How to Make Christmas Jewelry

Make decorative Christmas jewelry using colorful themed materials. This is a project that adults, children and groups can make for themselves, to give as gifts or to sell at fund raising events for organizations. Earrings, necklaces, bracelets and pins are a few of the treasures that can be handcrafted with a variety of crystals, glass or letter beads, silver charms and many other beading options. Spend an enjoyable hour or two designing adornments that are sure to get attention.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Christmas-themed beads
• Christmas-themed charms
• Poly-coated jewelry wire
• 24-gauge jewelry wire
• Jewelry pliers
• Jewelry wire cutter
• Toggle clasps
• Hook ear wires
• 1 1/2-inch pin back with locking bar
• Bead board

Christmas Necklace

1. Choose a sufficient assortment of beads to make a necklace 20-inches long. Include solid beads in complementary colors to string between decorative beads.

2. Lay a bead board flat in front so that the bottom of the "U" is facing you. A bead board is a plastic guide with measured u-shaped groves to hold beads.

3. Starting with the bottom center of the "U" of the bead board, arrange beads and charms to the right that will be strung on jewelry wire. Stop at the 10-inch mark. Do the same with the other side.

4. Cut a piece of poly-coated jewelry wire 28-inches long using wire cutters. Hold one end and begin stringing the beads as they are arranged on the bead board, one at a time. Leave excess wire at both ends.

5. Slip one end of the wire through one part of the toggle clasp. Tie two or three knots where the first bead begins. Use jewelry pliers to push the extra jewelry wire through the beads to secure the wire. Do the same with the other end of the wire to complete the necklace.

Christmas Earrings

6. Make matching or coordinated Christmas loop earrings. Cut two 6-inch pieces of 24-gauge jewelry wire with wire cutters.

7. Add 3-inches of desired beading either in a random fashion or in a specific design the same way on both pieces of wire.

8. Slip each wire end through the finding on each ear wire, twist with jewelry pliers twice and insert the end pieces back through beads to secure.

Christmas Pin

9. Create pretty Christmas pins with a 10-inch piece of jewelry wire strung with assorted themed beads, including charms.

10. Wind the wire around and around the pin back. Make sure the beads are only in the front, slipping the wire through the holes of the pin backing to keep the beads in place. Add the charms so they hang down at the bottom of the pin.

11. Twist the end wires behind the pin, cut with a wire cutter and hide the end inside the wires in the pin backing.

Tips & Warnings

• A bead board is available at jewelry or craft shops. When possible, use a discount coupon to purchase one (found in the Sunday paper or by signing up to receive email discounts online). Young children can use elastic cord to string Christmas beads. Customize jewelry by stringing letter beads to add the name of the recipient or "Merry Christmas."
• There should be adult supervision if young children are making this project.

References

• Christmas jewelry making ideas
• More Christmas jewelry making ideas

Resources

• Fire Mountain Gems