Perfect Day Necklace Set

by Ali on 03/11/21

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Project details:

Versatility, warmth, happy colors, mix & match, sky blues, storm clouds, wood, African brass & recycled glass ... these were all part of the word cloud in my head when I began designing this set. I originally meant to just make a necklace with rainbow colors and brass. I like this finished product much better as it allows me to wear 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 necklaces at once in any combination because they all "tie" together. I love how the metallic gold wood and the natural striped wood beads warm this design right up. The African brass is always a favorite of mine and gives these necklaces substance. I chose to string the longer necklace on 2mm leather cord because I needed the strength and I wanted to be able to use my adjustable sliding knot closure. This way I have the option to slightly adjust the length of my necklace depending on how and what I am wearing it with. The 2 main wood bead necklaces are strung on my favorite peacock Chinese knotting cord and finished with a simple hook & eye clasp. I made the brass bead and peacock knotting cord necklace as an infinity loop because it doesn't matter what side of it is in the front.

↓ Step-by-step

↓ Buy the supplies

Supplies you’ll need:

75 natural striped wood 10mm round beads
15 metallic gold wood 10mm round beads
10 storm wood 10mm round beads
4 each of wood round 10mm in barn red, poppy, pink grapefruit, marigold, Kelly green, turquoise, navy, Alice blue, aqua, and lavender
5 storm wood 14mm round beads
2 metallic gold wood 14mm round beads
2 metallic gold wood 20mm round beads
52 African brass rice beads 8-9x5-6mm
2 African brass cage horn beads
12 African brass basket rounds
3 African recycled glass large cobalt tumbled rondelles
2 hook & eye clasps
peacock Chinese .8mm knotting cord
2mm leather cord

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1

Decide on the length of each your 4 layers. I strung my 4 necklaces to 29-32" (adjustable on leather), 24.5" (infinity necklace), 22" (rainbow wood beads), and 19.5" (metallic gold & natural striped wood beads).

Step 2

29-32" necklace - Use 2mm leather cord to string your beads on, then finish with an adjustable knot.

Step 3

24.5" infinity necklace - I cut my cord to 3.5x the length that I want my finished piece to be. This is because of all the knotting. String on your brass rice beads in any number combination, then make a series of knots in between sets. This creates a nice texture and the illusion of a thicker cord. When you have your necklace strung to your desired length, make sure it will fit over your head, then tie off your necklace at a bead so you can tuck your ends into the holes. Secure your last knot with a dab of adhesive.

Step 4

22" and 19.5" wood necklaces - I decided on my pattern for each of these and then finished the ends with 5 overhand knots followed by the hook and eye. Make sure to secure your final knot with a dab of adhesive.