How To Bead A Necklace

Real gemstones and crystal beads turn this easy and simple bead stringing project into an elegant necklace. We made a video showing how to Bead A Necklace step-by step. See it at Curious.com

Materials To Bead A Necklace

2 focal beads, 30 mm, aqua
7 faceted Amazonite beads, 17mm
3 crystal rondelles, white milk glass, 10mm
4 crystal rondelles, clear crystal, 10mm
6 faceted oval beads, AB crystal, 12mm
11 faceted rondelles, silver crystal
1 faceted rondelle, white milk glass, 7mm
10 ridged spacers beads, silver-plated, 6mm
1 hammered toggle clasp, silver-plated, 15mm diameter
2 crimp beads, silver-plated
2 crimp bead covers, silver-plated
2 wire guardians
Bead stringing wire, 19 strand, bright silver

Tools

Chain-nose pliers
Wire snips (also called “flush cutters” or “wire cutters”)
Bead board (optional)
Bead bug (optional)
Tape measure

Steps

1. To create a design, lay the beads out on the bead board or a towel. The finished necklace is 18.5″ long including the clasp, so you will need to create an arrangement of beads 16″ long. Start with the focal beads and larger beads. Fill in the spaces between them with the medium beads. Finally, finish by adding smaller beads in any open spaces.

2. Cut a 23″ length of bead stringing wire. To keep the beads from sliding off while you work, clip a bead bug on one end or cut a 2″ piece of masking tape and fold it flat over the end of the wire. Start at one end of your arranged beads and slide the beads in the same order onto the wire one bead at a time.

3. To finish the end, slide a crimp bead onto the end of the wire followed by a wire guardian. Slide one end of the toggle onto the wire and nestle it inside the wire guardian. Poke the end of the wire back through the crimp bead. Using the chain nose pliers, slide the crimp bead up to the wire guardian and press it flat. Slide the end of the wire through the first bead, then trim the end with the flush cutters. Cover the crimp with a crimp bead cover and press it closed with the chain nose pliers.

4. To finish the other end, remove the bead bug or masking tape. Slide on a crimp, a wire guardian, and the other end of the toggle. Poke the end of the wire back through the crimp. Pull the wire taught to remove any loose space between the beads before pressing the crimp bead flat with the chain nose pliers. Slide the wire end through the first bead and trim the end. Cover the crimp with a crimp bead cover.

Thanks for joining us for this Bead Stringing Lesson. If you have any questions about it, let us know in the comments. We’re here to help.
Happy Crafting,
Jennifer & Kitty