 |
|
|
3 - Strand Clasp
(see # 4 on the Jewelry Page)
With these I put the large square part on the left of the necklace and the little spring-like thing on the right side. When you use these, make sure the box-like thing (on the large square part) is on the up-side when you're putting the wire in it, so it will be on the outside when you wear it. Match the little spring-like thing so it will go into the box-like thing. Put the first wire in the top hole of the clasp, then put the second wire in the same hole, etc. If these instructions are too confusing - sorry! Just study the example on the jewelry page.
For necklaces with seven or more strings, you'll need to use 10 - Hole Bars. Ask the person at the bead store for them.
You should use the temporary method (see Two Ways to Keep Beads on Wire) to keep the beads on the wire when you're making this kind of necklace. Wait until all the strings are finished before you put them on the 10-hole bars. Make sure the strings are measured correctly in relation to each other. You DO NOT want to rebuild one of the strings once it is attached to the bar. I think it is easier to seal the wire to the bar instead of putting the wire loop in a single jump ring and then attaching the single jump ring to the bar. I've made both and like the former better.
Start with the first string of the necklace. Put two crimp beads on the wire and put the wire through the first hole in the bar. Loop the wire back (using RTJP) and put it through the crimp beads. Make sure the crimp beads are snug up against the bar when you flatten them, but not too tight.
When you crush them with the wire cutters or pliers, keep the beads away from it. You'll break the beads if you don't.
I suggest practicing this with a string of beads that says nothing. It is a delicate and time consuming procedure. Get your mistakes out of the way before you try to build a big necklace like this one.
Continue down the bar. Leave one hole open to fasten the clasp in. This should be the fourth or fifth hole, so more of the weight will be below this point. When you've finished one side, do the other side.
To make a clasp for this kind of necklace, I invented a simple one using the material you already have. Put two crimp beads on a piece of wire about three inches long and stick it through the empty hole you left in the bar. Loop it back using the RTJP, and sick the wire through the crimp beads. Crush the crimp beads. Put some colored beads (to match the necklace) on the wire. About an inch of colored beads should do. Now two more crimp beads. Loop the wire back through the crimp beads and crush them. Leave enough room in the loop for a DJR or SRC. Do the same thing on the other side. Put the SRC on the left side and the DJR on the right side. Viola!
|
