15.11.11

DIY Woven Bead Necklace

After a little inspiration from Diva (seen in this post), I decided to try out something similar with a whole lot of beads I bought (initially reserved for S and my craft day, but I couldn't wait that long... We'll have to make a larger more epic version!).


Not too shabby, ey?
Here's another (easy) DIY for you to try - complete with a short video this time!!

DIY Woven Bead Necklace


Step 1: 
Rustle up your bits and pieces.  I used a full hank of Czech opaque seed beads (really cheap from here if you're a Perth person!), a couple of those hooky things (can't remember the name...), a clasp, some crimps, and some nibs from old pens of all things!  (finally, my hoarding of crap pays off for something).  I re-inforced the strands of beads with stronger nylon string with the help of Simon.



Step 2:
Time to weave!

Separate your hank into 4 equal parts, then lay them out flat, taping them to the table.
Taking the outermost chunk, weave it through the 3 remaining bead strands like in the first picture.
Then, take the outermost strand from the opposite side from where you started (not counting the one you just wove through), and do the same thing - weaving it through the remaining strands.
Rinse and repeat.


It should look something like this if you use 4 strands!

Step 3:
Once you've finished the weave, it's time to secure the ends.  I bunched the ends together then took a thin piece of nylon string and tightly tied it around the end.  Then I cut the end of the remaining bead strands to get rid of the extra length.  Secure each strand with a crimp to stop the little beads from falling off and rolling all over the floor.



Step 4:
Attach one of those hooky things, then thread the pen nib on to hide the ugly knot!  Curl then end of the hooky thing into a circle, and attach your clasp to this.



Et voila!
Not bad, right?


Style it with a button-up shirt, with the necklace just peeking out from below :)

xx T
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73 comments:

  1. The use of the pen nib is pure genius!! Really well done!
    - Erin @ Thanks, I Made It

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  2. that is so cool! Such a clever idea. I might try it for a christmas gift - handmade, but still it looks super professional. Well done! x x tess

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  3. This looks seriously professional! Forget med, what about a career in DIY? Hahaha

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  4. *gasp* Neat work, looks like its straight from the store but better! Trying it out after finals, thanks for sharing xx

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  5. so amazing T - LOVE!

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  6. this collar is AMAZING!
    Guenda http://guendastoptoptips.blogspot.com/

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  7. OK, amazing! Your use of the pen nibs is seriously awesome. I'm inspired to dig through my stash and see what I can repurpose! Great work.

    acleanercloset.blogspot.com

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  8. Great necklace - love it!
    It's an interesting coincidence to discover your blog on the same day I made a DIY post LOL

    xx

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  9. WOW! you girls are getting realllllyyyy good at this diy thing. Im envious!!! xxx

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  10. wtf you made that?! it's so chic! well done.

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  11. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  12. You guys think of the most awesome things. Love your blog and ideas. Super keen to try this out and the glitter heel shoe boots! A-mazing! xx

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  13. this is perfect!!!!! i wish i had the patience to do sth like that!

    www.lateybirdy.com

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  14. Wow that is so clever! It looks gorgeous! x

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  15. Awesome design! I love your use of nibs as cones.

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  16. Oooh this is really inspiring. I have so many of those bead clusters but never thought of just weaving the strands. and the pen nibs thing?? you guys are geniuses.

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  17. B-E-A-ooootiful! I love it. Pen tips?! Who'd have thought it?!

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  18. Wow the final product is so amazing!

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  19. I'll never look at pen nibs the same way again - great recycling tip!

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  20. Quite easy to make and elegant... love it! And it's a perfect birthday gift for my aunt... so thanks a lot!
    Ellie

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  21. Love this necklace. Simple and classy, one I can pair with my basics.

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  22. I love this necklace so much!!! How long are the strands (minimum) before the weaving? I guess weaving "cuts" the length of the strands

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  23. Hello! I like the idea, specially the unused nib of the pen :) Can I share this in my blog? If permitted. Thanks
    Diybeadingclub.com
    Diylessons.org
    Handmade-Jewelry-Club.com

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    Replies
    1. Of course! Drop us a line when you've posted it! :)

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  24. darn! I can't pin this on pinterest! Too bad for you, it would probably bring you even more readers.

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    Replies
    1. You can actually pin it by saving it & pinning it that way!
      Or if that fails, check out our Pinterest (link on the right sidebar) because we have it ready there for pinning :)

      Thanks for commenting.
      Steph x

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  25. Hello !
    How long is the nylon string ?
    I wanna make this for sure, this looks great !
    Thanks !
    Sophie

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    Replies
    1. Hi Sophie!

      It's as long as you want to make the necklace essentially! My row of beads ended up much longer than I wanted, so I just tied it and cut it when I felt it was enough. If i'm plaiting something, I usually go by 1.5x the end length anyway.

      x T

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  26. belissima complimenti
    http://ilmondodisara.over-blog.it/

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  27. love this! curious to try it out... what size seed beads did you use?

    thanks
    ariel

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  28. This is very elegant and striking...and such a JOY when you discover how easy it is to make! Thank you!

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  29. Hi Sabina!

    Thanks for your feedback :)
    With regards to an interview, feel free to use all the of the info above! If it's not enough, just zip us an email.

    x T

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  30. How long are your strands? I am having a hard time choosing a length?

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    Replies
    1. I think the conversion for any plait/braid is 1.5x the desired length. And don't forget the length needed to finish the ends! :)

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  31. How did Simon reinforce the bead strands with nylon thread? If I can't figure out how to do this step, I may need to re-string the seed beads on stronger thread. I'm hoping I don't have to, though.

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  32. So sorry to ask....what is the length of the bead strands? I have a lot of loose seed beads so I would have to string them.

    Simon? Your design/idea is beautiful!

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  33. How long are the string of beads? I don't want to make it too short....or too long.
    Thank you so much for an awesome idea.

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    Replies
    1. Says above 1.5 x the length you want it to end up + enough for the ends.

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  34. So pretty, I'm going to try it. Thanks for sharing.

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  35. Its a wow design.tnks

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  36. What is the length of the finished necklace?
    Its so beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
    Peggy

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  37. Oops...apparently the question about length has already been answered. I guess I missed it!

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  38. Where is the video you mentioned at the beginning of the tutorial?

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    Replies
    1. Oh golly this post is so old - I think the link has disappeared after countless blog-reformatting issues & the video is long gone! My apologies! (It's not a very exciting video anyway, just plaiting some strands of beads - nothing mind-blowing.)

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  39. Beautiful!! I am knew to beading and hope to make this for Christmas.

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  40. One word! BEAUTIFUL... I just loved the colors of the ornaments used in the jewelries. I wish to sell good quality of fashion jewelries in my Online Fashion Jewelry Shopping store at very reasonable price.

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  41. Why am I not allowed to print the instructions? Am I supposed to sit in front of my computer to make this? HogWash!!! I won't be back.

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  42. Simply breath taking, is gorgeous simple and elegant,love it.
    GREAT JOB!!!!!!

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  43. i am impressed and would like to create it in Koori colours. Can you tell me how long each strand is?

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  44. approximate length for a bracelet please.

    thank you.

    melanie

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  45. Could you revise this with a pic of "the Hooky thing" please? I am interested in knowing what it was you used.

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  46. Once you've finished the weave, it's time to secure the ends. I bunched the ends together then took a thin piece of nylon string and tightly tied it around the end. Then I cut the end of the remaining bead strands to get rid of the extra length. Secure each strand with a crimp to stop the little beads from falling off and rolling all over the floor. silk dupatta lawn suits 2021 , two piece suit for ladies in pakistan

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