Thursday 6 October 2016

DIY Beaded Bar Necklace

I was a little shocked to find that it has been nearly three months since I last shared a DIY with my lovely readers, so I have been busily working away on projects to share with all of you.  Today I am sharing a very easy beaded bar necklace project, perfect for adapting to any bead colour or type you love to use.

image beaded bar necklace diy tutorial two cheeky monkeys

Supplies:
- 6 x 7mmx11mm faceted rondelle Czech glass beads
- 15cm length of 18-20 gauge beading wire
- chain (I used 2 x 21cm lengths, but pick a necklace length that you like)
- lobster claw clasp
- 1 x 5mm jump ring
- 1 x 10mm jump ring
- jewellery pliers

Method:
image beaded bar necklace diy tutorial two cheeky monkeys
 1. String your beads onto the wire.  Bend one end of the wire at a right angle, approximately 2-3cm from the end.

image beaded bar necklace diy tutorial two cheeky monkeys

2. Using your round-nosed pliers, bend the short end of wire round into a loop.  (You may find it easier to remove the beads when doing this step.)

image beaded bar necklace diy tutorial two cheeky monkeys

3. Hold the loop with the flat nose pliers in one hand, then carefully wrap the short end of the wire around the main length to create a coil.  Snip off any excess wire after wrapping 3-4 times around the main wire.

image beaded bar necklace diy tutorial two cheeky monkeys

4. Push the beads firmly against the coil you just created.  Then repeat steps 1-3 to create a wrapped loop at the other end of your wire, as close as possible to the beads.  Gently press the beads and wire to create the "bar" shape you want: straighten against a ruler to create a traditional bar necklace, or press the middle and then ends to create a gentle curved shape.

image beaded bar necklace diy tutorial two cheeky monkeys

5. Attach one chain to the loop on one side of your beads.  If your chain is unsoldered, you can simply open up a link and attach it to the loop.  If your chain is soldered, you will need small jump rings to attach your beaded bar and chain to each other.

image beaded bar necklace diy tutorial two cheeky monkeys

6. Attach the clasp to the end of one chain with the 5mm jump ring.  Then attach the 10mm jump ring to the other loose chain to create your necklace closure.  Now wear your necklace with pride and feel free to share with me on social media if you make one of these pretties for yourself!

Don't have the skills to make your own? There are a few versions of this necklace in-store, or contact me to commission one in your favourite colours.

1 comment:

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