Beaded Chandelier Necklace

Beaded Chandelier Necklace<br /><br />The beaded chandelier necklace is one my favorite beading projects. I call it a chandelier because of the rounded arc at the bottom as it hangs. With just beads and craft wire you can make a chandelier necklace for yourself or as a gift.<br /><br />Supplies For Making A Chandelier NecklaceBeads: You can buy beads in many colors, shapes, and sizes at craft stores, fabric stores, and even at Wal Mart. You will need both large and small beads. I like to choose the large beads first, and then buy smaller fill beads to match. I suggest starting out with the case, and then replacing the findings as you need them. For the chandelier make sure your case includes head pins, eye pins, jump rings, and claspsThe Chandelier Necklace: Step by Step<br /><br />Create the drops that will hang from the bottom of the chandelier. String large beads onto a head pin. The head on the pin should keep the bead from sliding off, but sometimes the hole is larger than the head. A quick fix is to add a seed bead that has a smaller hole, but is large enough that it doesnt slide into the larger bead hole. Bend the pin at the top of the bead to a ninety degree angle, and with your round nose pliers turn the wire in the opposite direction to form a loop. Nip the wire and close the loop with the pliers. long. As this is for the rounded arc do not worry about straightening out the wire. Form a loop with your round nose pliers on one end. Make a loop by gripping the end of the wire and wrapping it around the pliers. Straighten at the base of the loop so that it is on the top of the wire rather than next to it. long. Because the 24 gauge is thinner, you cannot just close the loop as you had before. You will need to form a wire wrapped loop. With your round nose pliers, form a loop about an inch from the end, crossing the long end over the short. Next you need to stabilize the loop by gripping it with your flat nose pliers at the base of the loop. Then, wrap the short end around the long, turning it 2 or 3 times. I find that it is better to wrap the short end with pliers to ensure a neat and tight spiral. Repeat with the second 24 gauge length you cut. Dont worry too much about the length being perfect. With an eye pin, string a large bead and then close with another loop. Look good, save money, and be creative!