How to Make a Tin Cup Necklace

Creating your own jewelry can be a very rewarding experience as well as an educational one. Children can often enjoy this fun activity with their parents (or each other) while learning an artistic skill. Jewelry making does not have to be rocket science. The Tin Cup necklace received its name from a movie of the same name that had an actress, René Russo, playing a character that wore the design. It became popular, and as such, entered into jewelry legend. Pearls are the usual fare, knotted together in equal intervals on a silk thread that is lightweight and light in color.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Griffin Perlseide silk cord, #4
• Beads, crystals or pearls
• Tubular spacing beads
• 2 knot covers (silver or gold) Clamshell
• Inside groove tweezers
• Glue; bond 527
• Small weight
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Clasp

1. Unravel the cord from the card and press flat to remove the bends or folds. Tie one end to the weight and the other to a door knob. Allow to hang overnight in order to flatten completely.
2. Measure the neck of the person the necklace is meant for and cut a piece of cord to the length plus 8 inches.
3. Tie a knot on one end of the cord and place a clamshell over it. Add a drop of glue to the clamshell, then close it.
4. Slide your spacer bead onto the cord, and tie a knot at the end of it. Remove the bead.
5. Add your decorative beads, pearls or crystals to whichever design you want to achieve. Tie a knot to secure in place.
6. Repeat Step 5 until you reach the end of your necklace.
7. Tie a knot at the end of your cord. Place a clamshell over it and add a drop of glue. Close the clamshell.
8. Add the clasp pieces to each side of the cord.

Tips & Warnings

• This design works as a great bracelet as well.
• You can use any style of beads, crystals or pearls that you like.
• Do not limit your creativity. You can have more than one pearl, bead or crystal in a row.
• Make sure your spacing beads hole is large enough to easily slide over the knots.
• If the inside groove tweezers are not available, you can use an awl or a silk knotting tool.