How to Make a Necklace from a Vintage Brooch

This is a unique way to make a decorative necklace. By combining beads with a brooch, you can make a one-of-a-kind necklace that everyone will admire.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• one vintage brooch
• jewelry pliers
• beading thread
• beading needle
• silver or gold plated lobster claw or spring jewelry closure
• beads, vintage or new, or a combination of both
• clear nail polish
• sewing scissors

1. Thread the beading needle with the beading thread and measure out a total length of 18”. fold the thread in half, bringing the needle to the center of the thread. Make a knot with the loose ends of the thread. Take the beads you want to use for the necklace, divide them equally into two sets so that you will have enough of the same for each strand that will be attached to the brooch. With the beads you selected, lay them out in two rows so that the entire length of the rows measures nine inches. Each row should have the beads arranged in the same order.

2. Start stringing the beads from one of the rows onto the thread. Once you are finished, cut off the needle, and make a knot at the other end of the thread. Re-thread the needle with another 18” of beading thread. Repeat the same procedure, stringing the beads in the same order as you did with with the first row. Cut off the needle, and make a knot at the other end of the thread.

3. Set the two completed strands of beads in front of you. Pick up the brooch or pin and gently remove the pin portion from the back with the jewelry pliers. Take up one strand of beads, and cut off one of the knots with the sewing scissors. Tie both ends of the beading thread so that there is a square knot resting against the base of the last bead of the strand. Then tie the strand to the brooch, looping the thread around the nearest hole in the brooch. Tie a double square knot in the back of the pin so the thread does not show. Dab a tiny bit of clear nail polish on the knot to seal it. Repeat the same procedure with the other strand of beads, tying it to the hole opposite of the first one so the brooch will be positioned upright. At the other end of each beaded strand, cut off the knots with the scissors, tying a square knot so that it rests securely against the last bead. Tie the remainder of the beading thread to a jump ring, making a double square knot. With the other strand, repeat the same procedure, but this time, tie the beading thread to a jump ring that is attached to the lobster claw or spring clasp. Dab a bit of clear nail polish onto the knots to seal them. The necklace is ready for wearing!

Tips & Warnings

• Check yard sales and flea markets for pins and brooches. Choose the kind that have small holes around the edges so you can easily tie the beading thread to them. Make sure the brooches you buy have no gemstones missing.
• Combine beads that will match with the colors of the brooch. For example, if the brooch has red, green, and blue stones, and is set in gold, use glass beads with the same colors, along with some gold beads.
• You can also make the necklace shorter, or longer, in length. For a 16” long necklace, make each beaded strand eight inches long. For a 20” long necklace, make each strand ten inches long.
• You can also use fancy buttons in place of brooches. As with the brooches, just remove the backing, and make sure the button has at least two small holes with which to thread the beaded strands through.