Chunky chain seed bead necklace

Choose beads in one color family for a monochromatic look, or mix colors for a festive appearance.

SUPPLIES

necklace 22 in. (56 cm)

• 34 4 mm bicone crystals, black satin (Crystazzi®, 137432)
• 3–4 g E beads in each of 2 colors, black and grey (Toho, 474856 and 474857)
• 6–7 g 11/0 seed beads, grey (Toho, 474775)
• toggle clasp (Metal Madness, 421801)
• 22 in. (66 cm) large-link chain (Metal Madness, 421899)
• 2 crimp beads
• flexible beading wire, .015
• tape
• crimping pliers
• wire cutters

1. Determine the finished length of your necklace, and subtract 2 in. (5 cm). Cut a piece of chain to that length, or open the nearest flat link to separate that length from the chain.

2. Cut a piece of beading wire 4 in. (10 cm) longer than the length of your chain. Secure one end with tape, leaving a 2-in. (5 cm) tail.

3. On the wire, string 1 in. (2.5 cm) of seed beads followed by a random assortment of seed beads, E beads, and crystals (PHOTO A), and end with 1 in. (2.5 cm) of seed beads. Leave a 2-in. (5 cm) tail, and secure it with tape. Trim the tape so it will fit through the links in the chain.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 with a second wire.

5. Weave one beaded strand through the chain until you reach the other end, centering the chain on the strand. Repeat with the second beaded strand, but weave through the chain in the opposite direction so the second strand goes above the chain where the first goes below it and vice versa (PHOTO B).

6. Lay out the chain and beaded strands, smoothing them to make sure the beaded strands aren’t too long or too short. Add or remove beads as needed.