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Studio Artifacts Necklace

by Ali on 12/11/14

About this design:

I began the design process with 2 goals: use the Tree Wing Studio leather feathers, and try our amazing new waxed nylon in a necklace. I love being able to use a waxed nylon cord for my entire necklace because it holds its place without having the feeling of a waxy residue on my neck. Another great bonus with this waxed cord is that I don't have to use needles to thread on the beads. Simply running my thread burner quickly along a couple inches at the end of the cord hardens it to be able to easily slip through beads. I love the Boho/found object vibe this piece has. I can't wait to make it with different combinations!

Buy the supplies:

The products in this design are listed below.


Additional Images:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1:
Cut waxed nylon cord into 3 42" lengths for the main necklace.
Step 2:
Gently and quickly run your thread burner along 2" at the ends of your cord. This will harden your waxed nylon's ends into a needle.
Step 3:
Line up your 3 cords together and secure halfway using a clipboard. Use a scrap of cloth or cardboard to protect the thread.
Step 4:
You want to have a smooth braided section at the back of your necklace, so begin braiding for a couple inches (or more).
Step 5:
Once you have braided a couple inches of waxed nylon cord, use your "needle" ends to string on beads as desired.
Step 6:
Combine 2 strands to string string your first bead. This will help keep your braid in place.
Step 7:
Add a few beads to each strand to form a cluster, then string the final bead onto 2 strands like before. This helps keep everything in place to begin braiding again.
Step 8:
Continue braiding.
Step 9:
String beads into the braid in a zigzag pattern by stringing on a bead every few braids, making sure that for every bead on the left there is one on the right. Once you are done with that pattern section, braid a little more waxed nylon.
Step 10:
Add another bead cluster or whichever pattern you like.
Repeat steps 3 to 9 using the bead patterns in a slightly different way so that the sides are not identical.
Step 11:
Once both sides of the necklace are complete, tie an overhand knot to secure the focal ring to the necklace on one side.
Step 12:
With the remaining cord after tying on the focal ring, tie an overhand loop knot using the braided cord to be used as the loop closer for the hook.
Step 13:
On the opposite end of the necklace, tie on the hook using an overhand loop knot.
Step 14:
This is how the closure should appear.
Step 15:
Attach the leather feather to the inner loop on the ring by adding a dab of adhesive to the end and fold over. Then begin wire wrapping around the doubled-over portion of the feather. I used a combination of silver and gold colored craft wire.
Step 16:
Add a crystal point next to the leather feather using a messy wire wrap charm technique.

See Tip: Wire Wrap a Charm
Step 17:
Cut 6 lengths of waxed nylon, adding in a complimentary color in a metal tone. Double over each cord and secure to the bottom of the loop focal using an overhand knot. Make sure to equally space the cords along the bottom of the loop focal.
Step 18:
This is how the finished fringe looks.

Buy Products from this Design

You are viewing all 3 items.
Rock Crystal Points 6-10x23-58mm
Rock Crystal Points 6-10x23-58mm
15-16" strand
$15.95
½ strand (loose)
$8.45

More Photos & Ideas »

You are viewing all 3 items.



Read the comments (or add your own)

  1. Lois D

    On Dec 11, 2014 at 4:43 pm #

    Lois D says:

    Another masterpiece, Ali! Your attention to every detail, no matter how minute, shines through in all your creations! Love all these new components, too :)

  2. Crystal Canary

    On Dec 11, 2014 at 4:55 pm #

    Crystal Canary says:

    Absolutely more than awesome! I LOVE the new feathers & waxed nylon–your style is the best in highlighting them! The recycled glass was also a perfect choice with its matte finish against the crystal and pyrite–a favorite for sure!!! :)

  3. puppychick labratbecky

    On Dec 11, 2014 at 6:43 pm #

    puppychick labratbecky says:

    Thank you, thank you, thank you, THANK you!! For showing us all of these fantastic design and use ideas!!!!! this is FANTASTIC!!!!!

  4. Maggies Mom

    On Dec 11, 2014 at 7:28 pm #

    Maggies Mom says:

    This is another cool design, and my thanks also for your tutorial!

  5. N Taylor

    On Dec 12, 2014 at 10:09 pm #

    N Taylor says:

    Such fun.

  6. Ali

    On Dec 15, 2014 at 12:49 pm #

    Ali says:

    Thanks for your nice comments! I can’t wait to see how everyone uses the waxed nylon :)

  7. CzechChickJewelry

    On Jan 14, 2016 at 6:26 pm #

    CzechChickJewelry says:

    Ali-would Irish waxed linen work in this as well?

  8. orangecat

    On Dec 25, 2016 at 9:44 pm #

    orangecat says:

    I was also wondering about the possibility of substituting waxed linen for the waxed nylon. Seeing as how I have quite a bit of the linen, I decided to use it to make this necklace and so far it appears to be working out fairly well; although I have nothing to compare it to. The three main strands are black 7 ply waxed linen and later I’ll add another colour since I also have emerald, teal and charcoal on hand. My biggest challenge has been to keep the braiding tight enough around the bead groups and/or adding enough beads. I’m halfway through; having completed the sections of bead groups and braided in beads on one side. Right now I’m waiting for the main parts to arrive [sterling silver charm holder, s clasp, etc.] but I’m seriously considering redoing several of the bead groups, which means taking out most of what I’ve done. I like the way the braided in gold bronze etched squares and spacers look but I don’t think I’ve added enough beads to the majority of the bead groups [Peruvian Amazonite, Turquoise, Vintage Jade, Sterling Silver micro washers, cubes and spacers with flowers as well as tiny bone skulls]. I’ve attached a couple of images of the bead groups and the braided in gold bronze.

    Attachment Attachment

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