Crafty! Multi-Strand Jewlery

How-To-Craft: Multi-Strand Jewelry

Hand-made jewelry adds an element of individuality to a wardrobe and makes excellent gifts. The process of making jewelry, however, can be daunting to those who aren’t familiar with the process or supplies. This how-to provides easy-to-follow instructions that allow creative freedom to make bracelets and necklaces that fit your style and budget.

You will need:

• Beading wire. I like SoftFlex brand wire as it comes in different strengths and thicknesses. It can be expensive but it is much better than thread, which can break. The length you need will depend on how many strands are in your jewelry and how long you make the strands. I recommend 3-4 strands (otherwise it can get pretty bulky if you’re using medium or large sized beads). The length of each strand will depend on personal preference; if you’re not sure how long you want it, measure another piece of jewelry that fits comfortably.
• Crimp beads (4). These are for attaching the strands to the clasps.
• Clasp. There are many styles of clasps; some are easier to manage than others so just find one you like.
• Beads. Get creative. Some ideas include different sized and shaped beads that are the same color or beads that are different but complementary colors. A word of warning: beads can be expensive. It is usually cheaper and more economic to buy “filler beads” (small beads used to take up space between larger decorative beads) in large packages. You can then spend more money on the big “pretty” beads that will be focal points of your jewelry.
• Flat-tip needle-nosed pliers. Use these to seal the crimp beads.

** Any of these items can be purchased at specialty bead stores or craft stores like Ben Franklin.

1. Decide how many strands you want in your piece of jewelry, then measure the strands in the appropriate length (see above for tips on determining and measuring length). Make sure to cut each wire about 2” longer than the length of the piece of jewelry so you can attach the clasps.

2. String one end of each strand through two crimp beads, then through the end of one side of the clasp. Bend the strands and string them back through the crimp beads in the opposite direction, so you end up with the clasp on a loop.

3. Pinch the crimp beads tightly so the strands are held in place and don’t slide around.

4. Now start stringing the beads. Some ideas for organization of the beads are to have each strand a different size or shape of the same color beads, string each strand with different colors, or mix and match different styles of beads on the same strands. Play around with organization and don’t be afraid to redo the strands if you aren’t happy with the way they are turning out. ** Be careful as you string each strand so you don’t lose the beads on other strands!

5. Be sure to leave an inch or so on the end to attach the clasp. Once each strand is filled, string the remaining crimp beads and the other end of the clasp and finish the end as outlined in Steps 2 and 3.

6. You’re finished! You can now wear your jewelry proudly. The strands look good either twisted or flat. If you want to twist it, simply unclasp and twist the piece of jewelry by the ends before clasping it.

Crafty! Wall Hangings

These wall hangings are pretty quick and simple to make and require affordable, easy-to-acquire materials that many people may have on hand. I can usually finish one within an hour or so (depending on the complexity of the decorations on the fabric) but they can easily be completed in steps whenever you have some spare time. The finished product is delightful (and cheap!) and can add a lot to a room by brightening it with color, creating a focal point, or just taking up bare wall space.

You will need:

• 1 piece of scrap plywood: a 2’ square or rectangle is a good size, but you can make it whatever size you want. You can get scrap plywood for cheap or free at most hardware stores – just ask the people in Lumber. It doesn’t have to be pretty as it will be covered.

• Quilt batting that is 1” larger than your plywood on each side Fabric that is 3” larger than your plywood on each side
  
• Anything you want to decorate the fabric with.
• Some ideas include: Acrylic paint, buttons, beads, shells, ribbon, scraps of fabric… Newspaper (if painting)
• Staple gun
• Length of thin wire that is about 6 inches wider than your plywood
• Hammer and nail to hang

1. Cut batting and fabric to appropriate sizes (see above).
2. Decorate the fabric. You can paint a design, sew on beads/buttons/shells, or just use fabric with a design you like. If painting, make sure to put down newspaper and let the paint dry before the next step.
3. Lay fabric face-down on a hard surface. Center batting and plywood on the fabric.
4. Pull the fabric evenly taut and staple it about 1” in from the edge on the back of the board. I recommend beginning by stapling opposite corners like this:

1 3

4 2

Then staple along each side, making sure to keep it evenly tight.
5. Staple each end of the wire in each side of the board, about 2” from the edge and 1/3 the way down, leaving the wire slack in the middle so it bends around what you plan to hang it on. Leave about 2 inches of wire at the end of each side, then twist them tightly so it doesn’t slide out of the staple.
6. And you’re finished! Just hang it on the wall and enjoy your artistic masterpiece!

Other ideas:

• Sew several swatches of fabric together in a patchwork design. Make multiple (odd numbers are best) matching or complementary pieces to decorate the room. Use different sizes and shapes of plywood and colors or textures of fabric to make each piece distinct.
  
• Sew pockets into the fabric before stapling it to the board and hang one by the door for keys, notes, dried flowers, etc…
  
• Be creative! There is no end to the possibilities once you get started.