Need a quick jewelry project for a special occasion?

I had a favorite bead dangle necklace bought at Cato a while ago, and when I decided I wanted a patriotic theme necklace for this 4th of July holiday, copying that style was my first thought. It's super easy! All you need is beads and very basic jewelry making skills.

Of course I used red, white, and blue beads, but you can customize the colors for any palette.

You will need:

necklace chain

several sizes of beads

needlenosed pliers and wire cutters

headpins 

small lobster clasp

small oval jump rings

1. Make your dangles. You can make less or more… I made 13 in all – 7 large and 6 small. To do this, thread the beads on the headpin, cut the pin about 1/2 in. from the beads, and using the needle nosed pliers, bend the spare wire in a circle.

2. Cut your necklace chain to the preferred length – mine was about 20 in. Attach the lobster clasp to one end by opening the last link and closing it over the lobster clasp loop. This has created the base for the dangles. If your chain has wide enough links, you can use it as an extender as much as needed.

3. Open a small jump ring (twist it side to side instead of lengthwise), insert it in the loop of a large dangle, and through a loop at the center on the necklace chain. Bend shut.

Repeat on one side of the center dangle, alternating a small dangle with a large one. I put mine 3 chains apart, but you can crowd or space them out as desired for a chunkier or more delicate look.

Do the same thing with the remaining charms on the other side of the center – and you're done! Super easy and yet quite a statement.

It added a perfect quietly patriotic touch to my outfit for the 4th. (Sorry I only have a cropped group shot – I was also wearing a newly made 1940s blouse!) 

Now I want to make more in other colors!

Till next month,

~Kristen – Verity Vintage Studio