DIY Network

Green Vine Necklace From "Jewelry Making" episode DJMK-307

Doris Coghill's dramatic vine creation.

Materials:

14-20" of Softflex wire (size .014, cut into two pieces)
2-yard piece of 26-gauge wire (color of your choice)
3-yard piece of 26-gauge wire
4 crimp tubes
Assortment of flower and leaf beads
Larger leaf bead or other center focal piece
Assortment of size 6 seed beads, 6mm glass beads, 4mm glass beads and various accent beads or crystals
Clasp
2 split rings
Protective goggles or eyeglasses
Wire cutters
Flat Nose jewelry Pliers
Crimping pliers

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

1. Choose center focal bead and slide it to the center of the 3-yard piece of wire. Twist the wire for 1/8 - 1/4 inch close to the bead (figure A). Note: All twists should be made in the same direction.

2. Add several bead clusters to each wire. Each cluster should be less than 1/4-inch apart and should be done with one of the following methods, leaving a 1/8 - 1/4 inch stem on each cluster.

   Single bead cluster (figure B) - Add one bead and slide it into its final position. (Be sure to leave enough room to wrap the wires together under the bead). Fold the wire back and down along the side of the bead. Directly under the bead twist the two pieces of wire together for about 1/4 inch forming a stem.

   Multiple bead cluster (figure C) - This is the same as the single bead cluster except multiple beads are added at once. Form the wire into a loop shape following the shape of the beads and twist the end together keeping the first and last beads together at the bottom of the loop. (Be sure to leave enough room to wrap the wires together under the bead). It is a good idea to always use an odd number of beads for this wrap. An even number of beads will usually leave a bare spot on the top most part of the wire loop.

   Fringe stitch cluster (figure D) - This cluster is constructed just like a fringe on the bottom of a necklace, except you will be using wire (instead of thread) and fewer beads. String 1 - 4 beads on the wire and slide them down into their permanent position (be sure to leave enough room to wrap the wires together). Skipping the top bead put the wire back down through the other beads. Pull the wire tight being sure to hold the beads in their final position. Twist the two pieces of wire around each other for about 1/4 inch forming a stem.

3. After every two or three clusters, twist the individual clusters together. This will give the piece body and get the clusters closer together.

4. After completing 1-2 inches of clusters twisted together, decide which side will be the front of the necklace and arrange the clusters so that the beads are facing the front. You now have completed the focal section of the necklace.

5. Add the second piece of wire by twisting the center of it around the wires directly behind the focal section. Split the four ends of the wire so that two will go up each side of the necklace.

6. Continue adding bead clusters, twisting after each one, until the necklace is the desired length. Space clusters as desired.

7. As close as possible to the last cluster, twist the wire for about 1/4 inch. Form a small loop with this twisted wire and wrap the end of the wire back around itself. Wrap the end under a couple of sections and cut off the excess wire being sure the end of the wires are turned to prevent neck from being scratched.

8. Cut a piece of Softflex the desired length to finish the necklace, plus two inches. String a crimp tube and pass the Softflex through the loop and back through the crimp tube. Using crimp pliers, squeeze the crimp tube closed.

9. String the desired beads to complete the necklace onto the Softflex wire, followed by a crimp tube and a split ring. Pass the Softflex back through the crimp tube. Using the crimp pliers, squeeze the crimp tube closed. Attach the clasp to the split ring.

10. Repeat steps 7 - 9 on the other side of the necklace.

Note: this is very much a free form necklace that will have an entirely different look depending on what kinds of beads you use, how far apart the clusters are spaced and how long the cluster section is in comparison to the strung section. Experiment and have fun coming up with different combinations.

GUESTS :

Doris Coghill
Owner
Dee's Place
Phone: 952-492-2493
E-mail: dcoghill@frontiernet.net
Website: www.beadsbydee.com