oops. Life kind of got in the way of keeping my blog updated!
Currently I’m working on our Summer Bedroom still, with hopes of moving in within the next few weeks. I’ve accepted the wall color, and have forged ahead, busily working on a multitude of projects at once:
- DIYing roman shades
- DIYing a headboard
- bleaching and stenciling (?!? maybe?!?) a white IKEA rug
I just can’t sit still. Plus, a relief to my frustration with one project is to start another.
However, I did successfully make some pretty cool necklaces the other day, my first finished project taken from something I pinned on Pintrest:
I also made one with royal blue beads, and used so few beads that I am now tempted to go back and buy the more expensive “precision cut” seed beads that come in WAY cooler colors, like turquoise from the tutorial:
PinterestAfter I made my necklaces and compared them to the inspiration picture, I went back and re-braided them more tightly so they sagged less and the definition of the braids were more apparent.
My comments about the project are these:
- I used half a of a jar of size 5/0 beads (the jar says 40 grams). The salesperson at Ben Franklin told me the “precision cut” beads come in 7 gram bottles. These smaller bottles came in a much wider variety of sizes. (Since I didn’t know how many beads I would need, I bought the cheap-o ones at $1.99. After the project I realized I could have bought about 3 of the smaller bottles (priced at $1.75 each) and it would have been a worthy investment for the prettier colors available. Next time!)
- The recommended 20-22 inches for the chain was too much in my opinion, and I ended up using about 12 inches total, and I still find it hangs a little low for my taste. Luckily I used a lobster clasp so I can adjust the necklace length as I want.
- Braid the strands tighter than you think you should – they sag a little once they aren’t being pulled taut. I went back and re-braided both of my necklaces.
I think that’s about it! It’s a great tutorial and is very easy to do. I’ve always wanted to do something with beads and chain and make a necklace or something, and this was definitely easy for a beginner. In fact, I feel a little inspired to make a bracelet, strictly a braid. Cute, huh??
