How To String a Necklace

In Tucson at the To Bead True Blue show, Sarah and I set to finding some fabulous pendants to match our big, glorious, beads.  This bird was one of our finds.  Here's how I used it in a necklace using a basic crimping technique.  Let's go!

You will need: 3 strands of JJBs, pendant, 49 strand .018 beading wire, #2 crimp tubes, clasp, crimping pliers, wire cutters and possibly some chain nose pliers.

 I mixed and matched the third odd strand into the green strand of boho beads until I got it just right--approximately 8" on one side of the bird.  I love the saucy pink and green color combo.

String two crimp beads onto the wire followed by the clasp.  Thread the tail of wire back through the crimp beads.  The reason I use two crimp beads is because of the chunky, weighty, nature of this piece.  

Crimp the crimp beads into a "U" shape by placing them in the inside opening of the crimping pliers.

Turn 90 degrees and place them in the "eye" opening of the crimping pliers.  Clamp down and roll the crimp beads over.

String the second half of the necklace and finish the end as you did on the first side.

Now that's a Bird in Paradise!

Happy Spring!

Candie

DIY Leather Beaded Bracelet

Merry, merry everybody!  Are the beads flying or what?!?  My name is Candie Cooper and I'll be posting project ideas over here from time to time for Jesse James Bead Co.  I always get a little nervous meeting people for the first time.  Please know how excited I am to show you some project ideas from my work table (and can you just pull up a chair and sit next to me so I'm not so nervous?).  If you're like me, you love JJBs and their playful and funky vibe they add to jewelry designs.  A million colors and surfaces--they bring the bead world to your doorstep.  Thanks, JJB for inviting me to contribute.

I don't know about you, but I've been working my fingers to the bone whipping up jewelry to sell and give lately.  That being said, do you have a few more people on your list hinting for a handmade treasure, but not a ton of time to make something?  Fret not.  Here's a project that you can whip up in minutes!

Grab some Jesse James Bead Strands, an extra pack of neutral Design Elements beads, Beadalon 1.5mm diameter Greek leather and some 10mm-12mm lobster clasps.  You'll also need some multi-purpose adhesive.

String the beads onto the leather in the desired order--I used the same order they came on the strand unless the hole was too small for the leather (this is where your Design Elements back up bead pack comes in handy because you can sub in different large-holed beads).  Make an overhand knot (see above) at the end of the leather and pull snug.

 Slide the beads to the looped end of the leather and trim leaving a couple inches of leather to work with.  Thread the end of the leather through the loop in the lobster clasp and tie in a knot.  Dot all knots with adhesive for extra security (I like to play it safe if you can't tell).  Wrap it up or drop it in a pretty gift bag and go on with your sparkly, generous, self!

Be sure to check our contest over on our Facebook page!
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Wishing you a very happy and safe holiday from myself and the Jesse James Beads crew!

Candie Cooper