TIPS and TRICKS for NEWBIES – a multi-strand gradient necklace - part 2

A MULTI-STRAND GRADIENT NECKLACE - INSTRUCTIONS

Supplies for a necklace with three strands:

• beads: calculate the quantity as indicated above
• a toggle clasp
• 2 jump rings
• 2 three multi-strand connectors or end bars
• 6 crimp tubes or beads
• 3 lengths of 60 cm beading wire

Tools:

• a beading board with tunnels for multiple strands or a soft towel in a neutral color
• note: generally the tunnels of a beading board have a difference in distance of 3,1 cm
• pliers: two chain-nose pliers or a bent chain-nose and a chain-nose pliers, a crimping pliers and a flush cutter

Instructions:

• cut off three wires with your flush cutter
• arrange your medium sided beads on a beading board with tunnels for multiple strands or do the calculation given above for other sized beads
• ensure a symmetrical distribution of the beads over each strand
• check that the pattern shifts evenly over the three strands
• attach a beading wire to the divider with a crimp bead or tube
• thread the beading pattern and attach the other end with a crimp bead or tube to the second end bar
• note: the longest strand is to be attached to the lowest ring of the end bar, the shortest strand to the top hole
• repeat and attach the other two strands in the same way

• with two pliers, open a jump ring
• slide the eyelet of the claps en the ring on the other side of the end bar in the open jump ring and close the jump ring
• repeat on the other side.

Note: it is really helpful to know how to work with jump rings since it gives extra mobility to your strands, moreover it allows you not only to lower the multi-strands part, but also to attach charms, pendants, etc. Use in the latter case larger jump rings.

One step further:

• if you want to maintain clearly the distance between the strands you could incorporate a multi-row spacer or separator at shoulder height on both sides of the necklace.
• if you work with tiny beads you could combine the technique of overlapping and non-overlapping strands. In which case you make a few strands of the same length and attach them one next to the other on one ring of the end bar: in other words, you consider the overlapping together as a single strand ... then again a few similar strands, but all slightly longer than the previous ones ... so you do not overlap and you attach them to the next ring of the end bar, and so on.

Technique - Attaching a jump ring - http://dunebeads.com/en/tips-and-tricks-for-newbies-small-jump-rings-big-worries-the-technique

Enjoy your creation and .. buy your findings @ https://dunebeads.com/en/metal-jewelry-findings !

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