Reasonably So

I have spent a lot of the past few weeks thinking about arts and crafts projects that I’ll be starting once I’m finished all my schoolwork. My inspiration has come from several places. One of the projects, I have actually completed!

I like this idea of multi-post-topics, it’s working for my hectic schedule. SO we’ll have another short series! It may be inter-cut by other posts… I’m still trying to get the hang of patterns of blogging. You may have noticed some of the recent changes to the blog– new header picture, author picture, organization of widgets in the left-hand column, and also more logical use of ‘categories’ and ‘tags’ (because I didn’t understand the difference until recently). Feel free to offer comments that may aid in ease of navigation of Reasonably So!

Meanwhile, back on the ranch, check out what I made!!

Three Strand Glass Beaded Necklace

Motivation/Inspiration: Best Friend’s Birthday. She and I have been close for 8 years, and are currently living together. After we graduate, who knows if we’ll end up in the same place. I wanted to make something that would always remind her of our friendship (I know… I promise the cheesy part is over… NOW). After shopping around a little bit, I decided it would be nicer (and more economical) to make something rather than purchasing it. You may have noticed beading boutiques popping up all over the place in the past few years. You can make beautiful beaded jewelry in your own home for MUCH less. Here’s how!!

Materials:

- needle-nose pliers (you can also use special jewelry pliers. I don’t have them, but I may get some soon)

- nylon-coated beading wire (trust me, get the real stuff, it is way stronger than thread or elastic or whatever else you might try to substitute)

- crimp beads (check the size of the crimp beads you should get on the beading wire packaging)

- clasp

- glass/wood/whatever-you-like beads

- masking tape

- plate or tray with sides (to put beads on so you won’t lose track)

- paper towel (not pictured)

(most of these things can be found at any craft store - I got my stuff at Michael’s)

Instructions:

1. Measure the length of wire you want.

2. Place crimp bead on wire, followed by one side of the clasp. Put other end of wire through crimp bead (see below) and use pliers to squeeze crimp bead flat to secure wire. Trim excess wire using cutters on your pliers.

3. Add your beads in whatever order you like, however elaborately you please. Temporarily secure the loose end of the wire by looping it and sealing with masking tape.

4. Repeat steps 1-3 for as many other strands as you want. Be wary of the weight of the necklace, Three strands of glass beads are pretty heavy. As you can see, I used a toggle clasp, and the weight of the strands actually helps keep the clasp secure around the neck.

5. Check to be sure the strands are appropriate and functional lengths. Remove the masking tape on each strand and repeat step 2 on the loose ends of the wire with the other side of your clasp - make sure you attach the wires in the same order they are on the other clasp - it’s easy to do this if you stretch out the necklace straight.

6. If you have used glass beads, they may be slightly dirty from the dust of the holes that were drilled in them. Run a slightly damp paper towel over the beats to clean them up a bit.

7. Ta-da! A beautiful accessory for you or a friend/loved one. It’s a considerably easy project for even a non-crafty person. With more than one of the necklaces I’ve given as gifts in the past, the recipient didn’t believe me when I told them I made it - that’s how nice they look!

If you have any questions or would like some clarification on any step, let me know.