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MAGNIFICENT METAL BOLD BEADED NECKLACE

By: Shauna Brom

Trailblazers

Mixed Media Art Team Designer

Warning: This necklace is not for the shy and retiring! However, if you like to make a statement with your style then this is the look for you! I have worn this necklace several times and received more compliments on it than any other I have worn in quite some time -- even my “real” jewelry!  For a less bold look you can make the beads smaller and still have a terrific impact piece. Of course, the metal beads can be used for many projects, not just jewelry. Attach them to fibers on cards or altered books. Use them in collage, assemblage, or anywhere else beads add just the right touch. The supply list and instructions include what I used to make my necklace. You can change several things if you choose. For instance, you can vary the decoration colors, the type of assorted accent beads, whether or not you use a paper crimper or rubber stamps, etc. This is an easy project but making the metal beads does take a bit of time until you get some practice. Be sure to  allow time to get the hang of it. Enjoy!

Supplies: 

Rubber Stamp (Hot Potatoes)

Stazon Ink-Black (Tsukineko)

Permanent Markers in choice of color(s)  (Sharpie)

Embossing Foil- copper and brass, 36 gauge is best (Carvedstamps.com and Ten Seconds)

Embossing Pad (Carvedstamps.com)  Note: A mouse pad will work or thick pad of paper in place of the embossing pad)

Pounce Wheel (Ten Seconds Studio)

Stylus (Ten Seconds Studio)

Small Butane Torch or Fireplace Lighter (optional)

Forceps Clamp (hemostats) - if using torch or lighter

Heat Tool (optional)

Tin snips or Scissors

Paper Crimper (Marvy Uchida)

Decorative Wire - Silver, 20 or 22 gauge

Assorted Beads:

·        Larger Silver Tone Round

·        Tube, and Spacer

·        Thin Spacers in Copper Tone

·        Gold Tone

·        Silver Tone

Glass Beads:

·        2 Clear approx. 8mm

·        Assorted colors and clear in varying small sizes

Cord or Waxed Linen Thread-Black

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.    Using scissors or tin snips cut embossing foil into strips approx. 1” or 1 ½”x4”. Cut one strip for each bead you want to make. For the focal bead, cut it larger-approx. 2”–2 1/2” x4” or whatever size you choose. Make a few extra for practice rolling. 

2.    Now is the time to heat the metal to change color, if you choose to do so. Hold the metal with forceps, tweezers, or another implement, preferably something with a plastic coated handle because the holder may get hot in addition to the metal piece. Heat with fireplace lighter or small torch until desired color is achieved. Let cool.

3.    Ink stamp(s) with Staz-On ink and randomly stamp the metal. Let dry. Zap with heat tool to dry more quickly.

4.    Using Sharpies, color in stamp design, as desired.

5.    Crimp some or all strips in paper crimper, if desired. You may choose to only crimp the focal bead, or all but the focal bead. Or you may choose to crimp none of them. I crimped all of the strips.

6.    Roll and/or accordion fold the metal strips to form beads. I found it easier to roll the brass strips and accordion fold the copper strips. Practice with the extra strips to see what works best for you.

7.    At this point you will see what your beads look like, and if they have enough color showing for the look you want. Using Sharpies, I made little scribbles of color randomly on each bead. The colors I used mimic the colors in the small glass beads in the next step.

8.    Cut about 12” of wire. Thread the wire through the space closest to the middle of the bead, leaving about 1” sticking out one end of the bead. On the long end of the wire begin adding small glass beads, varying one or two at a time while wrapping the wire around the bead. You should end up with about 5-7 small glass beads per each metal bead. When you have about 2 ½” of wire left, thread it through the bead and twist it around the rest of wire and make a little spiral curl with the wire end or tuck in the end of bead. If, after wrapping, it is too long, just snip off a bit before twisting and curling the end. 

9.    Cut the cording to the length you want your necklace. I chose to knot mine so I can vary the length according to what my outfit dictates. If you would rather add a closure, you may do so for the last step.

10.           Lay out all your beads to find the design you like. With the metal beads you made, the cord will go through the hole or space closest to the middle of the bead. String the focal bead on first. Then alternating your completed metal beads, glass beads, purchased metal beads, and spacer beads, string to complete your design. Since I wanted a tri-tone look, I used some purchased silver, gold, and copper tone beads and spacers in varying sizes and shapes to enhance the brass and copper rolled metal beads. I completed the design with a clear glass bead on each side.

11.           Tie a knot in the cord at the desired length or attach your choice of closure.

Wear your beautiful necklace with pride and get ready for lots of positive attention!

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