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Garden Droplets

by Ali on 04/05/12

About this design:

“If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.”
-Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden

I am pretty sure my favorite story growing up was The Secret Garden. I used to daydream about finding one and what it would be like. So it comes as no surprise that when I decided to make a Spring inspired necklace, I gravitated towards creating a focal that reflects new life and blossoms dripping from a garden wall.

Buy the supplies:

The products in this design are listed below.


Additional Images:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1:
First I applied patina to the largest African brass ball we have :-)
I brushed on layers of moss, verdigris, and jade from the weathered copper patina kit, adding in tiny touches of Amethyst from the Victorian Gable Patina Kit. I then took the relief block and lightly buffed until I had my desired look.

See Tip: Using Vintaj Patinas
Step 2:
I also applied patina to the pewter lily drop using agate in the petals, ochre where the pollen would be, and moss on the leaves and loop. Ochre and agate are from the retro highway patina kit and moss is from the weathered copper patina kit.

See Tip: Using Vintaj Patinas
Step 3:
Once the colored pieces are dry, I began making my droplets. See the following steps for each droplet below.
Step 4:
Tanzanite charm connected to chain, with an etched chain link used as a jump ring to connect the droplet to the silk string

See Tip: Wire Wrap a Charm
Step 5:
Cut 4" length of silk string. Tie knot at one end and string on a ceramic bead. String silk through chain, add on another ceramic bead and knot at the end of the silk string. Etched chain link used as a jump ring to connect the droplet to the silk string.
Step 6:
Using approximately 1.5" of etched chain, connect gold leaf and wire wrapped charms to form this droplet.

See Tip: Wire Wrap a Charm
Step 7:
Cut an 8" length of silk string. Begin at one end knotting on glass teardrops individually, spacing anywhere from 5-10mm apart. String the silk through the etched chain so that approximately half the string is on each side of the chain and knot in place to secure string to chain. Attach wire wrapped pendant to the silk string with a knot approximately 1" from end of string. Place patinated pewter lily drop at the end and knot to secure in place. Attach lucite leaf and Earthenwood egg to chain.
Step 8:
Now that all of the droplets are created, take a 7" length of the silk string and string all of the droplets on. Double your silk string over and string through large African brass ball. Once strung through the bead, string through loop of wire wrapped Tanzanite link, and tie several knots to secure. Tuck tails of silk string back into the African brass bead.
Step 9:
Create chain using 2' of flat oval cable chain and 20" of etched oval cable chain. I wanted to give the chain some subtle detail without distracting from the focal, so I broke up the flat oval into sections at the front of the necklace. I then doubled up the etched chain placing it those gaps. Once the chain is complete and attached to the focal, string on 2 glass rings down onto the African brass.

See Tip: Closing A Jump Ring

Buy Products from this Design

You are viewing all 6 items.
Artistic Wire Antique Brass 22 gauge, 15 yards BACK IN STOCK!
Artistic Wire Antique Brass 22 gauge, 15 yards
15 yd. spool
1$5.30
2-4$4.88
5+$4.51

More Photos & Ideas »

Vintaj Natural Brass Etched Oval Cable Chain
Vintaj Natural Brass Etched Oval Cable Chain

Measurements: 9.5x6.5mm links

per foot
$4.20
Vintaj Natural Brass Flat Oval Cable Chain
Vintaj Natural Brass Flat Oval Cable Chain

Measurements: 7.2x5.2mm links

per foot
$3.70
You are viewing all 6 items.



Read the comments (or add your own)

  1. No Photo

    On Apr 05, 2012 at 2:07 pm #

    olive penguin says:

    Thanks for the tutorial Ali! This is a really adorable design. I love the playfulness of the design and the elements in it. It certainly does remind me of a garden.

  2. No Photo

    On Apr 05, 2012 at 3:38 pm #

    Miss Molly says:

    What a fun design – I just ordered a bunch of the Vintaj patinas, and can’t wait to play with them!

  3. black cat yawning

    On Apr 05, 2012 at 6:43 pm #

    black cat yawning says:

    Nice job, Ali! The Secret Garden was my favorite, too. In fact, we bought our current house because it had a neglected, sort-of-secret garden, and a “robin who showed the way!”

  4. Little Round Chick

    On Apr 06, 2012 at 12:12 pm #

    Little Round Chick says:

    Great design and I love the way you have used the patinas especially on the large brass ball. :)

  5. KatsAllThat

    On Apr 06, 2012 at 4:27 pm #

    KatsAllThat says:

    Nicely done…

  6. Ali

    On Apr 26, 2012 at 10:59 am #

    Ali says:

    Thanks everyone. Something about this necklace is so fresh and happy, that when I wear it I feel optimistic about summer being around the corner. :-)

  7. No Photo

    On Mar 04, 2013 at 9:27 pm #

    Mandy R says:

    LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS!!!!

  8. No Photo

    On Mar 16, 2013 at 3:24 pm #

    Caroline E says:

    Love it!!!!!
    :)

  9. No Photo

    On Mar 16, 2013 at 3:26 pm #

    Caroline E says:

    <3

  10. lummibeader2013

    On Mar 25, 2013 at 6:47 pm #

    lummibeader2013 says:

    I really like that design and it looks easy to make. hugs to the designer!!

  11. princessdsp

    On Mar 26, 2013 at 10:44 pm #

    princessdsp says:

    This is really beautiful and unique. love it!

  12. jdbeast1

    On May 24, 2013 at 3:12 am #

    jdbeast1 says:

    Love it….You always inspire me, Ali !

  13. agthomas

    On Aug 27, 2013 at 12:50 pm #

    agthomas says:

    Beautiful!

  14. No Photo

    On Jan 06, 2014 at 10:22 pm #

    Thea says:

    This is so adorable. I am sill finding my way around the site and find something that amazes me everyday. I have to say Lima Beads is as addictive as making the things I craft. :)

  15. D McDuffie

    On Sep 23, 2014 at 1:20 am #

    D McDuffie says:

    Super cute ‘organic’ design–very original! Definitely want to try this.

  16. No Photo

    On Jan 06, 2016 at 6:56 am #

    Jody L says:

    Yes I agree it is really cute and organic, very fresh and fun and with winter in the air now it is inspiration for the warm weather to come, and ways we might choose to enjoy it!

  17. No Photo

    On Sep 05, 2016 at 12:07 pm #

    Misty S says:

    I wanted to create the GARDEN DROPLET but I cannot find the ball that it was made of.

    Can you please tell me where I can find this.

    Thanks

  18. No Photo

    On Mar 11, 2018 at 1:35 pm #

    JillEllen B says:

    Thank you for introducing me to the Unicorne Beads; who knows how long, in my indiscriminate wanderings around Lima Beads, it would have taken for me to discover them –if ever! I love them and will be ordering some. Also, kudos on your lovely design!

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    On Mar 29, 2023 at 5:32 am

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