Beads and Clasp
I loved the Bead Gallery beads selected for May's Pretty Palettes challenge. I used several of same strands that Erin Prais-Hintz chose (turquoise wood wheels, copper bead caps, flowered acrylic rounds, coral faceted glass rondelles), plus some large wood saucers, tri-cut turquoise glass beads, and a toggle clasp. The toggle clasps come on a strand with copper, brass, and gunmetal options.
Ribbon and Focal
Much bohemian jewelry includes leather, but I wanted to give this necklace a softer look so I used this frayed fabric ribbon from the scrapbooking section of Michaels. The package comes with two lengths in slightly different shades of ivory. (The ribbon comes wound on large clothespins. I don't know what I'm doing to do with those!) I also picked out this stone spike focal. The beads are temporarily strung inside the package; you'll want to restring them for your necklace. (I strung mine on 22-gauge wire.) I also used jump rings and hemp cord (not pictured).
All the beads and materials are available at Michaels.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks in making this bohemian style necklace:
- Use wire to secure the ribbon to the jump ring. I left the wire exposed, but you could cover it with another piece of fabric or a large-holed bead.
- The bead caps are cool in that they fit together snugly, so you can put
two together to make a bead that looks like a spacer. (I always love
using findings in a creative way!)
- Dab your knots with glue for extra security. I chose to leave the knots exposed, but you could cover them with small jump rings.
- Add extra jump rings to connect the spikes to the turquoise wood wheel. Otherwise, the wheel will twist upward so that it's horizontal rather than remaining flat.
- If you're timid about playing with bright color, use a small amount. My necklace is mainly brown, ivory, and turquoise with just those two coral beads. They add some life to the design, but they don't overpower it.
- Wood and acrylic (plastic) are extremely lightweight, so go ahead and use the larger beads. This statement necklace is light and comfortable for summer.