 gold-plated 5mm jump rings
2 gold-plated ear wires

Curved-tube necklace materials:
1 gold-plated 3x50mm curved tube (Beadaholique)
1 gold-plated 6mm spring-ring clasp
2 gold-plated 4mm jump rings
15 1/2" of gold-filled 1x3mm figaro chain (Bead Cache)

Beadwoven chevron necklace materials:
Prewoven peyote-stitched chevron pendant (5 g teal size 15° Czech seed beads, 5 g gold-lined clear size 15° Japanese seed beads)
1 gold-plated 6mm spring-ring clasp
2 gold-plated 4mm jump rings
17" of gold-filled 1x3mm figaro chain (Bead Cache)
4" of brass 24-gauge wire (Beadalon)

Gold-and-leather wrap bracelet:
5 gold-plated 3x50mm curved tubes (Beadaholique)
1 gold-tone brass 9x20mm crimping 1.5mm-cord-end hook-and-eye clasp (Beadaholique)
30" of metallic white 1.5mm wide leather cord (Hobby Lobby)

Use the comment section below to tell us how you're using metal in your jewelry! Do you prefer bright, polished tones, or do you go for patinated, antiqued appeal?

Bead chic!

Kate Wilson
Project Editor

Stars and Stripes Roundup

Kate Wilson — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 10:00:00 GMT

I love celebrating the land of the free and the home of the brave! Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays for the patriotic spirit, the food, and the fireworks. Bonus: wearing red, white and blue--a chic color combo if you ask me! So I rounded up a few jewelry components to help you accessorize this holiday. Click the photos or the links below for source information.

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1. Pair these lucite star beads with white satin cord for just the right touch of color. They'll complement a patriotic or nautical ensemble. (Tboo)
2. String these resin striped rounds for a funky necklace or alternate them with white rondelles for an oversized bracelet. (Delish Beads)
3. These navy wood beads are bold and bright--a perfect statement for July 4th or any day of summer. (Fire Mountain Gems and Beads)
4. Red and blue chains lend a subtle patriotic vibe to your look. Layer them with silver or gold chains for extra bling. (KCR Lehr Studio)
5. This firecracker of a pendant will add big bang to a simple gold chain. (Glass Mystique)
6. The stars and stripes on these glass ovals reflect light for a soft glow. (The Patchwork Jewelry Company)
7. Nothing says "Proud to be an American" like flying your flag! Wear this enameled silver-plated charm to show your American spirit. (Beadelight)
8. This lead-free silver charm has a lot of heart. String it to the center of thin red, white, and blue ribbons for a simple necklace. (A Charming Experience)
9. Use an assortment of red, white, and blue buttons to create a shabby-chic bracelet, or pair one with a seed-bead loop for a cute clasp. (Mellow Moon Studio)

I'll be sporting this easy-to-make necklace--an idea I got after pining over Chloe's TierraCast-bar necklace in this post.

I simply strung seed beads on 24-gauge wire and made wrapped loops on either end of the wire pieces. Then I attached the chain to the wrapped loops by opening and closing the links as I would jump rings.

What are you wearing this 4th of July to celebrate our freedom?

Happy Independence Day and Happy Stringing!

Kate

Anklet Inspiration, Part Deux

Dblair — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 04:00:00 GMT

In last week's blog, I mentioned the fact that my mom was quite fond of the Summer Anklet I shared with you a few weeks ago and subsequently requested one for her birthday!

After checking out several different chains online, and doing some major digging through my stash, I settled on this pretty gold chain from Chelsea's Beads. I loved the juicy colors of the Swarovski Elements crystals in the Watermelon Mix at FusionBeads.com, and came across a teensy heart locket from MK Beads that just seemed right for this project!

Here's what I used:

Your choice of gold-plated or gold-filled chain

4mm Swarovski Elements crystals

Gold discs

Heart locket

Gold-plated lobster clasp

Eye pins

Jump rings

How I did it:

1. Cut the chain to your desired length (the one shown is about 9 1/4").

2. Using the eye pins and crystals, make 14 simple-loop dangles, adding a gold disk to 3 or 4 of the dangles.

3. Attach 1 dangle to the center of the chain. Add the remaining dangles so they are evenly spaced on the remainder of the chain.

4. Use a jump ring to attach the lobster clasp to one end of the chain, and add another jump ring to the other end of the chain.

5. Cut 2 hearts from the paper of your choice, making sure they will fit inside the locket. Write your desired message and use decoupage or glue to affix the hearts to the inside of the locket. I also painted a thin coat of decoupage over each paper heart once they were affixed to the locket.

6. Use a jump ring to attach the heart locket near one end of the chain.

Happy Birthday, Mom! I hope you enjoy wearing your new anklet all summer long, and thanks for being my biggest fan!

Happy creating!

Debbie Blair, Managing Editor

Free Summer Anklet Project

Dblair — Mon, 21 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Just in time for showing off your tan legs and super-cute sandals this summer, I've created a fun anklet that you can make in a matter of minutes. The finished size of the anklet shown is 9 1/4".

What you'll need:

11 dusty rose size 6° seed beads, or other small glass beads, about 4mm in size
5 copper or brass 12mm charms (I used decorative floral copper chain from The Lipstick Ranch that I disassembled)
2 sterling silver 3mm jump rings
5 copper or brass 6mm jump rings (I used rings that were part of the floral chain that I disassembled)
6 copper 1 1/2" head pins
1 sterling silver 5x10mm lobster clasp with tab
8 1/2" of sterling silver 3x4mm chain
Wire cutters
Round-nose pliers
2 pairs of chain- or flat-nose pliers

Now let's get started!

1. Use one 3mm jump ring to attach one half of the clasp to one end of the chain.

2. String 1 seed bead on each 6mm jump ring.

3. Use one 6mm jump ring to attach 1 charm to the center of the chain.

4. In the same manner, add 1 charm to the chain, 12 links to the left of the center charm. Add 1 charm 12 links to the left of the previous charm.

5. Repeat Step 4 on the right half of the chain.

6. Use 1 head pin to string 1 seed bead; form a simple loop that attaches to the chain midway between two of the charms. Repeat using remaining head pins and seed beads, and spacing the seed-bead dangles evenly between the charms.

7. Use one 3mm jump ring to attach the other half of the clasp to the free end of the chain.

The inspiration for my anklet came from this sweet little anklet I found on Etsy (left). I'm also fond of this garnet bracelet I found on the Sundance web site--if only it were large enough to fit around my ankle!

Happy Summer! And have fun creating!

Debbie Blair, Managing Editor

Favorite Beading Supplies

DanielleF@9 — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:20:00 GMT

Do you have favorite beading materials? Those beads and findings you turn to again and again? In the Summer 2011 issue of Jewelry Stringing, I listed my must-have materials. Take a look! (Items are listed from top to bottom.)

* Wood rounds. Wood beads have become one of my staples. They seem to find a way into my more organic designs.

* Matte fool’s gold metal-plated size 8° seed beads. These make great spacers in designs with brass beads and findings.

* Sterling silver 3mm rounds. These little beads make great spacers and, when used in the same project as 3mm crimp covers, make the covers blend in even more.

*AD Adornments’s base metal chain. This chain is not only inexpensive, but also looks great in vintage-looking designs.

* Enameled copper discs from C-Koop Beads. These discs are great because you can use them as colorful bead caps or as dangles or charms.

* Pink size 4 Griffin silk cord (with needle). Whenever I do silk knotting, I always turn to this color, size, and brand.

* 6mm original Snapeeze jump rings from Via Murano. These go-to jump rings are like Baby Bear’s bed: not too big, not too small, but just right!

* Green Girl Studios’s sterling silver branch toggle clasp. This clasp has a great handmade look, but isn’t too rustic. Due to the high price of silver, I now only find them in bronze.

* Swarovski Elements’s silk and mint alabaster crystals. It’s hard to pick my favorite crystal colors, but I think these two take the cake.

* Pressed-glass bellflowers. I love to add floral dangles to my designs, so I’ve got these in many colors and sizes.

What are your go-to beading supplies? Please share!

Free How-to Videos for Basic Techniques

DanielleF@9 — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 03:00:00 GMT

Do you know how to make wrapped-loop bails, tie lark's head knots, or use ribbon ends? If not, I invite you to view the free technique videos I filmed a bit ago. They're all housed on Beading Daily for easy access.


We have 15 stringing-related how-to videos on Beading Daily.	And illustrations like this, too!

Here's a list of the techniques we've covered: Wrapped loop bails + Wrapped-loop links + Wrapped-loop dangles + Simple loops + Simple-loop links + Simple-loop dangles + Crimping + Crimp beads + Crimp covers + Square knot + Overhand knot + Lark's head knot + Jump rings + Pass through v. pass back through + French wire + Crimp, cord & ribbon ends.

If following text and illustrations is more your style, we have that, too. Just go to the FREE RESOURCES tab and click on the Beading Techniques, Tools, and How-To Articles tab.

I hope you enjoy these helpful tools!

Free Travel Friendly Jewelry Project

cchatenever — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 10:00:00 GMT

No crimping pliers, no wire cutters...no problem! I ran into a dilemma last week as I was preparing for a weekend trip: I wanted to bring a jewelry project with me to help pass the time during my flight, but knew I wouldn't be able to get any pliers or wire cutters past security at the airport. I'm sure this is a hurdle that many of you dedicated beaders have also faced at some point during your creative careers. Instead of risking the confiscation of my tools (which probably would have resulted in a serious hissy fit), I decided to leave them at home and came up with these TSA-friendly bracelet projects. (Find the step-by-step instructions for the woven rings bracelet--gold rings with yellow/orange/blue cord--below!)

The only materials I needed to complete all four of these bracelets were an assortment of ribbons, gold chain maille jump rings in various sizes, and the washers and nuts from my local hardware store that I mentioned in last week's blog.

Instructions for the woven ring bracelet:

		Step 1: Arrange your jump rings in two overlapping rows.
		Step 2: Thread your first silk cord up through the first ring. I found it was easiest to thread the cords through the jump rings one by one, instead of all at once.
		Step 3: Bring your cord over the second ring and down through the hole where the first and second ring overlap.
		Step 4: Bring your cord up through the third ring (where the second and third rings overlap) and over the other side of the second ring.
		Step 5: Pass over the second and fourth rings, and back down through the hole where the third and fourth rings overlap.
		Step 6: Repeat this pattern until your woven ring segment is as long as you want it to be. And voila! A ready-to-wear bracelet (or necklace!) I didn't need to glue or knot the cords once I was finished--they were woven tightly enough through the jump rings to keep them in place.

Until next time,

Chloe

Assistant Editor

Free Santa Fe Themed Necklace Pattern!

DanielleF@9 — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 03:00:00 GMT

THIS WEEK STARTS BEAD FEST SANTA FE 2012. HERE WE COME!

Actually, I personally will not be headed to Santa Fe this year. My coworkers Debbie Blair and Chloe Chatenever have been elected to represent the magazine, though I have fond memories of what is always my favorite bead show of the year. Not only are the vendors great, the teachers inspiring, and the venue amazing, but also the town of Santa Fe is charming and unique.

In honor of the show, I created this quick-and-easy necklace design with milagros, religious folk charms popular in Mexico and the Southwest.

The charms, bails, and clasp are from TierraCast. The cording and cord ends are from Ornamentea, and the jump rings are from Red Panda Beads.

Look for our dispatches from Santa Fe later this week!

MATERIALS

3 assorted brass milagro charms

3 assorted brass bails

1 brass toggle clasp

2 brass cord ends

5 brass jump rings

17" of black cording

Jewelry cement

TOOLS

2 pairs of chain- or flat-nose pliers

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Use the cording to string all 3 bails.

2. Use the jump rings to attach the charms to the bails.

3. Use jewelry cement to secure the ends of the cording inside the cord end findings. Let dry.

4. Use jump rings to attach the clasp to the cord ends.

Enjoy!