DIY Network

Harvest Jewelry More Thanksgiving Crafts

Materials:

Indian corn or other dried elements like nut husks, dried pods, pumpkin seeds, etc.
drill with 1/16" drill bit
non-skid mat
small pliers
eye pins
jump rings
stock chain
closures
fishing swivels
beading wire
round nose pliers
glass beads (optional)

Figure A

Steps:

1. Select which natural dried elements (such as Indian corn, seeds, acorns) you plan to use as beads (figure A).

Figure B

2. Lay your materials out on a non-skid mat to give you an idea of their placement and to keep your materials from sliding around while drilling holes.

3. Drill a hole through the center of a dried element using a 1/16-inch drill bit, drilling from the largest part of the kernel down to the smallest part (figure B). Make sure the drill bit is large enough to accommodate your jump rings or eye pins. Tip: When drilling, keep in mind that where you drill your hole will determine how it will hang.

Figure C

4. Drill holes through the remainder of dried elements (figure C). Tip: When working with small seeds or kernels, use a pair of pliers to hold in place while drilling.

Figure D

5. Link the dried element "beads" together with eye pins. Eye pins have a loop on one side, making it easy to connect the beads. They also come in different lengths to accommodate larger or smaller beads. Run an eye pin through each bead, then using round nose pliers, create a loop at the other end to hold the bead in place (figure D). Bend the loop as close to the dried element as possible. Tip: You can also create your own eye pins by using wire.

6. Link the beads together using small jump rings, fishing swivels or stock chain. If using stock chain, use pliers to take each link apart, then connect the beads together by reusing those links.

7. Continue linking all of the materials together until you have a full strand. If desired, add coordinating glass beads to complete your design (figure E) or use natural elements to create just a pendant (figure F).

Figure E: Be creative when thinking of natural items to use as beads, this necklace features walnuts and glass beads.

Figure F: This pendant was created using a nut husk, dried cranberry and glass bead.