Simple necklace project

Bead stringing can range from the absolutely simple to the incredibly complex. You could have a single bead, or a different centerpiece, on a cord and tie both ends together, or you can have a variety of beads on multiple strands interwoven in a complicated but beautiful fashion. However you look at it it’s still bead stringing.

Choose your components carefully when you decide on a project. Even elements for the simplest bead project have to be chosen carefully. I’ve had to learn this the hard way! If the bead is too heavy for the string, or the edges are too sharp, the necklace will not last long. If the clasp is too small or not easy to open and close, you will be frustrated every time you put the necklace on.

But don’t despair! If you already have a bead or something else in mind that you want to string, just choose materials that will complement and support it properly. (See earlier posts for guides on beads, stringing materials and findings.)

Let’s start off with the simple necklace in the picture. This was my first ‘real’ project. By that, I mean it was the first item I made that I was satisfied with and thought was good enough to sell. (Of course I’m proud of the very first necklace I made but I didn’t use the right components so it’s for display purposes only :-) )


If you want a different look, play around with the length of the necklace or use other beads instead of the chalk turquoise and heishe beads. For this project, you will need:

47 4mm chalk turquoise beads
20 3.5 x 2 mm saucer beads, gold
1 fishhook clasp, gold
Beading wire
2 crimp tubes, gold
Crimping pliers


1. Measure about 30 inches of beading wire and cut. The necklace is about 18 inches long but you will need some allowance when attaching the clasps and for general ease when working. Always take the clasps into consideration when measuring the total length of a necklace or bracelet.

2. Using the last 6 inches of one end of the wire, string one crimp tube and one half of the fishhook clasp.

3. Pass the same end of the wire back into the crimp tube. Pull the wire tight so that the fishhook clasp is snug next to the crimp tube. There should be a few inches of the wire end sticking out of the crimp tube.

4. Use your crimping pliers to flatten and compress the crimp tube. For excellent instructions on how to do this, click here

5. Next, string on 14 chalk turquoise beads.

6. String on one saucer bead, then a turquoise bead, one saucer bead, and then one turquoise bead. Continue this process until you have used 20 saucer beads.

7. String on 14 chalk turquoise beads.

8. Add the second crimp tube and then the second half of the fishhook clasp. Pass the wire back through the crimp tube and pull tight. The clasp, again, should be snug next to the crimp tube.

9. Use your crimping pliers on the crimp tube.

10. If the end of the wire is very long, trim it to about 2 inches. Pass the wire back through the last two or three turquoise beads to hide it.

11. Repeat the last step for the other end of the neclace.

Enjoy :-)