The first set’s done!
I’m really pleased with how it turned out, although two of the necklaces had to be adjusted so the lengths sat together correctly. I’d forgotten to allow for the extra length created by the clasps. In the end, I added more length to both the turquoise one on the left and the single strand coral one with chunky turquoise glass beads at the front. Results below, and I really love how it all looks layered together.
You learn as you go, don’t you? Which is why I’m going to think a bit more about how to put the next one together. Sorry about the rather dark photo; turns out amethyst and black pearls are hard to photograph. This is where I’ve got to so far.:
I’m reconsidering the pendants on the top two strands, which means I’ll be able to drape all three strands closer together. I need to be careful with the length of this one, as I want to wear it below a multi-strand freshwater pearl choker I already own. Yes, it will be totally OTT, but I love the look, and so long as you keep the rest of the outfit simple, you can get away with it. I have earrings to go with, which inspired the whole idea.
I’m enjoying this, but it’s never going to become my passion in place of quilts. For one thing, my fingers and wrists aren’t good for hours and hours of beading, especially on my right hand, where the middle joints on the two middle fingers are already sore and make alarming clicking and crunching noises…
Onwards! I’d love to hear what you think 😊
talltalesfromchiconia 
Beauties
I’m really happy with this first one, so hopefully I can get the same result with the purple one.
Gorgeous!
I’ve always wanted to have a play with jewellery making. But I feel hubsy would divorce me if he came home to yet another craft/hobby!! 😱😂
I reckon you could start small and unobtrusive. Most of what you see here was in a bead box the size of an iPad (ok, a bit deeper)…
Great looking necklaces – together and separately
Yes! I’ve already worn one of them on its own, and it looks good that way too.
Really like the color combinations!
One of my favourites!
You ARE multi-talented. I tried beading once. And Quilting, once. Although, I can make clothes, but don’t anymore.
I’ll give most things a try. Some work out, lots don’t!
Lovely items of jewellry; and your creations are bringing them to beautiful new life.
It was fun having a rootle in my boxes, and having made this and the next one, there’s a lot less in storage – which is an added benefit!
They all turned out so beautiful and you seem to have an extra talent we didn’t know about. The purple are my favorite and they are smaller which I like. It’s a nice change of pace for you I’m sure.
Then you’ll enjoy the post coming shortly. The purple one is nearly done, just the fastening to sort out – it’ll be important because this one’s quite heavy!
The turquoise and coral look fabulous, Kate. It’s such a good idea to be able to make things that are exactly as you want them to be.
Yes, exactly! I often see things I love but they’re just ridiculously expensive. I also see things which are kinda, sorta, OK, but not *right*… the solution is just to make it, don’t you think?
I love the turquoise/coral combo. It reminds me of the jewellery from the Southwest (Hopi/Zuni etc) which I so love.
Yes! Or North Indian silver and turquoise jewellery.
These turned out beautifully. Love the combination of turquoise and coral (gee, what does that remind me of? 😉).
Gosh, I can’t imagine! I agree, it’s a beautiful combo and one of my favourites.
They look fabulous. I find stringing really quite stressful, getting the length and flex just right is always a challenge for me. Hitting and heating is much more comfortable!
I’ve discovered the benefits of teeny tiny seed beads between the larger ones to give flex. You don’t see them much of the time. As for length, my high tech tool for that is a piece of string…. Yup, oldest of the old school…
both are very good methods. the string / yarn is one of my faves, along with an old cereal packet for bangle sizing and envelopes for ring sizing 😉 Tape them, check they can slide on and off comfortably without falling off and then post them to the jeweller 🙂
Great tips, thanks!