'C' for Crafts Crafty (& Handy)

How To Make A Simple Bauble Necklace

post by Andrea

I come across beads and baubles that I love on a constant basis, and in fact need to stop buying beads at will — only when the need arises.  This past weekend, in an effort to try and organize my growing collection of beads, I came across these beauties and was finally struck with some inspiration.  I had originally planned to string the black beads together in a tight, almost choker-like necklace, but then thought it might be too limiting to nighttime wear.  But when just a few are added to a simple hematite colored chain, it’s the perfect look for day or night.  I wore my new chain with a white tank and pair of boyfriend jeans for a simple, yet dressed up feel.  Here’s the how-to so you can make your own simple bauble necklace.

You’ll need a piece of chain (my piece was 22″ in length, snipped in half to make 2 11″ pieces), baubles of your liking, 2 jump rings, a lobster claw closure, 2 wire guards (or 2 additional jump rings if you can’t find wire guards), 2 crimp beads, soft flex or mono-filament wire, scissors and needle nosed pliers.

You’re going to start by attaching your wire guard (or jump ring) to one end of your chain, and then string your wire through the guard, making a loop, and sticking both pieces of wire through your crimp bead.  You then pry your crimp bead shut with a pair of needle nosed pliers.  You now have securely attached your wire to your chain so you can start stringing.  *A note about wire guards vs. jump rings.  My local jewelry supplier suggested these wire guards because on occasion my wire would slip through my jump ring if the ends were not clamped shut tight enough, very frustrating if I had strung tons of beads.  These wire guards work brilliantly and take the place of a standard jump ring (which I used in making this statement necklace).  The wire guards are not always easily found though, so feel free to use jump rings instead, but always make sure you close the jump rings tightly.

Now that your wire is firmly attached to your chain, start stringing your beads.  These were rather large beads, so I only needed to string 5 black ones and the 1 sparkly one.  I didn’t want it to be too busy or fussy.  Once done stringing, add another wire guard and crimp bead to secure the other end to your chain.

You’re now ready to attach your closure.  On one end attach a jump ring to your lobster claw closure, and then to the chain.  On the other end, just attach one jump ring for your closure to attach to.  A tip about working with jump rings.  I have found that if I gently pry them apart with 2 pairs of pliers, attach to my chain, and then clamp them shut, they close up much better than if I just try to pry them apart and closed with 1 pair.  After you’ve attached your closure, you’re done!  Total time from start to finish is about 30 minutes or less, depending on your comfort level with working with the tools.  Total length of my necklace is 28″, with the chain being 22″ and the beaded center being 6″.  Feel free to adjust to whatever length you need though.

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  • Miss B.
    July 31, 2012 at 2:35 pm

    Super cute Andrea! I love this series Nicole so much fun but very bad for the budget, lol, beads are addicting;)

    • Making it Lovely
      July 31, 2012 at 3:37 pm

      I know! It’s so easy to squirrel them away when you see pretty ones too.

  • Brianne Joy
    July 31, 2012 at 2:41 pm

    You are so crafty! :) Thanks for sharing.

  • Priti
    July 31, 2012 at 2:49 pm

    This is so pretty, love the beads in silver. Too cute. :)

  • Erica
    July 31, 2012 at 2:53 pm

    Such a pretty necklace. I haven’t dabbled too much in jewery making, but this is making me want to give it a whirl!

  • JIll
    July 31, 2012 at 3:15 pm

    LOVE LOVE LOVE this one! So classy…ugh…I might have to break down and do it! :)

  • eskimo*rose
    July 31, 2012 at 4:13 pm

    Sweet – I love asymmetric necklaces
    xx

  • How-To: Bauble Necklace @Craftzine.com blog
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    […] my jewelry never turned out nearly as lovely as something like this! Get the full tutorial on this simple bauble necklace over at Making It Lovely. (via […]

  • Heidi
    August 1, 2012 at 9:39 am

    Where or where did you find that sparkly bead? It’s absolutely stunning!

    • cliobeads
      August 23, 2012 at 3:26 am

      mostly, in local store. I wholesale them online:)

  • Jeanette @ This Dusty House
    August 2, 2012 at 11:08 am

    Oh, so pretty!

    Also, I love your nail colour.

  • Christina W.
    August 2, 2012 at 12:24 pm

    those scissors are awesome

  • Brave Beltworks
    August 3, 2012 at 12:27 pm

    So pretty! I love the matte black beads paired with the sparkle!

  • Jamie
    August 3, 2012 at 10:12 pm

    I love statement jewelry but it’s always so expensive! this looks like a great [cheaper] way to add some to my collection. now to track down some bling-y beads…

  • cliobeads
    August 23, 2012 at 3:25 am

    love ur share. You tell us how to step by step. thanx a lot

  • Courtney Cloud
    March 29, 2013 at 1:39 am

    How much did it cost to make this? How many hours of labor did it take to make it?