Flawless

If you want a necklace that is all about the beads then you must remove the distracting metal by replacing it with clear plastic thread.  These necklaces are fairly easy to make but practice on a tester string is recommended before you make your first necklace (See *).  You only need a few supplies: thin plastic thread, crimp beads, jump rings, a clasp and pliers.

"Purple Pearls"

For picture of the thread see the wire photo in the previous post and for the crimp beads, see the Jan. 18^th post.

For any of the necklaces pictured below, the steps to make them are the same.  Start by stringing your beads onto the thread then cut off one end.  Make sure you leave at least ½ inch of thread on each side.  More is recommended if it’s your first time doing this.  Next is the hardest part: securing the crimp beads.  

"Rose Glow" with bracelet.

First slip the crimp bead onto one end and then the jump ring.  Make sure to not let the jump ring slide past the crimp bead.  Then slip the thread through the crimp bead and pull until the jump ring is almost touching the crimp bead.  You want hold onto the thread tightly to keep it from loosening.  Then take the pliers and flatten the crimp bead.  This will hold everything in place.  It’s very important to get it right the first time because once the crimp bead has been crushed you can’t undo it.  

The last step is to insert the end of the thread (the part pulled on to tighten) into the beads until the entire thing is covered up.  This can take some time and be a little frustrating so a tip is to shorten the end so that you don’t have to insert in into a lot of beads.  You want enough though so that it doesn’t pop out and poke you while wearing the necklace.  

"Crystal White"

* Some problems I’ve encountered while making these necklaces are having the string loosen, damaging the jump ring or clasp, and accidentally damaging or cutting the thread.  These possible problems are why I recommend practicing crimping on a tester string of beads.  Get some leftover beads or ones you simply don’t want to use for anything and make a small string of them.  Practice flattening the crimp beads on both ends (use jump rings because then you can remove them later).  Once you get the hang of it you can make the actual necklace.

The “Purple Pearls” was made using purple beads from Joann and spacer beads.  The “Rose Glow” was made using beads from Michael’s and “Crystal White” was made using beads from Wal-Mart.

 
My next post will have a couple more examples of metal free necklaces and introduce some special styles, such as “fixing” a store bought necklace to match your taste and combining metal hoops with crystal beads to make something complicated but classy.