When I first saw this necklace on pinterest I loved it, especially the teal color. I decided to try to make it for my sister in law for Christmas. I found some white beads at Hobby Lobby (for half price of course!) and figured white would go with a lot of outfits my sister in law has. Here's the original post, her instructions are good. I basically followed what she did without much changes.
I had no idea how long to make it, so I figured the longer the better! I had a hard time locating the bead tips because I wanted to use an antique gold chain. I could only find silver so I just went with that with a silver chain. Of course after I finally needed them I couldn't find them. I had some black ones so I just used those. I found them the next day in my coat pocket (I even looked in there but I guess I didn't feel them when I reached in there). My 3 year old so graciously opened them for me, so I put them in there so she wouldn't spill them everywhere. While I was doing this Short Stuff wanted to help, (one of the many things I love about her!) and for awhile she was good about giving me beads, but I couldn't keep up with her pace, "Here's more mom!" and she was starting to hinder my progress. Usually if she does this all I have to do is find a different job for her and she is set for awhile. I remembered I had some plastic beads for her and pipe cleaners. I got those out and had her make Christmas presents for people too!
She made two for me, I asked her if I could take a few beads off so I could wear it as a braclet, and in true 3 year old fashion, she said, "No." So I asked her if I could hang it up in my car, she liked that idea better. She was super excited when she saw it in my car the next day!
So here's how mine turned out. I totally want to keep it for myself! But the next one I make I will make it so I can also wear it as a bracelet. Hoop on one end, hook on the other; of both the braid and chain. I did this with the button necklace/bracelet I made too. I'm hoping to also put an extender on this one so she has some options as far as length.
I learned a few more things as I was doing this one. It was helpful to put the clasps on both ends before starting so I just had to attach the hoop at the bottom. I had to re-do the braid, like 7 times before I was satisfied with it. Just when I thought the braid was tight enough, I'd play with it a bit and I realized it wasn't.
I also decided to try to make just a bracelet for me using the braiding style. This time I did a 5 strand braid. I also used clear stretchy cord I got at Wal-Mart (the thicker stuff!) so its easier to put on! I made sure I had plenty of extra on the end so I could tie it all together! My other sister in law had this awesome vintage necklace from her great-grandma, and said she never wore it so she gave it to me and it just so happens to match this bracelet perfectly! Pretty sweet!
Anyways, I hope your holidays were great!
