Connect coppery components

When I mixed these elements, I chose the lavender accents to add a pop of color. They pick up the iridescence in the pearls and the details in my handmade lampworked beads. Experiment with different beads — flat, rounded, jagged, smooth — and link them to your heart’s content. There really are no rules — just follow your instincts! The beading world is growing so quickly and new ideas and new materials appear every day, so be adventurous and try something new. 

SUPPLIES

Necklace 35 in. (89 cm)

• 3 22–25 mm faceted amethyst nuggets  
• 6 20–24 mm stick pearls
• 3 20–22 mm lampworked beads
• 3 16 mm flat crystals 
• 3 15–16 mm faceted amethyst rondelles
• 6 10–11 mm square pearls, center drilled
• 3 8–12 mm crystal rondelles
• 2 8 mm flat or round crystals
• 6 5 mm flat spacers
• 48 2 mm round copper spacers
• 4 16–20 mm patterned copper washers with two drilled holes
• 40 1⁄2 in. (1 m) 22-gauge wire
• 23 in. (58 cm) 24-gauge wire
• 8–11 in. (20–28 cm) copper chain, 7–8 mm links
• 22 5–6 mm jump rings
• lobster claw clasp
• chainnose and roundnose pliers
• diagonal wire cutters

Bracelet

• 22–25 mm faceted amethyst nugget
• 20–22 mm lampworked bead
• 16 mm flat crystal
• 15–16 mm faceted amethyst rondelle
• 2 8–12 mm crystal rondelles
• 15 6–8 mm round pearls
• 2 5 mm flat spacers
• 12 2 mm round copper spacers
• 2 16–20 mm patterned copper washers with two drilled holes
• 18 1⁄2 in. (47 cm) 22-gauge wire
• 2 in. (5 cm) copper chain, 7–8 mm links
• 15 11⁄2-in. (3.8 cm) head pins
• 9 5–6 mm jump rings
• lobster claw clasp
• chainnose and roundnose pliers
• diagonal wire cutters 

Lampworked beads from Kerri Fuhr, kerrifuhr.com. Copper washers from Susan Lambert, susanlambert.etsy.com. Other supplies from Kellie’s Bead Boutique, kelliesbeadboutique.com. Check your local bead store for supplies. 

INSTRUCTIONS

Necklace and bracelet units

Necklace

1. Make the necklace units. Open a jump ring. Attach one loop of an amethyst-nugget unit, one hole of a copper washer, and one loop of an 8 mm crystal unit. Close the jump ring.

2. Use a jump ring to connect the other hole of the washer, the other loop of the crystal unit, and one loop of a triple-square unit.

3. Use jump rings to attach the remaining bead units and washers as shown.

4. Cut two 4–5-in. (10–13 cm) pieces of copper chain. On one end of each, use a jump ring to attach an end loop of the beaded section.

5. On one end, use a jump ring to attach a lobster claw clasp.

Bracelet 

1. Make the bracelet units. Open a jump ring. Attach a lobster claw clasp and one loop of a crystal-rondelle unit. Close the jump ring.

2. Use a jump ring to attach the other loop of the crystal-rondelle unit, three pearl units, and a hole of a copper washer.

3. Use jump rings to attach the remaining bead units and washers as shown.

4. Use a jump ring to attach the end loop of the last bead unit and a 2-in. (5 cm) piece of copper chain.

5. Use a jump ring to attach three pearl units and the end link of chain.