Blended Bead Soup
If you have been perusing my About blog page, you have seen a glimpse of my extensive fabric collection, an now I’m confessing to you that I have the same problem with beads. This is why I will not allow myself to start any more hobbies. I HAVE NO MORE ROOM. To use up some of the great beads in my stash, I experimented with an ombre (defined as having colors or tones that shade into each other) design, putting a dent in my stash. I aim to inspire you to make something up for yourself or give as a gift.
Blended Bead Soup Necklace
The most difficult part about making this necklace was having the space to spread out the necessary colored beads of different shapes and sizes. I spread them out on my living room floor and started stringing the strands. It was messy, but worth it.
My Game Plan:
- Odd number of strands
- Alternate different shaped beads next to one another
- Transition colors in a subtle way
- Audition final layout
Auditioning the layout
Here, you can see I placed the strands next to one another to see what I liked best.
Strands reversed
Above, I reversed the strands to see what it would look like…hmm, not sure.
Switched back. I think I like this best. Just to be sure, take the time to play around with it a few times before committing to the final decision.
Using bead stoppers
Here, I arranged the necklace as I would wear it and could determine if I needed to add more beads to the outer strands for the necklace to lay right. The idea is to keep the color groupings together as they curve around.
Add more black or white to ends
Side View
It’s time to add a crimp to the ends of the strands, attach to the closure and add crimp covers to hide the crimps. Oops, look like I need to add two crimp covers to the bottom strands. Rushed to take the picture!
Slide Bar Closure
Many closures would work, but I liked this hinged and slide closure/clasp for three reasons:
1.) It laid flat against my neck
2.) It kept the strands separated
3.) Easy to use.
I purchased the closure from Joann’s, but could not find it on their website to provide a link. Here is something similar.
Up Close and Personal
This is an up close view of how the beads can be arranged–do what you want.
Blended Bead Soup
It is a great creative project allowing for so many possibilities. I want to try some other unusual color combinations just out of curiosity…..and to deplete the stash a bit more. Have fun with your own leftover beads.
Other ideas:
- Dismantle and combine old unworn necklaces and bracelets to make something new
- Check your local thrift stores for possible jewelry to use
- Make a long single strand blending colors
I hope this inspires you to make your own creation. Let me know what you think. Enjoy.
–Dana
