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Royal in Blue

by Aqua Chickie Cat on 06/22/09


About this design:

Reminiscent of ancient treasures in its simplicity and materials of choice, this necklace says dignified, regal - classic. My dignified and decidedly classy niece fell in love with Lapis Lazuli the first time I showed her a picture of it. I designed this necklace for her, and we made it together!

Components:

Lapis Lazuli, Sterling Silver

Additional Images:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1:
Create the Pendant
Determine the orientation of the cabochon (i.e. which end of the cabochon should be the top, that is, toward the bail). Turn the cab backside up, but be careful to keep the end that you intend to be the top at the top. Place a small amount of epoxy in the center of the sterling silver stamping blank charm, and press against the backside of the cabochon, aligning it in such a way that a nice sliver (about 1/4 of an inch in this design) of the top of the charm is visible between the top of the cab and the bottom of hole of the charm. Attach the pinch bail to the top of the charm, making certain that the placement is correct, before the epoxy sets.
Step 2:
The Necklace Begins
Cut a length of Beadalon that is several inches more than two times the length of your strand of beads. Thread one end through the eye of the toggle. Fold the length of the Beadalon that you have just cut in half to make a doubled string, with the toggle resting at the mid point of the string. Make a secure knot or knots. (I prefer 3.) Now we're set to bead!
Step 3:
The Beading Begins
Hold the cut ends of the Beadalon together, and use beeswax to cause them to adhere to each other, and the make the end stiffer and needle like for simpler beading. Thread half of the beads.
Step 4:
Slide the pendant on.
Step 5:
Thread the rest of your strand of beads onto the necklace. Thread the string through the eye of the second component of the toggle clasp and tie securely. Trim the excess Beadalon.
Step 6:
Finishing Touch
Wrap the knots of the beadalon with 30 gauge sterling silver wire for a finished look.


Read the comments (or add your own)

  1. ChickyD aka Debra

    On Jun 22, 2009 at 1:31 am #

    ChickyD aka Debra says:

    Beautiful! And so cool to do that with your niece! I have 3 nephews…2 love to fish and hunt and the other (other branch of the family) is into beading himself! I would bead with him except he’s in Alabama, and I’m in Texas.

  2. Aqua Chickie Cat

    On Jun 22, 2009 at 2:11 am #

    Aqua Chickie Cat says:

    Thank you Chicky D. I was pleased that she liked the idea making it together, and for me, its even more fun with two than just one!

  3. Leslie W Mtn Chick

    On Jun 22, 2009 at 9:39 am #

    Leslie W Mtn Chick says:

    I agree, beading really is meant to be shared, and I think co-designing is the new trend in jewelry sales and gift giving!

  4. Lynn Eileen Chicky LE

    On Aug 10, 2009 at 4:24 am #

    Lynn Eileen Chicky LE says:

    What a lovely necklace! So cool that the two of you worked on it together — a special memory to go along with her special necklace! :D

  5. No Photo

    On Aug 18, 2009 at 2:45 am #

    Starsparkle Spiral Chick says:

    This is stunning! I love Lapis & that pendant bail is so pretty :)

Add your thoughts!

  1. No Photo

    On May 19, 2013 at 10:51 am

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