Jewelry
For me, jewelry is the accessory of choice. I have never gotten used to using scarves or pashminas as an accessory, and don't think that they'd be very practical in the workplace. But jewelry! Sparkle and style in a convenient package. I've found some that I like in retail stores such as Calire's, Foley's, Belk's and Dillard's. I even picked up some pieces at Nordstrom Rack recently. I have learned to be careful about the quality; the long necklaces I purchased at one of those stores have plastic beads, and they just don't have the weight and feel of good quality glass or gemstones.
Since I favor black, red, and purple, most of the beads I purchase are "jet", "garnet", or "amethyst", either glass (crystal) or gemstones. Silver wires and chains set each of these off beautifully. My style is romantic and historically-inspired, so what I have made may not be exactly what you like. Create your own combinations that define your style. Suppliers may be found in the Links section.
Basic Techniques
Rather than re-creating the wheel, here are some links to the Fire Mountain page, which provide some useful information on "how-to".Necklaces
One is never enough. I usually layer a couple of long necklaces, and if the neckline allows, I'll wear a short necklace or choker, too. Here are a few of my favorites ~
Lariat with braids and tassles
You'll need:
- Assorted glass seed and tube beads
- 36 6mm glass faceted rounds
- 2 larger faceted rounds, appx. 12 mm
- Soft Touch .010" dia beading wire
- Crimp beads (black beads will require black crimp beads)
- 12 3/4" binder clips
- Wire cutters
- Small pliers, needle-nosed are best
Process:
- Cut 6 lengths of wire 53" long.
- String 26" of assorted seed and tube beads on each length. Temporarily secure the ends with binder clips.
- Gather three of the strands together, insuring that the ends of the wires are even. Measure 13" from the ends, gather all three wires into one crimp bead, and crimp. Remove the binder clip on each of the three strands closest to the crimp bead.
- Secure the crimped ends of the wires into a bench vice or by some other method. One by one, re-place the binder clips on the free ends. Move the row of beads down to the crimp bead, and secure the row with the binder clip placed close to the last bead.
- Braid the strands.
- Remove the assembly from the vice. Lay it on your workbench, with the free ends toward you. Thread each of the three loose ends into one crimp bead. Hold the crimp bead and the wires in your left hand, and with your right hand, remove all of the binder clips, being careful not to allow the braid to come un-done. Slide the crimp bead up to the rows of beads. Use your right hand to tug gently on each of the wires, to insure a tight fit. Crimp the bead, securing the braided assembly.
- Repeat steps 3 through 6 with the remaining three strands of beads. You should have two assemblies of three braided strands.
- String all six wires through one of the larger glass beads. Repeat on the opposite side.
- Below the large bead, string the following sequence on each
of the
twelve ends:
- 8" assorted seed and tube beads
- 1 6mm round
- 1.5" assorted seed and tube beads
- 1 6mm round
- 2" assorted seed and tube beads
- 1 6mm round
- 1 seed bead
- To be continued....