The Design Gallery
Follow along with step-by-step beading projects and share your designs with beaders around the world—it’s quick & easy!
Chatter
on “Cowrie Cluster”:“Outstanding!…” read »
on “Birthstone/ aromatherapy jewelry”:“Ooooops... forgot the "-in law" with the sisters.
…” read »- on “Birthstone/ aromatherapy jewelry”:
“What a wonderful way to let your sisters know that they are special. Each is…” read »
- on “Birthstone aromatherapy bracelets”:
“What a great idea. Personalizing each of the bracelets with birthstones and charms makes them…” read »
- on “A day at the beach”:
“You have definitely captured the "beach vibe." Great use of all of the different components.…” read »
- on “Late Night Chalcedony Earrings”:
“KR, Matching anything can be a real pain. Your ear rings look like they belong together…” read »
- on “Ethnic pewter drops”:
“Andrea P-D, If I wore ear rings I'd definitely wear these. This is such a…” read »
- on “Labradorite”:
“Unbelievable color! Fantastic necklace!…” read »
on “A day at the beach”:“All 3 of the pieces you posted today are lovely. I like this one most of…” read »
on “Birthstone/ aromatherapy jewelry”:“Not only a thoughtful treasure but also very personalized.…” read »
- on “Birthstone aromatherapy bracelets”:
“What a fun idea! That would be a gift that would be used often.…” read »
- on “A day at the beach”:
“Love this beautiful pick! I have so many natural shells I found on South Padre…” read »
on “Late Night Chalcedony Earrings”:“KR - These earrings are just beautiful. The wire wrapping is amazing. I really like the…” read »
- on “Lucky Star Necklace”:
“Elaina - Such a fun and free design. Love it. Beautiful colors - and I really…” read »
- on “Winter Magic Necklace”:
“So pretty Elaina - I especially like the way you used the seed bead chains. I'm…” read »
- on “A day at the beach”:
“Love your beachy designs. The pearls look so nice with the copper charms.…” read »
- on “Birthstone aromatherapy bracelets”:
“What a fun idea Mel. Love the extra little charms. Each bracelet is personalized both with…” read »
- on “Ethnic pewter drops”:
“Andrea P-D - Pretty,fun design. The colors are great. Welcome to the gallery!…” read »
on “Birthstone/ aromatherapy jewelry”:“What a thoughtful gift for each one! I’m sure they will wear them with pleasure.…” read »
on “Ethnic pewter drops”:“Yes, these would be a favorite go-to pair for me!…” read »
- on “Ethnic pewter drops”:
“Welcome to the gallery. I agree with Dolllady. They do look like they came from street…” read »
- on “Labradorite”:
“Jaw drop stunning!…” read »
on “Labradorite”:“keep on beading!…” read »
on “Ethnic pewter drops”:“These are so cute. I'm glad you're keeping them. They look like they'd be so much…” read »
- on “Moonstone Bracelet”:
“Beautiful work and design! I can't believe you made all that intricate wire work with 16…” read »
- on “Ethnic pewter drops”:
“Very pretty and look like they came directly from a street artisan in Greece.…” read »
- on “Labradorite”:
“This reminds me of something Cleopatra would have worn. It is stunning!…” read »
on “Floral Lattice Statement Necklace”:“Such a beautiful design! Thanks so much for sharing.…” read »
- on “Moonstone Bracelet”:
“So fun to see everyone's pups. 7 lbs?! I have cats that weigh much more. Keep up…” read »
- on “Labradorite”:
“So pretty HH and the stones are beautiful.…” read »
- on “Colored Sprinkles”:
“Thanks LRC!…” read »
- on “Leopardskin Jasper Necklace and Earrings”:
“Thank you all ladies - you're so nice. LRC - I love re-discoveries. (Maybe I rediscover…” read »
- on “In Chains Necklace”:
“Ali, I usually LOVE your designs, but not this one. Sorry. Not something I would…” read »
- on “Moonstone Bracelet”:
“Little Round Chick. Your fur baby is also gorgeous! Looks spoiled LOL Yep, Jazz is with…” read »
- on “Labradorite”:
“Very very beautiful. Did you have to buy a lot of stones to get enough of…” read »
- on “Labradorite”:
“Oh man. This is so gorgeous!…” read »
- on “Leopardskin Jasper Necklace and Earrings”:
“You have been a busy leader! This set is beautiful! I have not seen…” read »
- on “Moonstone Bracelet”:
“I was in such a rush to post my comment I didn't finish it! I just…” read »
- on “Moonstone Bracelet”:
“KR, This bracelet design is so unique don't even consider taking it apart! The way…” read »
- on “Leopardskin Jasper Necklace and Earrings”:
“BLE, going through the stash is like taking a shopping expedition in a jam packed bead…” read »
Opal Tie
About this design:
My goal with this design was to create something light enough to not make you feel weighted down when wearing it in the summer while being cool enough to be noticed. This necklace is really very easy to make, especially if you buy the ready made gemstone bead chain rather than wire wrapping each link.
What you’ll need: (buy products below)
- 2' gemstone bead chain
- 1' leather lace
- 1 length of silk string cut into 2 3-4" pieces with one long length remaining for back of necklace
- 6 4" lengths of non-tarnish brass wire
- 2 6" lengths of non-tarnish brass wire
- 2 Patricia Healey Triangle Arc
- 1 Patricia Healey Textured Curved Tube
- 3-4" worth of seed beads
- 9 feathered daggers or flat drops of equivalent width
- adhesive
Additional Images:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
|
Step 1: The best thing to do with a necklace like this is to lay it out first. I began with laying out the main large components of the "tie", knowing that I wanted to fill in between those components with with simple rows of seed beads. |
|
Step 2: Once the layout for the necklace is done, cut your chain in half, setting aside the extra opal beads. Wire wrap the Patricia Healey Copper Curved Textured Tube Bead to each end of the chain. This will act as the anchor for the necklace. |
|
Step 3: Attach your 2 rows of czech drops by wire wrapping them to the chain as they were laid out. Make sure to add a seed bead or 2 in between each drop. This will keep the drops lying flat. |
|
Step 4: Now comes the time to use the 2 shorter lengths of silk string. Knot the silk to the chain, string on the Patricia Healey Copper Triangle Arc and knot to the chain on the other side. If you are having trouble getting the silk string to go through the triangle arc, either use a collapsible needle or take a piece of your wire folding it in half and twisting your silk to it. Once you have done the one triangle arc, repeat stringing on the other triangle arc. |
|
Step 5: Now that all of the main components are connected to the chain, you can go back in and fill the gaps with rows of seed beads. This is also where you can use the left over opal beads from you chain. See Tip: Make a Wire Wrapped Bead Link |
|
Step 6: Finish your necklace by taking 2 6" lengths of 24 gauge wire, wrapping each to an end of chain. Create another loop close to the one connected to the chain and string the leather and silk cord through it. Make sure that you leave a 1/2" tail of leather and a 2-3" tail of silk cord at each end, keeping in mind that in the supporting part of the necklace, they need to be even. Now that the leather and silk have been strung through the loop, dab a touch of adhesive and wrap the wire around and around until it is all used. When you are done wrapping the wire, begin wrapping the silk string around the leather tail and the supporting leather and silk. Finish off the will wrapping with a knot. Repeat at the other end. |
Buy Products from this Design
You are viewing all 3 items.
| 20 yd. spool | $3.40 |
| 42" length: $2.20 |
You are viewing all 3 items.
On Apr 26, 2012 at 3:52 pm #
KatsAllThat says:Very interesting design. I love the Patricia Healey pieces.
On Apr 26, 2012 at 8:17 pm #
Elis Mom says:Ali, this is so wonderful and unique! How long is the finished piece?
On Apr 26, 2012 at 11:27 pm #
Lynn Eileen Chicky LE says:Susie, I wondered the same thing about the finished length! Great minds and all that jazz….
Ali, this is fantastic! What a perfect example of the popular “mixed media” designs! This is so versatile, too — you could personalize it however you wished! Thanks for the instructions, too!
On Apr 27, 2012 at 1:13 am #
Jennalynn says:Very unique! It’s just lovely
On Apr 27, 2012 at 8:00 am #
Chicky Zee aka Alice says:LOvely!
On Apr 27, 2012 at 8:49 am #
sunny chick says:Ali, another winning design! Thanks for the step-by-step instructions.
On Aug 15, 2012 at 9:14 am #
C Haddock says:Gorgeous!!!
On Sep 30, 2013 at 10:16 pm #
D CONNICK says:The details are so…sweet!
On Apr 16, 2014 at 9:51 am #
DahleaM says:has a very native american look to it!
On Jun 08, 2014 at 12:44 pm #
P THOMASON says:I would love to see other peoples design ideas besides Ali. Is she your only person that makes jewelry there?
On May 13, 2015 at 1:09 pm #
Kathi D says:this is an awesome piece, reminds me of a Native Arts peace made with tiny seed beads
On Mar 23, 2016 at 3:25 pm #
beadngirlee says:I just love your work! And this is no exception!
On Apr 07, 2017 at 7:32 am #
B Wong says:What a gorgeous necklace! Thanks for sharing the instructions!
On Dec 03, 2017 at 5:15 pm #
S lazan says:you’re so inspirational. Thanks for all your tips and techniques.
On Aug 26, 2018 at 4:13 pm #
L Dryman-Rice says:Beautiful, Ali! I love the “architecture” of this necklace.
On Mar 22, 2019 at 3:05 pm #
Annis P says:I’m not finding the curved beads or the triangle arc beads? I thought there would be a better link straight to the items needed to purchase and make one of these necklaces.