Basic Necklace or Bracelet

The bead board has channels where you can arrange your beads and keep them in line with each other. Also, the measurements around the channels tell you how long your finished piece will be. For a 16" necklace, you will lay out your beads just short of the 8" mark on both sides. Remember that your clasp will add some length.

2. Cut your beading wire to a length 3 or 4 inches longer than your finished piece. (As you become more comfortable with finishing off pieces, you won't need as much extra wire.)

3. Thread one end of your beading wire through a crimp then through one side of a clasp or jump ring.

4. Bring the other end of your beading wire through the crimp tube, being careful not to let the wires cross inside the crimp tube. Leave a tail of about 1/2 inch.

5. Close your crimp tube using the crimping pliers. For a crimping tutorial, click here.

6. String your beads onto the beading wire. Allow the first couple of beads to go over the tail of the wire. Then repeat steps 1-5 with the other half of your clasp, and your piece is finished!

1. Choose your beads and lay them out on your work surface. I find a bead board to be very helpful during this stage.

How To Make a Basic Necklace or Bracelet

TUTORIALS
Crimping 101
Making a Basic Necklace or Bracelet
Tumbler Tutorial
Bead Stringing Materials