Make this dove-ly neckaceAdd a flock of porcelain birds to a graduated strand
by Cathy Jakicic
Published: April 22, 2011 This fresh, springy necklace is a cinch to string. The trick is getting the birds to stay put. You can use two-part epoxy to permanantly position them on the strand or, if you don't want to experiment with the arrangement, use pits of the kind of putty used to hang posters. Also, the clasp I used is a three-strand clasp. I used wire cutters to snip off the extra loops on each side.
|
Supplies
◆ 16-in. (41 cm) graduated strand of rondelles, 10-18 mm
◆ 3 20 mm porcelain bird beads
◆ 6 6˚ seed beads
◆ flexible beading wire, .014 or .015
◆ 3 2-in. (5 cm) eye pins
◆ 2 crimp beads
◆ box clasp
◆ chainnose and roundnose pliers
◆ diagonal wire cutters
◆ two-part epoxy of poster putty
Graduated strand can be found at the number of places — I bought these at a bead show — if you don't find them at your local bead store, try checking Google. Click on the shopping option in the upper left corner of your screen and search for "Graduated rondelles." Dove beads and clasp from Fire Mountain Gems and Beads. Check your local bead store for supplies. To find the nearest store, visit beadshopfinder.com. Click here for illustrated step-by step Basic techniques. Graduated strand can be found at the number of places
|
1. String a strand of graduated rondelles, interspersing three seed beads on one side as shown.
|
2. On an eye pin, string a seed bead and bird bead. Measure against the rondelle adjacent to a seed bead and bend the wire to just go over the top of the rondelle. Make three bead units.
|
4. Attach a bead unit next to each seed bead. Complete the wraps.
|
6. On each end, string a crimp bead and half of the clasp. Go back through the beads just strung and tighten the wire. Crimp the crimp bead and trim the excess wire.
|
5. Mix two-part epoxy according to package directions. Glue the bird units to the adjacent rondelles and to each other. Let dry. Note: You can use poster putty to test the positioning of the birds even if you are committing to the epoxy.
|
|