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Cost: $ $ $ $ $

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Time: 3h00

Braided bead necklace
You will need...
1. Beads - the amount will depend on how long you want the necklace to be. I cut up an old beaded necklace that I no longer liked, but you can get beads from craft and large fabric stores.
2. Chain - length is up to you. You can either buy a chain from jewellery making/craft stores, or use any old chain of yours you no longer like.
3. Bead Thread - I used medium weight bead thread but you can use any heavy thread.
4. Pliers or tweezers - pliers are best, but since I'm new to this DIY jewellery making business I didn't want to invest in one yet in case this becomes another discarded hobby, so I used tweezers instead.
5. Bead tips - I bought the bead tips from Lincraft for around $3 for 20. You can get them in silver or gold, but it won't matter much as they're generally hidden under the clasp anyway so buy whichever is cheaper!
6. Clasps or lobster locks - I used the existing lobster lock from the beaded necklace I cut up, but you can get them for a couple of dollars from Lincraft or other craft stores.
7. Scissors
8. Needle - thin enough to go through the bead holes

Posted by Lilit S. • Published 12th November 2013 • See Lilit S.'s 7 projects »

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Step 1
Cut 9 pieces of bead thread to the length of your choice. I cut mine 40cm each and beaded up to 30cm.
Step 2
Take 3 strands of beads and thread the ends through one bead tip, using a double knot to secure it in place. Cut off any excess threads and using your tweezers/pliers clamp the clam shells over the knot.
Step 3
Repeat with all your 9 pieces of threads until you end up with 3x3 strings of beads.
Step 4
Using your tweezers/pliers secure the hook end of the bead tips through the underside of your clasp/lobster lock. There is a ring under the lobster lock, so you're hooking the bead tips through those. You should end up with 3 x 3 strands hanging through one clasp. Do this for one end of the necklace only... you need the other end free so you can braid.
Step 5
Braid your 3 strands and secure the other end through the other piece of the clasp/lock. While braiding you might want to tape down one end to the edge of a table so it doesn't move and makes it easier to braid.
Step 6
Cut your chain to the length that you want and attach one end to the ring side of the clasp/lock. Leave the other end free, so you can hook it through the lobster lock to wear it.
Step 7
Voila!!!