Necklaces make great birthday gift

Making things is something we enjoy doing together as a family and also individually. Recently, it was birthday time and the brainstorm was on for what to get for our soon to be 24 year old daughter. One idea we came up with while browsing through the stores was the bead necklaces that seem to be the “in” thing to wear.

There is a variety of styles and colors made with all types of beads. Many seemed to be random patterns using a lot of seed beads. They also used other beads of glass, plastic, metal, ceramic, polished rock chips and more. The greatest part seemed to be of seed beads, with the larger beads randomly placed along the necklaces. There were necklaces that you could wear up around your neck and ones that hang down, many in multiple layers.

The creative thoughts started flowing. There were beads sitting on a shelf at home that our daughter left when she moved out. There were a lot of seed beads in two sizes, plus bugle beads and a variety of larger beads of all shapes and sizes. That was enough to start planning our own customized necklaces.

Then there was old costume jewelry that came from grandmas and great-grandmas. Nothing of great value, but they were just kept because they remind us of “grandma.” Some were broken strands of beads, some with missing stones, but all were looking like they could be taken apart and reused with other beads to make new necklaces.

We also frequent the thrift stores and so made a trip to a few of them where we found more old necklaces that looked like the beads were just right for our project. After arriving home, we gathered the beads, new and old, and the planning began.

The next step was coordinating colors, picking out the different sizes and types of beads we thought would make a good combination and then the assembly begun. Nylon fishing line became the choice material to string the beads on. When the necklaces were at the desired length we tied a square knot and put a drop of super glue on it. After the glue was dry we cut the ends off.

We started with a set of three separate necklaces that could be worn together. The main colors were greens, black and silver with some orange. The next set of three necklaces that we made were shades of blue, with black and silver beads. Each strand measured from 30 to 32 inches in length.

Even after the birthday presents were made, more combinations of beads were begging to be put together. We did longer single strands that could be worn looped two or three times around the neck, depending on the length and look desired. These strands were between 60 to 64 inches in length.

The possibilities of designs are endless. This kind of project is easy enough for every one from children through adults to make. Everyone can create a custom work of art that can be worn and enjoyed for years to come. This is also a project that groups could do together as a fundraiser or for gifts to be given for a special occasion.

Pictured at center back is three separate strands that can be worn together. The other necklaces are one strand, some looped two and three times. Other beads and old necklaces are pictured that can be used in making other necklaces.