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Coastal Shores

by Ali on 03/29/12


About this design:

The imperfections in the recycled glass paired so nicely with the hand dyed silk string and natural hemp. There was a raw earthiness exposed by using these materials that I immediately started thinking about a coastal vibe for this piece. This is one of those designs that I started working on to be just a single strand and it evolved into this easygoing double.

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The products in this design are listed below.


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Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1:
Begin by tying an overhand knot combining both the hemp and silk string. Make sure that you leave a good 3" of tails at the one end for creating a loop closure
Step 2:
To secure your beads in place, first knot your 2 cords together, then string 1-3 beads onto the hemp, finishing off with another overhand knot, using both cords. Make sure not to pull the silk string tighter that the hemp, if anything it should be a touch looser.
Step 3:
Once you are happy with the length of your necklace, create a loop at one end using both cords. At the other end, string a larger glass bead onto both cords to fit through the loop. Secure this bead by knotting approximately 3/4" from the end of the necklace. With the 2 tails following this knot, string on a smaller glass bead and knot in place approximately 1/2" down.
Step 4:
For the inside strand, decide where you want the beaded strand to begin, in my necklace this was 5" down. Once that's decided, begin weaving the remaining long hemp length in and out of the gaps between the silk string and hemp.
Step 5:
When I was done weaving hemp down, I made several overhand knots to strengthen the image of a rope. I made about 1" worth of knots, then strung on approximately 7" of beads. I knotted in between these beads at points where I thought I would help the necklace flow better. To finish, just repeat the 1" of knotting and weave back up your necklace and secure with knots at the closure bead.

Buy Products from this Design

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Chocolate Silk String 2mm BACK IN STOCK!
Chocolate Silk String 2mm
42" length: $2.20
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Read the comments (or add your own)

  1. Nancy Mc

    On Mar 29, 2012 at 1:45 pm #

    Nancy Mc says:

    Ali…this is just great! The recycled glass is so colorful,but it’s soft as well. Your designs are so unique and fun!

  2. sunny chick

    On Mar 30, 2012 at 12:27 pm #

    sunny chick says:

    Love, love, love! :D

  3. No Photo

    On Jul 24, 2012 at 5:05 pm #

    Lyn F says:

    Love this, have some beach glass laying around, I’ll try it!

  4. Claire C

    On Sep 29, 2012 at 12:03 pm #

    Claire C says:

    Thanks for this clever and economical idea for a necklace. The use of the colored hemp and creative tying means I can continue beading even though I have no metal parts. Also I have shell beads which should combine really well with colored glass. Maybe some feathers in it, or macrame. You open doors of my mind with possibilities. Ali, you rock!

  5. No Photo

    On Jan 31, 2013 at 4:38 pm #

    Traci B says:

    I love the look of the African beads. I may have to play with.it

Add your thoughts!

  1. No Photo

    On May 22, 2013 at 3:26 am

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