Keep it simple
Create easy multi-strand necklaces with seed beads
by Emily Quinn
I adore seed beads. These tiny snippets of color of 80seed beads, and the second to turn the ring until it is seated properly
the rainbow can be bought in abundance uses a colorful assortment of seed bead (photo a).
cheaply. By hank or by gram, by tube or sizes and a handful of pressed glass beads. Attach the hooks of 3 bead tips to
by pack, however I purchase them, new each of the split rings with roundnose
batches of seed beads always make me pliers (see  Basics, p. 136). Subtract the
stepbystep
feel rich. But I try to keep admiration length of the clasp, rings, and bead tips
sessions with my seed bead stash private monochrome necklace from the finished length to determine the
because an uninitiated observer (like my Decide how long you want your length of your bead strands.
husband) wouldn t understand my necklace to be. A standard neckline Cut 2 pieces of nylon bead cord 3
pirate-like glee as I gloat over my horde. length is 18 in. (46cm), but you might times that length, thread a twisted wire
Seed beads are also the workhorse of want to add a few extra beads to allow needle onto each, and pull the needles to
beads. Used to set off larger, more for the fullness. the center of each cord. Tie all four ends
expensive beads or to weave an off-loom Attach a split ring to the loop on together with an overhand knot (see
or loomed design, they quietly do the job, each part of the clasp. Split rings open  Basics ) and dot the knot with nail
calling little attention to themselves. But like a key chain ring (split ring pliers are polish. Bring both needles through a
here are two multi-strand necklace useful for opening the rings). Once bead tip from the hook end to the out-
designs in which seed beads grab the you ve inserted an end of a split ring in side (photo b).
limelight. The first features one luscious the clasp loop, use your chainnose pliers Now string the correct length of
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beads on each strand. String both bead, an 80seed bead, and an 110seed
strands through a bead tip on the other bead*. Repeat from * to * until you
split ring, stringing toward the hook, reach the desired length.
and cut off the needles. Make sure the String a bead tip and finish as in
beads are snug and tie the cords togeth- step 5 above. Attach the second bead tip
er with a square knot (photo c and to the other split ring.
 Basics ). Dab the knot with nail polish Repeat step 3 for the second strand.
applied from the tip of a needle and String * three 110seed beads and an 80
trim the ends when dry. Using chain- seed bead*. Repeat from * to * until you
nose pliers, squeeze the halves of the have reached the desired length. Finish
bead tips together, enclosing the knots as in step 5.
(photo d). Repeat step 3 for the third strand.
Repeat steps 4-5 with the next pair String *a 6mm Czech glass bead, a 60
of bead tips. Tie three strands together seed bead, an 80seed bead, a 6mm
with three needles for the strands glass bead, an 80seed bead, and a 60
between the last pair of bead tips. seed bead*. Repeat from * to * until you
have reached the desired length. Finish
multi-color necklace as in step 5.
This necklace is slightly Attach the split rings to the clasp. w
graduated the second strand is 1D 2 in.
(1.3cm) longer than the first and the
materials
third strand is 1 in. (2.5cm) longer.
Decide on the length of your first for each necklace
strand. " 6 Bead tips
Measure the length of the clasp and " 1 Clasp
split rings and subtract it from the " 2 Large split rings, 6mm
length you chose for the first strand as " Nylon bead cord, #0 or 1, in a
in step 3 above. coordinating color
Thread a needle with a cord cut 3 " Clear nail polish
times the finished length of the first " Tools: chainnose and roundnose pliers,
strand and tie the ends together with twisted wire needles, split ring pliers(optional)
2-3 overhand knots (see  Basics ). Dab monochrome necklace
the knots with clear nail polish or glue. " 20-30g or 1 Hank 80seed beads
When dry, trim the threads and string a multi-color necklace
bead tip, pulling the knot inside the cup. " 10g 110Seed beads. burgundy
Close the bead tip with chainnose pliers. " 10g 80Seed beads, light amber,
Attach the bead tip to one of the split purple/iris-lined
rings as in step 3 above. " 10g 60Seed beads, silver-lined matte teal
String *an 80seed bead, a 60seed " 41 6mm Czech pressed glass beads
a c
b d
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