Supplies

• Visit your local craft store for your beaded-necklace supplies; craft stores should have everything you will need. There are a variety of materials you can use as the base of the necklace, although flexible nylon-covered wires are the most popular. These thin, flexible wires will be your best choice if you are planning to string all your beads closely together. However, if you would like to have spaces between the beads, you may want to choose a more decorative string. For example, consider using a ribbon or thin decorative rope. Next, choose your beads based on your personal tastes. However, remember that the holes in the beads must be large enough to fit your selected string. You will also need the following supplies: a necklace clasp, two crimp beads and pliers.
  
  

Instructions

• Before you begin constructing your necklace, plan your design. Decide which length you want your necklace to be and cut your wire to this length, plus an extra five inches. On a flat surface, lay out both your wire and beads in your desired pattern. Make sure you are happy with your pattern before stringing the necklace. Begin by adding one side of your clasp and one crimp bead. Slide the wire through the crimp bead, through the clasp, and back through the crimp bead. Use a pair of pliers to flatten the crimp bead and trim the excess wire. Then, string your beads in the pattern you have selected. Once all your beads have been added, carefully hold the beaded necklace up to your neck and ensure you are happy with the length. If you are satisfied, finish the necklace. Thread the wire through the second crimp bead, the other half of the clasp, and back through the crimp bead. Use your pliers to flatten this crimp bead and trim the excess wire.
  
  

Patterns

• The pattern ideas for beaded necklaces are endless, and you should select a design that is suitable to your personal style. You may choose to use only small beads or large beads, or alternate between small and large beads. Consider using glass beads, ceramic beads, pearls, shells, wooden beads, crystal beads and metal beads. If you are using a more decorative string, such as a ribbon or thin rope, you may want to leave spaces between your beads. To do this, string a bead and add a small knot or two in the rope before you string the next bead.