How to Make Unique Bead Jewelry

Making unique bead jewelry is not difficult. In fact, even novice jewelry makers can create unique pieces of jewelry simply because of the beads they choose for their creations.
One bead that is particularly unique and stylish is the handmade lampwork bead. No two of these beads are alike so when you make a necklace or bracelet with lampwork beads, you will be making unique beaded jewelry that is like no other jewelry anywhere.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lampwork Beads (see link in Resources)
• Round Glass Beads (3 to 4 mm) (coordinating colors)
• Beading wire (.018 gauge)
• 4 Crimp Beads
• 8 Seed Beads
• 2 Closure Clasps
• Crimping Pliers
• Wire Cutters
• Tape Measure

Make a Unique Beaded Necklace

1. Measure the distance around your neck or measure an existing necklace to determine the length desired for your necklace. Add 2 inches to this measurement.

2. Cut a length of beading wire to the measurement determined in Step 1.

3. String a seed bead, a crimp bead, a seed bead and half of the closure clasp onto one end of the beading wire. Pass the end of the wire back through the end seed bead, the crimp bead and the first seed bead. Adjust the wire so that there is only approximately 1/4 inch of a tail coming out from the last seed bead and crimp the crimp bead with the crimping pliers. Trim the tail of beading wire.

4. Begin stringing the lampwork and glass beads on the beading wire, alternating every other bead. String the beads until there are approximately 2 inches of beading wire left.

5. Check the length of the necklace and adjust it if necessary by taking some beads off if the necklace is too long.

6. Repeat Step 3 with the other end of the beading wire to finish the necklace.

Make a Unique Beaded Bracelet

7. Measure around your wrist to determine the desired length of your bracelet. Add 2 inches to this measurement.

8. Cut a length of beading wire to the measurement determined in Step 1.

9. Repeat Step 3 through Step 6 of the necklace instructions to make your beaded bracelet, altering the instructions for your bracelet where necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• The number of beads needed depends on the length of the necklace and the bracelet.

Resources

• Lampwork Beads

[lildutchgirl56]

on 6/25/2009 Making ones own beaded jewelry sound easy and fun. Thanks for the directions.