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Sparkle in the Rough

by Ali on 04/05/12

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Project details:

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I love funky, natural, earthy, unexpected sparkle when it comes to my choices in stones and beads. I had been holding onto to these druzy beads for about 6 months, unsure where to take the design. Then I saw the recycled glass beads and it hit me. A fun ,chunky, colorful necklace while maintaining a natural beauty was in my future. The great thing about these bead choices is that everything was able to be strung on a 2mm leather cord just further enhancing the natural look of this piece.

↓ Step-by-step

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1

Using a brush, patina the coin using minimal amounts of the Agate Patina & even more minute amounts of the Ochre Patina - both from the Retro Highway Patina Kit. Be ready with your paper towel or rag to do a quick wipe once the patina ink is on.

See Tip: Using Vintaj Patinas

Step 2

Brush the Ochre Patina onto the bead and allow to dry. Add the Agate Patina in a few places and add the Moss Patina in even fewer places. Once all is dry take the Relief Block and buff until desired coloring is reached.

See Tip: Using Vintaj Patinas

Step 3

Lay out your beads prior to stringing. Find the center of your leather cord and begin stringing out from there. Place knots on either side of your druzy pieces and African brass coin. Place additional knots as decorative accents throughout the rest of the necklace. NOTE: the knots will also allow your necklace to lay smoother and your beads won't grind on each other as much.

Step 4

Once the length desired has been reached, place a knot at the end of each strand. Then combine strands forming 2 over hand knots. With the 2 tails, string one of your African brass patinated beads onto each and finish off with a knot.