Best Of: Wedding

Best of wedding

12

fun projects from the editors of Stringing magazine

fleur-de-lis Kristy Abner By mixing some ivory glass pearls with five kinds of copper chain, Kristy created an elegant necklace worthy of Marie Antoinette.

Materials 18 ivory 8mm glass pearls 1 copper 38×60mm fleur-delis pendant 1 copper 13×38mm swirl hook-and-eye clasp 9½" of copper 3mm unsoldered figaro chain 8¼" of copper 8mm unsoldered textured round chain 11½" of copper 7×9mm unsoldered oval chain 13" of copper 10×14mm/ 16×26mm unsoldered alternating-oval chain 16" of copper 8mm round/ 15mm round/9×21mm oval unsoldered chain 16" of ivory 5⁄8" silk ribbon 18" of copper 20-gauge wire Jewelry cement

Tools 2 pairs of chain- or flat-nose pliers Wire cutters Round-nose pliers

Finished Size: 17"

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Fleur-de-lis (continued) 1: Disassemble the round-and-oval chain

into one 7" piece (with a 15mm round link on one end and an oval link on the other end) and one 8" piece (with oval links on both ends) by opening and closing the 8mm round links as you would jump rings. Reserve five 8mm links to be used as jump rings in the steps that follow. Also reserve one 15mm round link. Use the ribbon to tie a bow on the round end of the 7" chain. Dab the knot of the bow with cement to secure. 2: Use one 8mm chain link to attach the eye half of the clasp to the oval end of the 7" chain from Step 1. Use one 8mm chain link to attach the round end of the same chain and the fleur-de-lis pendant to the reserved 15mm round link. This link will hereafter be referred to as Hub 1. 3: Use 1" of wire to form a simple loop that attaches to Hub 1. String 1 pearl and form a simple loop. *Use 1" of wire to form a simple loop that attaches to the previous simple loop. String 1 pearl and form a simple loop. Repeat from * sixteen times, attaching the last simple loop to one end of the 8" chain from Step 1. This end link will hereafter be referred to as Hub 2. Use one 8mm chain link to attach the other

end of the 8" chain to the hook half of the clasp. 4: Disassemble the 7×9mm oval chain into one 11" piece and 2 single oval links by opening and closing the links as you would jump rings. Use one of the oval links to attach one end of the figaro chain to Hub 1; repeat with the other oval link and Hub 2. Use one 8mm chain link to attach one end of the 11" chain and the alternatingoval chain to Hub 1; repeat with Hub 2. 5: Attach one end of the 8mm textured round chain to Hub 1 by opening and closing an end link as you would a jump ring; repeat with Hub 2.

Resources: Check your local bead shop or contact: Glass pearls and Artistic Wire: Union Bead Boutique, (859) 384-8785, www.unionbeadboutique.com. Pendant, ribbon, and chain (except 8mm round chain): Michaels, (800) 642-4235, www.michaels.com. Clasp: Mobile-Boutique.com, (616) 520-3866. 8mm round chain: Hobby Lobby, www.hobbylobby.com.

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First Frost Melinda Barta Vintage and modern elements combine in this graceful asymmetrical necklace.

materials 6 clear 5mm crystal rounds 17 dusty pink 9×6mm lampwork rondelles 12 clear 9mm (small) vintage Lucite rounds 16 clear 12mm (large) vintage Lucite rounds 9 matte crystal 10×19mm vintage Lucite leaf pendants 1 pewter 38×20mm butterfly link 1 white 12mm glass box clasp 23 brass 2 3⁄8" ball-end head pins with 3mm balls 6 vintage head pins with 7×12mm white glass-teardrop ends 11 vintage head pins with 12mm white glass-flower ends 6 vintage head pins with 12×20mm black glass-leaf ends 6 antique brass 4mm jump rings 10 sterling silver 5mm jump rings 2 sterling silver 2mm crimp tubes 2 sterling silver 3mm crimp covers 5 7⁄8" (21 links) of Thai silver dot-print unsoldered 8mm irregular round chain 11 1⁄2" of sterling silver 20-gauge wire 12 1⁄4" of silver-plated .018 beading wire

tools Wire cutters Crimping pliers Round-nose pliers 2 pairs of chain- or flat-nose pliers

Finished size: 181⁄2"

(continued on next page)

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first frost (continued) 1: Use 1 ball-end head pin to string 1 rondelle

and form a wrapped loop; repeat fifteen times for a total of 16 rondelle (A) dangles. Repeat seven times using small rounds for a total of 7 round (B) dangles. Use 1 teardrop head pin to string 1 crystal round and form a wrapped loop; repeat five times for a total of 6 teardrop (C) dangles. Use 1 flower head pin to form a wrapped loop; repeat ten times for a total of 11 flower (D) dangles. Use 1 black-leaf head pin to form a double simple loop, then attach one 4mm jump ring to the loop; repeat five times for a total of 6 black leaf (E) dangles. Attach one 5mm jump ring to 1 crystal leaf pendant; repeat eight times for a total of 9 crystal leaf (F) dangles. 2: Divide the chain into three 7⁄ 8" (3-link) pieces of chain by opening and closing the links of the chain as you would jump rings. Disassemble the remaining chain for a total of 12 single chain links (G). Set aside. 3: Use 2" of 20-gauge wire to form a wrapped loop. String 1A, 1F, 1C, 1D, and 1A; form a wrapped loop that attaches to the butterfly link’s right hole. Use one 5mm jump ring to attach the free wrapped loop to one half of the clasp. Use 2" of wire to form a wrapped loop that attaches to the butterfly link’s left hole. String 1D, 1A, 1E, and 1D; form a wrapped loop that attaches to one end of one 3-link piece of chain. 4: Use 11⁄2" of wire to form a simple loop that attaches to the free end of the previous chain. String 1 large round; form a simple loop that attaches to one end of one 3-link piece of chain. Repeat entire step. 5: Use 11⁄2" of wire to form a simple loop that attaches to the free end of the previous chain. String 1 large round; form a simple loop. Use 1G to attach 1D to the previous simple loop. Use 1G to attach 1B to the previous link. Use 1G to attach 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1F to the previous link.

6: Use 1 1⁄ 2" of wire to form a simple loop

that attaches to 1E and the previous link. String 1 rondelle; form a simple loop that attaches to 1B. Use 1G to attach 1C and 1D to the previous simple loop. Use 1G to attach 1A, 1E, and 1F to the previous link. Use 1G to attach 1A and 1F to the previous link. Use 1G to attach 1B to the previous link. Use 1G to attach 1C and 1E to the previous link. 7: Use 11⁄2" of wire to form a simple loop that attaches to the last link added in Step 5. String 1 small round; form a simple loop that attaches to 1A, 1C, and 1F. 8: String the remaining dangles at random in the instructions that follow: Use the beading wire to string 1 crimp tube and the last simple loop formed in Step 7. Pass back through the tube and crimp; cover the tube with 1 crimp cover. String 4 dangles, 1 small round, 3 dangles, 1 small round, 4 dangles, 1 small round, 4 dangles, 1 small round, 4 dangles, 1 large round, 4 dangles, 1 large round, 2 dangles, and 1 large round. String {1G and 3 large rounds} three times. String 1G, 1 large round, 1 crimp tube, and the other half of the clasp. Pass back through the tube; crimp and cover.

Resources: Check your local bead shop or contact: Sterling silver jump rings, Swarovski crystals, crimp tubes and covers, and gauged and beading wire: FusionBeads.com, (888) 781-3559. Clasp and Lucite rounds and leaves: The Beadin’ Path, (207) 865-4785, www.beadinpath.com. Flower head pins: Stone Mountain Colorado, (719) 7383991. Black leaf head pins and brass jump rings: Ornamentea, (919) 834-6260, www.ornamentea.com. Dusty pink rondelles: The Bead Goes On, (866) 861-2323, www.thebeadgoeson.com. Chain: Shiana, (662) 742-2865, www .shiana.com. Ball-end head pins: Rishashay, (800) 517-3311, www.rishashay.com. Butterfly link: Green Girl Studios, (828) 298-2263, www.greengirlstudios.com.

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Pearly clouds Marlene Blessing This billowy string of oversized pearls lifts like luminous, airy clouds. Small pastel pearls and silver accents add to the necklace’s heavenly look. Wear this and be in danger of floating away!

Materials 24 pink/gray/mauve 5mm freshwater pearls 20 white 16mm mother-of-pearl rounds 2 Bali silver 12mm rounds 1 Bali silver 14mm round 2 Thai silver 10×25mm cones Sterling silver box clasp with gray pearl inlay 2 sterling silver 2mm crimp tubes 2 sterling silver crimp covers 26" of .019 beading wire

Tools Wire cutters Crimping pliers

Finished Size: 22 1⁄ 2"

1: Attach the wire to one half of the clasp

using a crimp tube. Cover the tube with a crimp cover. 2: String 1 cone. String 1 mother-of-pearl round and 1 pearl nine times. String one 12mm silver, 1 pearl, 1 mother-of-pearl round, and 2 pearls. 3: String one 14mm round, then repeat Step 2, reversing the stringing sequence. String 1 crimp tube and the other half of the clasp. Pass back through the tube; crimp and cover.

Resources: Check your local bead shop or contact: Pearls: Lucky Gems & Jewelry, (212) 268-8866, www.luckygems.us (wholesale only). Mother-of-pearl: Soft Flex Co., (866) 925-3539, www.softflexcompany.com. Bali silver: Nina Designs, (800) 336-6462, www.ninadesigns .com. Thai silver cones: The Bead Goes On, (866) 861-2323, www.thebeadgoeson.com. Clasp: Pacific Silverworks, (805) 641-1394, www.pacificsilverworks.com.

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from the east Lindsay Burke

Inspired by Japan’s famous pearls, Lindsay created this necklace using Swarovski pearls, which give richness to the piece without the huge price tag. The asymmetrical design of the piece gives the illusion of the pearls “blowing” in from the east.

Materials 4 white 6mm crystal pearls 7 clear 6mm crystal rounds 6 white 8mm crystal pearls 2 clear 8mm crystal rounds 7 white 10mm crystal pearls 3 clear 10mm crystal rounds 8 white 12mm crystal pearls 4 gold-filled 3×5mm oval jump rings 2 gold-filled 8mm soldered jump rings 1 gold-filled lobster clasp 8 gold-filled 2mm crimp tubes 8 gold-filled crimp bead covers 1 gold-filled 24-gauge head pin 2" of gold-filled chain 72" of white 1⁄4" organza ribbon

Tools Crimping pliers Wire cutters Round-nose pliers Chain-nose pliers Scissors

Finished Size: 17" (expandABLE TO 20" with chain)

1: Cut the end of an 18" piece of ribbon to a very

shallow angle. String 1 crimp tube and 1 soldered jump ring. Pass back through the tube and crimp. Cover with a crimp cover. Trim the tail end of the ribbon. Cut the other end of the ribbon at a very shallow angle. 2: String one 10mm pearl, two 12mm pearls, one 10mm pearl, one 10mm crystal, one 8mm pearl, two 6mm crystals, one 6mm pearl, and two 6mm crystals. 3: String 1 crimp tube and the second soldered jump ring. Pass back through the tube; crimp and cover. 4: Repeat Step 1. String one 12mm pearl, one 10mm crystal, two 10mm pearls, one 8mm crystal, one 6mm crystal, one 8mm pearl, one 6mm crystal, and one 6mm pearl. Repeat Step 3.

5: Repeat Step 1. String one 12mm pearl, one 10mm pearl, one 10mm crystal, two 8mm pearls, one 8mm crystal, one 6mm crystal, and one 6mm pearl. Repeat Step 3. 6: Repeat Step 1. String two 12mm pearls, one 10mm pearl, one 12mm pearl, one 10mm pearl, two 8mm pearls, and one 6mm pearl. Repeat Step 3. 7: Use the head pin to string one 12mm pearl. Form a wrapped loop that attaches to one end of the chain. Use two jump rings to attach the other end of the chain to one soldered ring. Use two jump rings to attach the lobster clasp to the other soldered ring. 8: Spread the beads out on each strand of ribbon, leaving 1" between large beads and up to 3" between small beads.

Resources: Check your local bead shop or contact: FusionBeads.com, (888) 781-3559.

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Gold Faux Lariat Lindsay Burke This delicate piece looks like a traditional lariat, but don’t be fooled: It has a tiny lobster clasp for loopless wearability.

Materials 4 crystal copper 4×7mm crystal teardrops 3 crystal copper 5×9mm crystal teardrops 9 gold-filled 3mm open jump rings 1 gold-filled 5mm open jump ring 1 gold-filled 6mm closed jump ring 1 gold-filled 8mm triangle closed jump ring 1 gold-filled 6×8mm lobster clasp 21" of gold-filled 3mm oval chain

Tools Chain-nose pliers Flat-nose pliers

Finished size: 19"

1: Cut the chain into one 9" piece and one

111⁄2" piece. 2: Use one 3mm jump ring to attach the triangle jump ring to one end of the 9" chain. Use the 5mm jump ring to attach the other end of the chain to the lobster clasp. 3: Use one 3mm jump ring to attach the 6mm closed jump ring to one end of the 12" chain. Attach the lobster clasp to the 6mm closed jump ring. Pass the other end of chain through the triangle jump ring. 4: Use one 3mm jump ring to attach one 5×9mm crystal to the last link of the other end of the chain. *Skip one link of chain and use one 3mm jump ring to attach one 4×7mm crystal to the next link. Skip one link of chain and use one 3mm jump ring to attach one 4×7mm crystal to the next link. Skip one link of chain and use one 3mm jump ring to attach one 5×9mm crystal to the next link. Repeat from * to attach the three remaining crystals. Resources: Check your local bead shop or contact: All beads and findings: FusionBeads.com, (888) 781-3559.

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Snow White’s Necklace Lindsay Burke Whoever wears this necklace shall truly be the fairest of them all. To give the traditional pearl necklace a value flux, Lindsay has used a moonstone clasp and crystal accents. The resulting piece is cool as snow and elegant as a princess.

Materials 83 round 10mm white pearls 27 crystal 8mm rhinestone rondelles 1 sterling silver toggle clasp with moonstone inlays 4 sterling silver 2mm crimp tubes 38" of .014 beading wire

Tools Wire cutters Crimping pliers

Finished size: 16"

1: Attach a 16" piece of wire to one half

of the clasp using a crimp tube. String 2 pearls and 1 rondelle. String 3 pearls and 1 rondelle ten times. String 2 pearls and 1 crimp tube. Pass through the other half of the clasp and back through the tube, then crimp. 2: Attach a 22" piece of wire to one half of the clasp using a crimp tube. String 2 pearls and 1 rondelle. String 3 pearls and 1 rondelle fifteen times. String 2 pearls and 1 crimp tube. Pass through the other half of the clasp and back through the tube, then crimp. Resources: Check your local bead shop or contact: All materials: FusionBeads.com, (888) 781-3559.

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winter love Rebecca Campbell Show a little skin during the snowy season! This clear number is icy hot and sure to help you melt some hearts.

Materials 58 silver-lined blue size 15º Japanese seed beads 28 clear 6mm Czech pressed-glass bicones 12 clear matte 9×10mm Czech pressed-glass ovals 25×28mm crystal heart pendant 1 sterling silver toggle clasp 2 sterling silver 2mm crimp tubes 14" of .014 beading wire

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Tip

Tools Wire cutters Crimping pliers

Pendants hang much better when the bail that holds them is sandwiched between smaller beads that do not restrict the movement of the pendant.

Finished Size: 14 1⁄ 2"

1: Attach the wire to one half of the clasp using a crimp tube.

2: String 1 oval, 3 seed beads, 1 bicone, 1 seed

bead, 1 bicone, 1 seed bead, 1 bicone, and 1 seed bead four times. String 1 oval, 3 seed beads, 1 oval, 1 seed bead, 1 bicone, 1 seed bead, and 1 bicone. 3: String the heart pendant. Repeat Step 2, reversing the stringing sequence. 4: String 1 crimp tube and the other half of the clasp. Pass back through the tube and crimp. Resources: Check your local bead shop or contact: Fire Mountain Gems and Beads, (800) 355-2137, www.firemountaingems.com; all other materials: FusionBeads.com, (888) 781-3559.

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zephyr Danielle Fox

This multistrand necklace features a melodious mixture of transparent and matte clear beads. The six strands are twisted together and finished with textured silver cones.

Materials 156 clear size 11° seed beads 342 white-lined clear size 11° seed beads 57 clear 6mm glass coins 50 clear 7mm fire-polished rounds 32 clear opaque 11×9mm flat glass ovals 26 clear 14×8mm glass ovals 16 clear 25×12mm twisted glass ovals 1 sterling silver hook-and-eye clasp 2 sterling silver 10×22mm cones 2 silver 3×3mm crimp tubes 14 silver 2mm crimp tubes 2 sterling silver crimp covers 120" of .019 beading wire

Tools Wire cutters Crimping pliers Mighty crimping pliers

Finished size: 19 1⁄ 2"

1: Cut the wire into six 20" pieces. String a crimp tube on one end of each wire and crimp 11⁄2" from the end; do not trim the wires. 2: Use one wire to string 1 clear size 11° seed bead and 1 white-lined size 11° seed bead 156 times. String a 2mm crimp tube and crimp, making sure that the beads are snug but not tight. Do not trim the wire. 3: Repeat Step 2, stringing 1 white-lined size 11° and 1 coin fifty-seven times; string 1 white-lined clear size 11°. 4: Repeat Step 2, stringing 1 white-lined size 11° and 1 clear round fifty times; string 1 white-lined size 11°. 5: Repeat Step 2, stringing 1 white-lined size 11° and 1 flat oval thirty-two times; string 1 white-lined size 11°.

6: Repeat Step 2, stringing 1 white-lined size 11° and

1 glass oval twenty-six times; string 1 white-lined size 11°. 7: Repeat Step 2, stringing 1 white-lined size 11° and 1 twisted oval sixteen times; string 1 white-lined size 11°. 8: Hold all six wires together to string a 3mm crimp tube; crimp. Trim all but two wires and use them to string a cone, a 2mm crimp tube, and one half of the clasp; pass back through the tube and crimp. Trim excess wire and cover the crimp with a crimp cover. 9: Repeat Step 8 for the other half of the necklace, twisting the strands slightly before crimping.

Resources: Check your local bead shop or contact: Clear glass beads: Bokamo Designs, (913) 648-4296, www.bokamodesigns.com. Cones and clasp: Springall Adventures, (505) 757-6520. Crimp covers: FusionBeads.com, (888) 781-3559.

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fashionista Allison Hoffmann

materials 2 silk 3mm crystal rounds 16 silk 6×4mm crystal rondelles 1 silk 8×6mm crystal rondelle 84 peach 6mm crystal pearls 1 vermeil 13mm toggle clasp 4 gold-filled 2mm crimp tubes 4 gold-filled 3.5mm crimp covers 31" of gold-plated .018 beading wire

18" of gold-filled 24-gauge wire 16" of gold-filled 4mm textured flat cable chain

tools Wire cutters Chain- or flat-nose pliers Round-nose pliers Crimping pliers

Finished Size: 20 1⁄ 2" (shortest strand)

1: Cut the chain into two 3 1⁄4" pieces and eight 1" pieces.

2: Use 2" of 24-gauge wire to form a wrapped

Resources: Check your local bead shop or contact: All beads and findings: FusionBeads.com, (888) 781-3559.

loop that attaches to one half of the clasp. String one 6×4mm rondelle and form a wrapped loop that attaches to one end of one 3 1⁄4" chain. Repeat using the other half of the clasp and the other 3 1⁄4" chain. Set aside. 3: Use 2" of 24-gauge wire to form a wrapped loop that attaches to one end of one 1" chain. String one 6×4mm rondelle and form a wrapped loop that attaches to one end of one 1" chain. *Use 2" of 24-gauge wire to form a wrapped loop that attaches to the other end of the previous chain. String one 6×4mm rondelle and form a wrapped loop that attaches to one end of one 1" chain. Repeat from * five times to create a chain of crystal links and chain. 4: Use 18" of beading wire to string 1 crimp tube, the free end of one 3 1⁄4" chain, and one end of the chain formed in Step 3; pass back through the tube and crimp. Cover the tube with 1 crimp cover. String {one 6×4mm rondelle and 8 pearls} six times. String the 8×6mm rondelle, 8 pearls, one 6×4mm rondelle, 1 crimp tube, the free end of the other 3 1⁄4" chain, and the other end of the chain formed in Step 3. Pass back through the tube and, leaving 1⁄ 2" of slack on the wire, crimp and cover. 5: Use 13" of beading wire to string 1 crimp tube and 1 crystal round; pass back through the tube, crimp, and cover. String 4 pearls and pass through the 8×6mm rondelle. String 10 pearls and pass back through the 8×6mm rondelle. String 10 pearls and pass through the 8×6mm rondelle. String 4 pearls, 1 crimp tube, and 1 crystal round; pass back through the tube, crimp, and cover.

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Simply Romantic Carol Horan Reesha Carol found this project just too simple to be true. With one easy step, anyone can make this romantic choker, flowing lariat of pearls, or belt. Enjoy the flirty vintage look as well as the many compliments that will follow.

Materials 37" of cream 8mm glass pearls on silver chain 2 sterling silver 20×25mm rosebud pendants

Tools Chain-nose pliers

Finished Size: 38 1⁄ 2"

1: Attach a silver rosebud to each end of pearl chain

using chain-nose pliers to gently open and close the loop.

Resources: Check your local bead shop or contact: Silver rosebuds: Pearlwear, (760) 943-7436, www.pearlwear.com. Glass pearls on silver chain: Rio Grande, (800) 545-6566, www.riogrande.com.

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Tip If you are unable to find pearls on chain, make this project by stringing any pearls on eye pins and connecting them with simple loops.

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frost blossom Erin Prais-Hintz Materials 172 silver-lined crystal size 11° seed beads 4 silver-lined crystal size 5° seed beads 41 crystal AB 4mm Simplicity beads 12 crystal 4mm crystal bicones 6 crystal 6mm crystal bicones 61 white 4–5mm potato pearls 35 white 8×5mm button pearls 60 white 7×11mm top-drilled keishi pearls 1 Thai silver 50mm flower pendant with center hole 1 silver-plated 12×20mm 3-strand magnetic clasp 42 sterling silver 2mm crimp tubes 57" of .018 beading wire 22" of .018 silver-plated beading wire

Tools Flush cutters Crimping pliers Bead stops

Finished size: 17 1⁄ 2"

(continued on next page)

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frost blossom (continued) 1: Set aside 23 Simplicity beads. Mix the

remaining crystals (including the Simplicity beads) with the size 11° seed beads. In a separate container, mix all of the pearls together. 2: Use 19" of beading wire to string 1 crimp tube and 1 loop of one half of the clasp; pass back through the tube and crimp. String 6–8 size 11° seed beads. String 1 pearl and 1 crystal or size 11° seed bead for 5 1⁄2". String 2 size 11° seed beads. Place a bead stop on the wire. Repeat entire step twice, attaching 1 wire to each loop on the same half of the clasp. Loosely braid all 3 wires. Use all 3 wires together to string 2 size 5° seed beads and 2 crimp tubes. 3: Cut the silver-plated wire into four 5 1⁄2" pieces. Use all 4 wires to pass through the 2 previous crimp tubes. Adjust the wires so that they are all different lengths and crimp both crimp tubes; do not trim any wires. You will now have 8 silver-plated wires, which will become the flower’s “pistils,” in addition to the 3 original wires from Step 2. Use the latter to string the pendant’s bail and 2 size 5° seed beads. 4: Use 1 wire from Step 2 to string 2 size 11° seed beads. String 1 pearl and 1 crystal or size 11° seed bead for 9 1⁄2". String 6–8 size 11° seed beads and 1 crimp tube. Place a bead stop on the wire. Repeat entire step twice using the two other wires from Step 2. 5: Remove the bead stops. Loosely braid all 3 wires. Use 1 wire to string 1 loop of the other half of the clasp, then pass back through the tube and crimp; repeat twice to attach 1 wire to each loop on the same half of the clasp. 6: Pass 2 of the silver-plated wires (pistils) from Step 3 through the center hole of the

pendant, back to front. Use the shorter wire of the 2 to string 1 crimp tube, 1 Simplicity bead, and 1 crimp tube. Place the last tube strung near the end of the wire and crimp. Crimp the other tube, leaving a little space for the Simplicity bead to move around. Use the longer wire to string 1 crimp tube, 1 Simplicity bead, 2 crimp tubes, 1 Simplicity bead, 1 crimp tube, 1 Simplicity bead, and 1 crimp tube. Place the last tube strung near the end of the wire and crimp. Crimp the other tubes at random, allowing the Simplicity beads a little space to move around. 7: String Simplicity beads and crimp tubes on the 6 remaining silver-plated wires, which will stay behind the pendant, as follows and in the same manner as in Step 6, crimping the tubes at random and making sure to trap the Simplicity beads on the wire: 4 crimp tubes and 2 Simplicity beads, 5 crimp tubes and 3 Simplicity beads, 5 crimp tubes and 3 Simplicity beads, 2 crimp tubes and 2 Simplicity beads, 6 crimp tubes and 5 Simplicity beads, 5 crimp tubes and 4 Simplicity beads.

Resources: Check your local bead shop or contact: Pendant and Swarovski crystal bicones: Artbeads.com, (866) 715-2323. Beading wire and pearls: Rings & Things, (800) 366-2156, www.rings-things.com. Swarovski Simplicity crystals, seed beads, and clasp: Michaels, (800) 642-4235, www.michaels.com.

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Heather and pearls Elizabeth Terrell

Elizabeth believes that briolettes aren’t used in beadwork as much as they deserve to be. Here she shows how her favorite bead shape can add elegance to jewelry.

Materials 1 white 8mm faceted pearl 3 white 7×5mm potato pearls 6 white 8×7mm potato pearls 3 alexandrite 4mm faceted rounds 5 alexandrite 13mm faceted briolettes 2 Bali silver 6×7mm rondelles 1 pewter 3mm daisy spacer 6 sterling silver 2mm rounds 4 sterling silver 3mm rounds 1 sterling silver 8mm springring clasp 2 sterling silver 3×8mm leather crimps

1 sterling silver 1" head pin 9" of sterling silver 3mm flat cable chain 1 2 ⁄2" of sterling silver 3mm/6mm long-and-short chain 5" of sterling silver 24-gauge wire 6" of .019 beading wire

Tools Wire cutters Round-nose pliers Flat-nose pliers Small chain-nose pliers

Finished Size: 15" (expandable to 17 3⁄ 4)

1: Use 3" of 24-gauge wire to string 1 briolette and form

a wrapped bail with 1" of the wire; use the remaining 2" of wire to string the faceted pearl and form a wrapped loop. 2: Attach 1 leather crimp to one end of the beading wire using round-nose pliers. String three 8×7mm pearls, one 3mm round, 1 briolette, one 2mm round, 1 Bali bead, one 2mm round, 1 briolette, one 2mm round, 1 alexandrite round, and one 3mm round. String the bail and repeat entire step, reversing the sequence. 3: Cut the flat chain in half. Open one crimp’s ring and string one piece of flat chain. Use 1" of wire to form a wrapped loop that attaches to the end of the same chain; string one 7×5mm pearl and form a wrapped loop that attaches to the clasp. 4: Repeat Step 3 for the other side of the necklace, attaching the last wrapped loop to the long-and-short chain instead of the clasp. Use the head pin to string 1 alexandrite round, the spacer, and one 7×5mm pearl; form a wrapped loop that attaches to the end of the long-and-short chain.

Resources: Check your local bead shop or contact: Alexandrite: Beadbox, (828) 265-2315, www.beadboxboone.com. Chain, Bali rondelles, wire, clasp, and pearls: Auntie’s Beads, (866) 262-3237, www.auntiesbeads.com. Daisy spacer: TierraCast, (800) 222-9939, www.tierracast.com. Leather crimps, sterling silver rounds: Fire Mountain Gems and Beads, (800) 355-2137, www.firemountaingems.com.

More wonderful stringing projects are available at interweavestore.com © 2011 Interweave. Not to be reprinted. All rights reserved. page 15

Techniques

flush/wire cutters

To explore stringing further, consult Getting Started Stringing Beads and Stringing Style (both from Interweave).

Crimping

crimp tube

are seamless metal tubes used to secure the end of a beading wire. To use, string a crimp tube and the connection finding (i.e., the loop of the clasp). Pass back through the tube, leaving a short tail. Use the back notch of the crimping pliers to press the length of the tube down between the wires, enclosing them in separate chambers of the crescent shape. Rotate the tube 90° and use the front notch of the pliers to fold the two chambers onto themselves, forming a clean cylinder. Trim the excess wire. CRIMP BEADS are serrated metal beads. Twisted crimp tubes and crimp beads can be secured by squeezing them flat with chain- or flat-nose pliers. CRIMP COVERS hide crimp tubes and give a professional finish. To attach, gently hold a crimp cover in the front notch of the crimping pliers. Insert the crimped placing a crimp tube and cover gently squeeze the pliers, encasing the tube inside the cover. CRIMP/CORD ENDS consist of a loop attached to a tube. Dab the leather, plastic, ribbon, or other cord with jewelry glue, then place crimp/cord it in the crimp/ end cord end. If you’re using a crimp end, crimp it as you would a crimp tube. CRIMP TUBES

WIREGUARDS provide a smooth metal channel to protect the stringing material from chaffing against a connector. String a crimp tube, then pass up through one half of the wireguard guard and down the other half. Pass the guard and wire through the loop of the connector, pass the wire back through the crimp tube, snug the tube up to the guard, then crimp.

Pass Through vs Pass Back Through

surgeon’s knot

The SURGEON’S KNOT is a secure way to connect two threads: Wrap the two ends around each other twice, then wrap one around the other once in the other direction and pull snug.

Knotting

Wireworking overhand knot

The OVERHAND KNOT is the basic knot for tying off thread: Make a loop with the stringing material. Pass the cord that lies behind the loop over the front cord then through the loop and pull snug. LARK’S HEAD KNOTS are great for securing stringing material to another piece, such as a ring or a donut: Fold the stringing lark's head material in knot half. Pass the fold through a ring or donut, then pull the ends through the loop created and pull snug.

eye pins

are straight wires with a flat disc, ball, or other shape at one end. EYE PINS are straight wires that end in a loop.

half-hitch knot

The HALF-HITCH KNOT may be worked with two or more strands—one strand is knotted over one or more other strands. The knot may be worked from right to left, left to right, or in a combination of the two.

Pass through means to move your needle (or beading wire) in the same direction that the beads have been strung. Pass back through means to move your needle (or beading wire) in the opposite direction.

head pins HEAD PINS

METAL WIRE comes in many finishes and gauges. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the wire. The hardness or softness of wire is called “temper.” Most wire comes in dead-soft, half-hard, and hard tempers. Unless otherwise noted, wire used in this issue is half-hard—the best temper for making strong loops and other shapes.

opening a jump ring

connect holes and loops. Open a jump ring by grasping each side of its 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.

JUMP RINGS

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simple loop

To form a SIMPLE LOOP, use flat-nose pliers to make a 90° bend at least 1/2" from the end of the wire. Use round-nose pliers to grasp the wire after the bend; roll the pliers toward the bend, but not past it, to preserve the 90° bend. Use your thumb to continue the wrap around the nose of the pliers. Trim the wire next to the bend. Open a simple loop just as you would a jump ring.

wrapped loop

To form a WRAPPED LOOP, begin with a 90° bend at least 2" from the end of the wire. Use round-nose pliers to form a simple loop with a tail overlapping the bend. Wrap the tail tightly down the neck of

round-nose pliers

the wire to create a couple of coils. Trim the excess wire to finish. Make a DOUBLEWRAPPED LOOP by wrapping the wire back up over the coils, toward the loop, and trimming the wire tail at the loop.

flat-nose pliers

crimping pliers

chain-nose pliers and pushing the wire over the previous spiral with your fingers for as many revolutions as desired.

coils. Form a wrapped loop with the straight-up wire, wrapping it back down over the already-formed coils. Trim the excess wire.

cone

wrapped-loop dangle

can be strung as they are, attached using jump rings, or linked to other loops. Use a head pin or eye pin to string the bead(s), then form a simple or wrapped loop.

hammering

DANGLES

wrapped-loop links

Use CONES to finish a multistrand piece. Attach each strand of beads to a wrapped loop or an eye pin. Use the wrapped-loop wire or eye pin to string the wide end of a cone, covering the ends of the strands; form a wrapped loop at the tip of the cone that attaches to a clasp.

coil LINK a wrapped loop to another loop by passing the wire through the previous loop before wrapping the tail down the neck of the wire.

wrapped-

To make a COIL, use one hand to hold the end of your wire against a mandrel (or whatever object you want to coil around). With the other hand, wrap the wire around the mandrel. When finished, slide the coil off the mandrel.

loop bail

turn side-drilled beads, usually teardrops, into pendants. Center the bead on a 3" or longer piece of wire. Bend both ends of the wire up the sides and across the top of the bead. Bend one end straight up at the center of the bead, then wrap the other wire around it to form a couple of WRAPPED-LOOP BAILS

spiral

To HAMMER , place your wire on a steel bench block or anvil. Use the flat end of a ball-peen or chasing hammer to flatten the wire, then use the ball end of the hammer to add texture.

Oxidizing Silver with Liver of Sulfur Always wear vinyl or latex gloves, work in a well-ventilated area (liver of sulfur has an unpleasant odor that quickly dissipates), and carefully read manufacturer’s directions when using chemicals. Wash all silver to be colored with soap and water. Mix liver of sulfur nuggets in hot (not boiling) water according to manufacturer’s directions in a disposable container. Most suggest mixing 1 pea-size nugget for every 1 cup of water. A weaker solution will produce a lighter patina with warm hues; a stronger solution will produce a darker patina.

chain-nose pliers

For ease of dipping your silver into the solution, use 12" of beading or sewing thread to string the bead(s), chain, or finding(s) you wish to oxidize; tie the ends in an overhand knot. If coloring small items that cannot be strung (such as crimp covers), you will need to drop them in the solution and then quickly scoop them out with a plastic spoon. Or, place small items on a paper towel and brush them with the solution; this method, however, often results in uneven coloring. Dip the silver in the solution as many times as necessary to achieve the desired patina. If the silver becomes darker than desired, it can always be lightened later by buffing or polishing. Rinse off the silver in cold water. To further stop oxidation, dip the silver in a weak solution (1:4) of baking soda and water. Remove any threads you used to suspend the metal. Allow the silver to dry, then, if desired, use a polishing cloth or #0000 (extra fine) steel wool to buff and polish it. Store all used solution in the disposable container. After about a week, it will degrade enough to be washed down a sink (preferably a utility sink) with a lot of water. Contact your local hazardous waste facility for more information on disposing of the liquid safely.

For additional technique information, including videos and illustrations, visit beadingdaily.com and click on the “glossary” tab.

To start a SPIRAL (or scroll), make a small loop at the end of a wire with round-nose pliers. Enlarge the piece by holding onto the spiral with

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