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DIY Beaded Necklace Tutorial: Creating a Stunning Strand for Silver Pendants
I love necklaces, but I don’t always need my pendants to sit on a matching chain, sometimes I love the look of metal pendants on a beaded necklace strand. If you love this look too, here’s a fun tutorial that shows you how to make your own so that you can wear your favourite pendants on bead embellished necklaces! Please note that this tutorial contains affiliate links.
You’ll need the following tools and materials to make your beaded necklace strand for your pendant:
1: Some tiger tail wire. I used some thin tiger tail wire. Cut it to length by measuring out the length you would like your necklace to be, and add around additional 15 centimetres.
You can get wire here:
2: Pliers. I used my cutting pliers and flat nose pliers. I kept my round nose pliers on hand in case I needed them.
You can get plier sets here:
3: Some beads. I used these small round garnet beads. (Choose smaller beads to ensure that your pendant will slide over them easily).
You can get round gemstone beads here:
4: A pendant. I used this silver gemstone pendant. Make sure it has a bail (the loop at the top) that is large enough to fit over the beads you choose. I purchased this one at a local flea market, which can be a place to buy interesting jewellery.
You can get silver and gemstone pendants here:
5: Two sterling silver crimp beads.
You can get sterling silver crimp beads here:
6: A sterling silver clasp and additional jump ring.
You can get silver clasps and jump rings here:
Here are the steps to follow to make your beaded necklace strand to wear your pendant on:
1: Add the crimp bead and clasp to the end of the tiger tail wire.
2: Loop the end of the wire around the jump ring on the clasp twice so that it is secure, then thread it through the crimp bead.
3: Squash the crimp bead using the flat nose pliers.
4: Begin adding beads, continue beading until you have a length you like.
5: Add the second crimp bead to the necklace (excuse my bent wire, it got a little tangled, if this happens to you, continue adding beads and it will smooth out, or try to avoid having kinks in the working section of your necklace).
6: Add the second jump ring to the end of the wire.
7: Loop the wire around the jump ring twice like you did in step two.
8: Thread the wire back through the crimp and the first few beads on the wire. Make sure to pull it tight, extra pliers can be useful for getting a tight fit.
9: Squash the crimp using the flat nose pliers again.
10: Trim the excess wire using the cutting pliers.
11: Now you can add your pendant!
12: Once your pendant has been added, your necklace is complete!
Here’s another one I made using a black cabochon pendant on a necklace made with faceted gemstone beads. So pretty! There are so many options using this technique! What combination will you make?
Here are some other pendant necklace tutorials to follow:
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Tips to elevate your handmade pieces!
I love jewelry, I love looking at it, I love making it, and I love wearing it. But there are some parts of jewelry that I don’t love. I can’t stand it when a piece is uncomfortable and scratchy to wear, and I also can’t stand poorly constructed jewelry that looks like it will fall apart after two wears, so I thought it would be fun to share with you some things to look out for so that you always make strong, comfortable jewels that you will enjoy for years to come.
Here are my tips for making long-lasting, professional looking and comfortable jewelry:
1: Make sure you tuck away the ends of the tiger-tail wire. I usually achieve this by running the wire through a few of the beads at each end of my beaded designs so that it doesn’t poke out. You can also use a crimp cover which covers any sharp ends of the wire. You can see some examples below.
Look at the ends of this beaded strand, the ends of the wire are hidden under the beads. Follow the tutorial for this necklace here. 
The crimp cover on this earring charm protects you from being scratched by the wire. Tutorial for these earrings here. 2: Avoid using elastic in your designs. Elastic might be easy to put on and take off (and in some cases, is the only appropriate option in terms of accessibility). Unfortunately, this accessibility comes with a trade off, elastic tends to wear out quickly, and you can find your beautiful bracelet scattered all over the floor at the most inopportune moment. I suggest making your beaded jewels with nylon beading thread or tiger-tail wire for a longer life span. I’ve got a post about the pros and cons of different beading materials here.
Here’s a bracelet I found a while ago that was made from elastic. Unfortunately it had broken and been lost to its original owner! 
I’m yet to experience any of my tiger-tail beaded pieces breaking on me, I suggest choosing it if you are looking for durability in your designs. Full tutorial here. 3: Pull your wire tight at each end of your beaded pieces. I’ve noticed with the trend towards beaded jewelry in recent years, beaded tiger-tail necklaces are being sold with large loops at each end. This loose loop can catch on things and lead to breakages. I also personally think it looks sloppy and makes your work seem less polished.
I think this anklet with tightly finished ends looks a lot neater than a loosely looped wire. You can follow the steps to make your own anklet here. 
Don’t leave big loops like this on your jewelry pieces, they can catch on things and don’t look as polished. 4: Try to use precious metals! I spent a long time making jewelry using findings made from base metals. While these materials are cheaper and great for when you’re starting out, I think investing in fine metals such as sterling silver, is a great way to elevate your designs and make them seem more polished and professional.
A sterling silver clasp elevates this beaded bracelet. You can see the tutorial for this bracelet here. 
Sterling silver wire goes a long way! Some silver wire can be transformed into many sleek, minimalist jewellery designs with minimal effort. Tutorial to make these here. Here are some sterling silver materials you can buy and use in your designs:
5: I don’t always follow my own advice, but when you are making beaded pieces with pearls, it can pay to spend some extra time knotting your beading thread between each pearl. This technique not only protects the pearls, it also stops you from losing them all in the case of a breakage! I have’t made a pearl knotting tutorial yet, but I think there will be one on the way soon so keep an eye out.
This pearl bracelet features individually knotted pearls. So there you have it, a few tips and tricks to elevate your jewelry making to that next level! Please note that this post contains affiliate links.
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Here’s how to make a sweet daisy chain necklace using tiger tail wire!
Daisy chains are a classic beaded jewellery technique, and they look amazing! Here’s how to make one using some tiger tail wire and a selection of glass beads. Please note that this tutorial contains affiliate links.
You’ll need these tools and materials to make this daisy chain necklace:
1: A length of tiger tail wire, you’ll need quite a lot as the daisy chain technique uses some extra wire. I cut mine about 4x the length I wanted for my necklace, approximately 1.5m long. I suggest using your best guess rather than taking an exact measurement.
2: Some beads. I used a variety of glass beads including recycled orange e-beads, some gold tone beads and some blue seed beads.
Blue seed beads: https://amzn.to/3S8agp8
3: Four crimp beads.
4: A clasp and jump ring. I used a gold-filled parrot clasp.
5: Pliers. I used cutting pliers, round nose pliers and cutting pliers to finish my necklace.
Follow these steps to make your beaded daisy chain necklace:
1: Add two crimp beads and the clasp to the end of the wire.
2: Fold the wire around the clasp and back through the crimps.
3: Squash the crimp beads to secure the clasp to the end of the wire.
4: Begin adding beads. I made mine a pattern of blue beads and orange flowers so started by adding 15 blue seed beads.
5: Add six beads for your first flower.
6: Take the end of the wire and thread it through the first flower bead to form a circle shape.
7: Pull the wire tight and add another bead to make the centre of the flower, I used my gold e-bead.
8: Put the bead in the middle of the circle and then thread the end of the wire though a flower bead directly opposite the first one you threaded it through to make the flower. This will keep the middle bead in place at the centre of the flower.
9: Repeat steps 4 to 8 to create a pattern of beads and flowers until you have a length you like and that is comfortable for a necklace.
10: Once you have reached your desired length, add the remaining crimp beads to the wire.
11: Add the jump ring to the end of the wire as well.
12: Loop the wire around the jump ring and back through the crimps and beads at the end, then pull the wire tight.
13: Squash the crimps using the flat nose pliers.
14: Trim the excess wire using your cutting pliers.
Now your necklace is finished and ready to wear! Whats colours will you make yours in?
If you love making flowers out of beads, here are some more floral tutorials for you.
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Here’s how to take apart your beaded jewellery so you can reuse the materials.
Do you have a beaded necklace or bracelet that you don’t like anymore? Here’s a video tutorial that shows you how to take that piece apart so that you can re-use the beads, the wire and most of the findings! Knowing how to take apart jewelry you don’t want anymore is a way to both save money and be a bit more eco friendly! Please note that this tutorial contains affiliate links.
You’ll need the following tools and materials to take apart your jewels:
1: A piece of jewellery you don’t want anymore. I took apart a beaded anklet.
2: A pair of cutting pliers.
3: A bowl to put your beads in so they don’t fly everywhere.
4: A pair of flat nose or round nose pliers for opening jump rings.
Watch this video to see all the steps:
Will you take apart your old creations, or maybe some vintage jewels you found at a market or online?
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Here’s how you can make a fun mixed bead bracelet to show off your personality!
I love the trend towards the craft-core bead explosion designs in jewellery! I’ve shared a few other similar tutorials in the form of mixed bead anklets and necklaces, but this one is a bracelet! This bracelet features a mixture of handmade, recycled and new beads for a unique look! What beads will you use in yours? Please note that this tutorial contains affiliate links.
You’ll need these tools and materials to make your own mixed bead bracelet:
1: Some tiger tail wire cut to a length that will fit your wrist plus a few extra cm.
2: A selection of beads. I used a mix of plastic, clay and glass beads from different sources, recycled, new and handmade.
3: A clasp. I used this gold-tone parrot claw clasp.
4: A jump ring.
5: Four crimp beads.
6: Pliers. I used cutting pliers to cut the wire, flat nose pliers and round nose pliers.
Cutting pliers, round nose pliers, flat nose pliers. Follow these steps to make your crazy mixed bead bracelet:
1: Take the tiger tail wire and add two of the crimp beads.
3: Add the clasp to the wire and loop the end of the wire back through the crimp beads.
4: Squash the crimp beads using the flat nose pliers.
5: Begin adding beads to the wire in random order.
6: Continue adding beads until you get it to the length that feels comfortable around your wrist.
7: Add the second set of crimp beads to the wire.
8: Add the jump ring to the wire.
9: Loop the wire around the jump ring and back through the crimp beads and the first few beads at the end of the bracelet.
10: Pull the wire tight.
11: Squash the crimp beads using the flat nose pliers.
12: Trim the excess wire using the cutting pliers.
13: Now your bracelet is finished and ready to wear!
Here are some other mixed bead, craft-core tutorials for you to follow:
- A crazy mixed bead necklace
- A mixed bead necklace with letter beads
- This special mixed bead shoe chain that can also be worn as an anklet
- A simple mixed bead anklet
If you love the clay bead featured on this bracelet, here’s a tutorial that you can follow to make your own.
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Love the nostalgic craft-core style? If that sounds like you, here’s the perfect tutorial for you to follow.
The craft-core trend that sees beads combined in crazy combinations for a playful, handmade vibe. I super love this trend because its easy to recreate at home! Why fork out a few hundred dollars for something you can put together at home in about an hour for a fraction of the price?! Please note that this tutorial contains affiliate links.
You’ll need these tools and materials to make your fun mixed bead necklace that features a letter bead message:
1: A bunch of mixed beads. I used the beads I made in this tutorial in the selection.
2: A selection of letter beads that spell out your chosen word. I chose to spell ‘TIRED’.
3: Some tiger-tail wire, long enough to fit comfortably around your neck, plus about 5cm extra.
4: Four crimp beads.
5: A lobster clasp and jump ring for each end.
6: Pliers. I used my cutting pliers, round nose pliers and flat nose pliers.
Follow these steps to make your own crazy letter bead necklace:
1: Add two crimp beads to one end of the tiger-tail wire.
2: Add the jump ring and loop the wire around it and back through the crimp beads.
3: Squash the crimp beads using the flat nose pliers.
4: Add beads in your choice of pattern. I added mine pretty randomly. I continued beading until I reached close to the middle. I check for the length I like by holding the beaded section against my neck, with the clasp wrapped around, mimicking how I would wear it. (Remember to tuck the end of the wire into the beads at the end, I hadn’t done that yet in this picture).
5: Now it’s time to add your letters. I added the word ‘TIRED’ and a love heart letter bead.
6: Continue adding beads to the other side of the necklace until you have it at an even length to the other side.
7: Add two more crimps to the end of the wire.
8: Add the clasp to the end of the wire.
9: Loop the wire around the clasp end and back through the crimps and the end beads.
10: Squash the crimp beads using the flat nose pliers.
11: Trim the wire using the cutting pliers.
Now your beaded necklace is finished and ready to wear! How fun to make your own twist on the craft-core beading trend.
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Choosing bead stringing materials for your project…
Some people have strong preferences for the bead stringing materials they prefer to use when making their jewelry. I recommend playing around with different materials to find what you like using, but I thought I would share my thoughts on my preferred bead stringing threads. Please note that this blog post contains affiliate links.
I was inspired to write this post after finding this broken bracelet…
This bracelet was made from elastic thread tied to a jump ring at each end. When I found it, the elastic had broken or come undone at one end and there were beads spread all over the ground. I picked a few up to see if I could reuse them.
1: Beading elastic
Here’s where I introduce the first stringing material that I’ll be discussing here, clear beading elastic. There are a few pros and cons to using elastic, one pro is that it is easy to secure the ends closed and that elastic beaded bracelets are easy to put on, they stretch over your hand so you don’t have to fiddle with any clasps. A downside (a big one in my opinion) is that elastic isn’t very hardwearing or sturdy. Elastic stretches out and loses its elasticity over time, it can also snap or untie easily, so you end up with the situation pictured above.
If you want to try out beading on elastic, you can follow our tutorial for making a beaded elastic bracelet here. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, I’ve got some more bead stringing information for you below…
2: Tiger Tail wire
Another material that I often use for stringing beads is tiger tail wire. Tiger tail is a metal wire coated with nylon. It is flexible and can be bent into shapes. I find tiger tail wire a much stronger and sturdy material for beading compared to elastic. There are also a couple of cons to using tiger tail, you need a few more materials and tools to use it, and if you crease it, it is hard to get it back to its previous shape.
I have LOTS of tiger tail tutorials, so here’s one of my favorites that you can try out.
3: Nylon thread
A third bead stringing option is using nylon beading thread. This method is probably the most traditional and is useful when you are using delicate bead materials like pearls. Thread allows you to create knots between beads so that they don’t rub together on each other, knotting also means that if your piece does break, the beads won’t fall off and fly everywhere!
The downside of bead stringing onto nylon thread is that it can be a bit fiddly to work with and you need to use a needle to add beads to the string. Here’s a tutorial that shows you how to create a simple beaded necklace using nylon string.
Which bead stringing material do you like best?
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Here’s how you can make a y2k inspired anklet with a mix of random beads!
These craft-core y2k inspired designs are so popular right now. A mix of beads including glass, polymer clay, semi-precious gemstones and pearls come together to create a chaotic but stylish look! This is perfect for using those random beads in your stash that you aren’t sure how to use! Please note that this tutorial contains affiliate links.
You’ll need these tools and materials to make this cute y2k nostalgia anklet:
1: Some tiger tail wire, cut it about 5cm longer than the length you need to fit loosely around your wrist.
2: Pliers. I used my round nose pliers (middle), flat nose pliers (right) and cutting pliers (left).
3: A selection of beads. I used some glass beads, some polymer clay beads, plastic beads, pearls, gemstone chip beads and timber beads.
4: A charm. I used this gold strawberry charm.
5: Four crimp beads.
6: Two small jump rings.
7: One larger jump ring.
8: A lobster clasp.
Follow these steps to make your y2k inspired anklet:
1: Add two of the crimp beads to the piece of tiger tail wire.
2: Add a jump ring.
3: Fold the end of the wire around the jump ring and through the crimps.
4: Squash the crimps using the flat nose pliers.
5: Add beads until you have the length you like to fit around your ankle.
6: Add the second set of crimp beads to the wire.
7: Add the second small jump ring.
8: Loop the wire around the jump ring and back through the crimps and the end bead. Pull the wire tight.
9: Squash the crimp beads using the flat nose pliers again.
10: Trim the excess wire.
11: Add the lobster clasp to one end of the anklet. Attach it by opening the jump ring and sliding the clasp on.
12: Close the jump ring.
13: Attach the charm to the bracelet using the larger jump ring.
Now your y2k inspired anklet is finished and ready to wear! How cute?!
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How to make a rainbow beaded pearl necklace
I’ve seen a lot of pearl and glass bead jewelry online lately so I thought it would be a good time to share a rainbow pearl necklace tutorial so you can DIY these expensive jewels at home. Contains affiliate links.
You will need the following tools and materials to make your rainbow pearl necklace:
1: Pliers. You’ll need your cutting pliers, round nose pliers and flat nose pliers.
2: Tiger tail wire.
3: Four crimp beads.
4: Two jump rings.
5: A lobster clasp.
6: Multicolored glass beads. I used these mixed glass beads.
7: A pearl bead. I used this white pearl bead.
Follow these steps to make your rainbow pearl necklace:
1: Add two of the crimp beads to the tiger tail wire.
2: Add a jump ring to the wire.
3: Fold the end of the wire around the jump ring and through the crimp beads.
4: Squash the jump rings using the flat nose pliers.
5: Start adding the glass beads to the wire.
6: Add beads to half of the length you want your necklace and add the pearl. beads.
7: Add the glass beads to the rest of the wire so that the pearl sits in the middle.
8: Add the remaining crimp beads and the other jump ring to the wire.
9: Fold the end of the wire around the jump ring and through the crimp beads and the last few glass beads.
10: Pull the wire tight.
11: Squash the jump rings using the flat nose pliers.
12: Trim the excess wire using the cutting pliers.
13: Attach the lobster clasp to one side of the necklace onto one of the jump rings.
Now your rainbow pearl necklace is finished! How satisfying to get the look for less by making it yourself?
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How to make a mixed media double strand necklace. Chains and beads for the win!
This necklace is another version of the double strand necklace. One strand is made using glass seed beads, the other with chain and gemstone beads!
You will need the following tools and materials to make your necklace:
1: Pliers. You will need your round nose pliers, flat nose pliers and cutting pliers to make your necklace.
2: A piece of tiger tail wire. Cut yours to your desired length, I made mine shorter than the chain component.
3: Glass seed beads. I used a mix of multi-colored beads.
4: Two pieces of chain.
5: An eye pin.
AliExpress.com Product – Free Shipping! 300PCs Silver Plated Eye Pins 50×0.7mm(21 gauge) (B01727)7: A large feature bead. I used this gemstone slice bead.
8: Two medium sized jump rings.
9: A lobster clasp.
10: Four crimp beads.
Follow these steps to make your double strand necklace:
1: Put the gemstone bead onto the eye pin.
2: Bend the pin to form a right angle with the bead.
3: Create a loop using the round nose pliers to secure the bead onto the pin.
4: Add a piece of chain to each side of the eye pin.
5: Set the chain piece aside.
6: Add two crimp beads and a jump ring to the end of the tiger tail wire.
7: Loop the end of the wire around the jump ring and pull it through the crimp beads.
8: Squash the crimp beads using the flat nose pliers.
9: Start adding the beads to the wire. I added my beads in a random order but you can create any pattern you choose.
10: Continue adding beads until your necklace has reached your desired length.
11: Add the other two crimp beads and the remaining jump ring to the wire.
12: Loop the end of the wire around the jump ring and back through the crimp beads, pull the wire tight.
13: Squash the crimps.
14: Trim the excess wire.
Your beaded strand is now finished!
15: Open one of the jump rings and attach one side of the chain. Add the clasp to the open jump ring and then close it to secure the components together.
16: Add the other side of the chain component to the other side of the beaded strand. Once the other side is attached the necklace is finished and ready to wear.
Pretty cool huh?!
