Project of the month: circle of beads

printable version

Materials for a 17" necklace:

• 1 x pendant

• 300 - 400 beads (3 or 4 mm in one or more colors)

• 20 or more crimp beads

• 3 - 4 ft beading wire (0.014 - 0.015 mm)

• 1 set of clasp

Tools: Chain nose pliers (for crimping, you can also use crimping pliers or magic crimper), wire cutter

Estimated cost: $20 (glass beads + plated findings)

$60 and up (semiprecious beads + sterling silver findings)

Estimated time: 1.5 - 2 hours

Step 1.

Make the center circle with the pendant. Determine the circle size, string beads onto beading wire with the pendant in the center. (Our sample uses 5" of beading wire, 16 x 4 mm beads plus the pendant.)

Step 2.

String 1 crimp bead at the end. Cross both ends of beading wire through the crimp bead. Pull the wire tight, crimp and cut the tail off. (Refer to crimping technique or magic crimper technique)

Step 3.

Draw out your necklace design to determine how the circles will be interlocked with each other. Make the next circle interlocking with the center circle. Cut a piece of beading wire long enough for the 2nd circle, string beads.

Step 4.

Thread the wire through the first circle and repeat Step 2 to finish the 2nd circle.

Step 5.

Keep making interlocking circles according to your design until reaching the desire length for the interlocking bead circle section. Alter bead colors and circle sizes to make the finished piece more interesting. 

Step 6.

Our sample has a simple stringing section to connect the circles and the clasp. Cut a piece of beading wire, string beads. String 1 crimp bead on one end of the wire and thread the wire through the last bead circle. Loop the wire back through the crimp bead and crimp. Cut off the tail.

Step 7.

String 1 crimp bead on the other end of the wire and thread the wire through the ring on one side of the clasp. Loop the wire back through the crimp bead and crimp. (Refer to stringing technique) Cut off the tail. Repeat Step 6 & 7 to complete the other side.

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