Faceted crystals make this necklace really sparkle. And the “floating” effect is so easy to create!
We have a complete video tutorial to show you how to make your Floating Bead Necklace. We’ll show you how weave the wires through the beads to create the floating effect. And we’ll show you how to finish the ends and put on a clasp. We also have written instructions for this Floating Bead Necklace complete with step photos below. Either way, we’ll be crafting with you!
Video How-to: Floating Bead Necklace
How To Make A Floating Bead Necklace
Materials
9 faceted rondelles, blue AB and green AB, 5mm x 12mm (“AB” is a shiny, iridescent finish on beads. It stands for Aurora Borealis.)
10 faceted rondelles, green AB, 4mm x 6mm
20 brushed silver ball beads, 3mm
1 lobster clasp, silver-plate or silver color
2 clamshell bead tips, silver-plate or silver color
2 crimp beads, 2mm, silver-plate or silver color
2 jump rings, silver-plate or silver color
Bead stringing wire, 19-strand, silver color
Bead stringing glue
Masking tape
Tools
Chain-nose pliers
Round-nose pliers
Wire cutters
Tape measure
Steps
1. Cut two 26″ lengths of bead stringing wire. Tape two of the ends together.
2. Feed both strands through a silver bead.
3. Separate the strands and slide a small rondelle onto one strand, then put the strands back together.
4. Feed both strands through a silver bead. One strand of wire will go from silver bead to silver bead bypassing the rondelle. The other will go through the rondelle.
5. Separate the strands and slide a large rondelle onto one strand, then put the strands back together.
6. Repeat steps 2 through 5 until all the beads have been placed on the wires.
7. To finish the ends, feed the two wires on one end of the necklace into the hole in the bottom of the clamshell bead tip.
8. Then slide both wires into a crimp bead.
9. Flatten the crimp bead about 2″ from the last bead using the chain-nose pliers.
10. Trim the excess wire using the wire cutters.
11. Slide the clamshell bead tip over the crimped bead. Add a dab of bead stringing glue in the clamshell.
12. Close the clamshell over the crimp using the chain-nose pliers. Close the loop on the clamshell bead tip.
13. Open a jump ring using both sets of pliers.
14. Slide the lobster clasp into the jump ring and slide the jump ring onto the loop of the clamshell bead tip. Close the jump ring.
15. Repeat step 7 through 14 to attach a jump ring to the other end of the necklace. This will serve as the other side of the lobster clasp.
This necklace is an easy one to make as a gift. We like that it doesn’t require a lot of beads, so you can actually choose more expensive beads if you like. And it goes together fast! Let us know if you make one and what beads you chose. We love hearing from you!
Happy Crafting!
Jennifer & Kitty
Hi. What size jump ring should be used in making the floating beaded necklace? Thanks!
We like the delicate look of small 3mm jump rings, but they are hard to open and close being so small. So we also use 4mm or even 5mm jump rings. For this project, it really doesn’t matter much. The jump ring is used for the clasp so it won’t show.
Hope that helps!
J&K
I just found your website on Google by searching for “an easy beaded necklace”. I love your video’s. Thank you from someone who is not very creative.
M. McBride
If you use fishing string it can be a little more transparent, and you won’t see the outside wire, so obviously.
Yes Liz, it would be pretty with fishing line or monofilament!
Cheers,
J&K