How to make jewelry

So, I must tell you that I've been slacking in the jewelry-making department lately. I've been so consumed with the website, my toddlers, and general home life, that I haven't had enough time to do this other thing I love. As usually happens when I neglect it for a while, I started to feel that something was missing and I almost ran to the kitchen to get my beading equipment. My kitchen is the safest place for choking hazards because of my toddlers. There's a gate from the living room into the kitchen and it's just high enough so that... er... never mind, back to jewelry :-)

Anyway, after spending several days writing about the different ways to make jewelry, I had all these designs in my head that I was eager to try out. I decided to try to make a tube with size 8 crystal beads and beading thread. Can you say "bad idea" in five languages? It definitely was. If you've read the page on beads, you'll see that I almost beg you not to use thread for glass beads. I don't know why I didn't take my own advice but I guess I've proven to myself once more that it shouldn't be done.

But moving on. Are you hungry for a project to work on? Here's the first necklace I made with polymer clay beads (I plan to talk about how to work with polymer clay on the new website). You can use regular beads instead. The beads are linked together with wrapped loops and the necklace gets down to the navel.

















I used 34 beads, approximately 8mm in size. You will also need stiff beading wire, side-cutting pliers, flat-nose pliers, and round-nose pliers. You won't need a clasp since the necklace is long enough to slip over your head.

Before we begin, I'll just say this: If you are not familiar with creating loops and links with wire, it's best to practice with inexpensive craft wire first. When you're comfortable with the process then break out the precious metal if you want. You can get craft wire at craft stores.

We'll begin.


1. Cut a piece of wire, about 3 inches long (make it longer if you want to make it easier).

2. Move up about 1 inch from one of the ends. Holding the wire firm, bend it at a 90 degree angle with your flat-nose pliers.

3. Using your round-nose pliers, grip the wire at a point a little less than half the distance from the angle. Turn with your round-nose pliers until you have formed a loop. Don't release your hold yet.

4. Grip the wire sticking our from the round-nose pliers with your flat nose pliers and wrap it around the wire under the round-nose pliers about 3 times to form a complete loop.

5. Cut any excess wire with your flush-cut pliers. Make your cut as close as possible then, using your flat-nose pliers, try to push the cut end close to the wire stem.

6. Make a few of these and set them aside. You will need 34 altogether, or as many as the number of beads you plan to use.

Linking your beads

7. Slide a bead onto a looped wire.

8. Put the loop of one of the other wires on the long end (un-looped).

9. Repeat steps 2 - 4.

10. Repeat these steps until you get to your desired length then loop your last bead to your first bead.

You're done. Enjoy!