There’s an interesting story behind how this necklace got started.  I have mentioned that I teach jewelry making at my local Joann’s store. We were having a demo day where we show samples of our work and the teachers are available to talk to prospective students.

It was a two hour event and it seemed like a good idea to be working on something jewelry-like while sitting there, so I threw together a kit of a a few tools plus these pink shell beads, some crystals and some head pins.

When I came home from the event, I looked at my 12 hot pink & crystal bead dangles and said, “Huh.” So hence, the trip to the craft store that I mention in the video.

The rest of it came together pretty much the way I explain in the video: add some clear crystals to bring out the crystals in the nest, add mixed metals to compliment the nest, the bird, etc.

I think my favorite part of this necklace is the addition of the little pink Swarovskis to the nest. Dunno why, but they make me happy. 🙂

This is my usual design process, btw, I rarely have a specific thing in mind when I begin but just pick a starting point and go from there.

How about you? Do you work from sketches or some kind of plan? Or do you use a different type of process?

However you work, happy creating!

Enjoy the video! And if you make a project based on this tutorial, please feel free to share photos in the “Your Creations” folder at my Facebook page.

You can watch the Fuchsia Finery Statement Necklace Video Tutorial over at YouTube.

Materials:

This list is what I used, but I hope you’ll search your stash and your local stores and find items that perfectly suit YOU. 🙂

• 13 dyed pearl beads, 10mm- 16mm
• 4 6mm opal Swarovski crystal bicone beads
• 5 4mm clear Swarovski crystal bicone beads
• 13 head pins
• 1 bird’s nest & bird mixed media pendant
• 28 6mm faceted Czech clear crystal beads
• 28 6mm antique gold bead caps
• 14 6mm antique gold plated fluted beads
• 4 15mm copper gears
• 4 8mm oval jump rings
• 4 crimps
• 4 crimp covers
• 2 wire protectors
• bead stringing wire
• 2 12mm copper plated cage bead
• 2 7-inch lengths copper chain
• lobster clasp
• 4 jump rings
• 3 4mm pink Swarovski crystal bicone beads

Tools:

• chain nose pliers
• round nose pliers
• flush cutting pliers
• crimping pliers
• Bead Design Board
• super glue
• sticky bead pick up tool (like this one: Beadaholique Perfect Positioner)

See the video for complete directions.

Like my tutorials? Support me on Patreon for weekly peeks into my creative process and a bonus video every month!