Just like a rainbow, the possibilities of buttons are endless! With nothing more than a scattering of seed beads and gorgeous copper-colored components you too can create a colorful statement piece.
Step one:
For our necklace design we chose to use fifteen TOHO bead strands. You may choose to do less than but we do not recommend more than fifteen. Cut the Fireline into fifteen 27-inch strands. Cut the copper-plated twisted oval link chain into one 13-inch strand and set aside. Be sure to cut the chain so that one side ends with a smaller link.
Step two:
Separate the TOHO seed beads into five different color groups (i.e. keep the greens with the other greens and the reds with the other reds, etc.) Interject the metallic seed beads throughout each color grouping to break up patterns. We also added turquoise chip beads with our blue, green and purple color groups.
Step three:
Separate the Fireline strands into groups of five. Thread five strands of Fireline through a large-eye beading needle. Thread on one size 8/0 TOHO seed bead, leaving a 2-inch tail. Bring the needle back through the TOHO bead and finish by tying an overhand knot with the tail ends of the Fireline. Apply a dab of GS Hypo Cement to the knots and to the inside of a 4mm antique copper-plated clam shell bead tip. Insert the TOHO bead end into the bead tip. Gently close the bead tip using chain nose pliers. Make sure that all five strands of Fireline are exiting the hole of the bead tip. Read our Handy Tip on how to use a closed loop bead tip if you need more help. Repeat this step two more times.
Step four:
Attach each bead tip from step three to its own 6mm copper-plated 18 gauge open jump ring. Then, attach these jump rings to the bottom loops of the Patricia Healey copper 3-1 link. Attach a 6mm open jump ring to the top of the link. Watch our Handy Tip video on how to use jump rings if you need help.
Step five:
Attach one end of the chain to the Patricia Healey copper large round domed 5 petal flower button. Simply slide the last small oval link over the loop on the back of the button. Connect one 8mm antique copper-plated open jump ring to the loop on the back of the button.
Step six:
Attach one 6mm jump ring to the other end of the chain and connect it to the loop portion of the Patricia Healey small copper bowed rope toggle clasp.
Step seven:
Attach the 6mm jump ring on the 3-1 link to the bar portion of the toggle clasp.
Step eight:
To complete the TOHO strands, thread one strand with the first color grouping, a second strand with the second color grouping, and so on until all strands are full. Use bead stoppers or tape at the ends of each strand to hold your beads on while you work.
Step nine:
This step is easier if you have a bust or necklace display to hang your design on while you work!
Working on a set of strands from one bead tip at a time, determine the length of the TOHO strands based on how you would like them to cascade across. You may add or remove beads as needed. Finish the other ends of the TOHO strands with bead tips as executed in step three. Attach the bead tips to the 8mm open jump ring on the back of the button. Experimenting with the order that the bead tips are placed on the jump ring can totally change the look of your design.
Approximate size: inside is 27 inches Estimated time: Less than 4 hours Difficulty level: Beginner
Tools and Supplies Used:
The BeadSmith Crystal Fireline - 125 Yards (6LB Test) (STRNG-0003)
ZambaPro® Chain Nose Pliers (TOOL-106)
ZambaPro® Side Cutters - Semi Flush (TOOL-131)
Bead Stopper - 6-Piece Pack (BEADSTPR)
Large Loop Scissors (TOOL-123)
Knotting Tweezers (TOOL-112)
GS Hypo Cement (GS-HYPO)
The BeadSmith Assorted Sizes Big Eye Beading Needles 6-Pack (NEED-15)
