52 in 1: WEEK 15 - bead cluster necklace

A few weeks ago, my SIL Leah visited us and she wore this gorgeous beaded necklace.  I snapped a picture on my phone, inspired to make one for myself.  And that I did!

Materials:
- assorted beads
- chain (thick and thin)
- jewelry tools
- jump rings, headpins, and a lobster clasp

1. Cut the thin chain to your desired length.  I cut the chain to about 32 inches.  Ready the lobster clasp and two small jump rings.

2. Attach the jump rings and lobster clasp to the ends of the chain.

3. Attach a piece of the thicker chain (I used about an inch after cutting down the original piece a bit) to a jump ring and string it on the long chain.

4. Choose your headpins.  I loved these pretty ones!  (Don't mind my bandage, I had a little razor blade incident!  Yikes!)

5. Choose 8-10 (or so) coordinating beads.  I love the shades of blue, green, and pewter!

6. Slide a headpin through one bead.  Cut the wire down (I'm now noticing my pictures are out of order in this step... sigh) and make a loop with the remaining wire.  Attach the loop to a jump ring and add it to the larger chain.

7. Repeat step 6 with the rest of the beads, adding the beads along the length of the chain.  You could even add ribbon to a jump ring like Leah's inspiration necklace, but I opted not to with this one.  Mostly because I forgot to. ;)

8. Pretty.  And easy.

Somebody else loves it too... fun to play with while sitting on momma's lap.

I love how a long necklace like this can dress up even an old, boring t-shirt (like mine).  Let me know if you make one, I'd love to see!  The possibilities are endless.  Yay! 

Linking up at I heart naptime, six sister's stuff, today's creative blog, tatertots and jello, chef in training, and boerman ramblings