Let Me Get Something Off My Chest
I cannot make jewelry. Nor do I really like to. There, I said it. The tedium! The knots — oh man, the knots.
I already know this about myself, but nevertheless, I decided to give it a go with a necklace for the wedding.
I found a really cheap clasp on sale and decided it was a sign.
It was a sign . . . that sometimes, you get what you pay for. The clasp really is flimsy and unreliable, but I forged ahead anyway.
I spent several hours of stringing and un-stringing and re-stringing strands of pearls. Lots of arranging and rearranging the two vintage earrings that I have been holding onto for years, waiting for the right project.
After half a day, lots of cursing, a near temper tantrum, and two Big Gingers . . . the necklace was complete! And, I actually kinda liked it.
But guess what? Those two beautiful vintage earrings – the best part, really – were like ninja throwing stars. After wearing the necklace for five minutes I could see this was not working out. Literally, I could see the points of the earrings embedding themselves into my neck.
FAIL. Looks like I’ll be splurging on some wedding jewelry. So, if you have some links to pretty necklaces – or links that show how to tie a proper beading knot – please let me know! On to the next . . .
Such a pretty, pretty design though. Could the little ninja darts be bent up just enough to look edgy without out the pain?
That’s a good idea! But, they’re too delicate and they’d break, I think.
Oh, so funny… The necklace is really pretty, but can see the star problem, ouch!
There are tons of patterns, instructions and video online. Go to YouTube and type in How to Bead and you will see dozens of tutorials. The same goes for going to Bing.com and typing in Beading Blogs. Your necklace is gorgeous, btw! I understand your frustration. So far, I am a wannabe beader.
If they do break off, then take them all off. A bit of sanding will take away the roughness. It is too pretty to scrap!
We’ll see . . . I’m too mad at it to work at it any more right now! Thanks, though — I do wish it wasn’t so dangerous/intrusive/annoying/spiky!
i recommend Etsy (www.etsy.com)….they have awesome completed jewelry and most are very reasonable. They also have pieces/parts. I loved you story…the honesty…..and for sure I would not have know that it was uncomfortable unless you hadn’t said so….I think it turned out very pretty. Maybe you should frame it on some black velvet….. good luck
Oh, man — I have been perusing Etsy for hours already! Too many to choose!
Hi, You could try making it a two strand necklace instead of three. one strand slightly longer than the other. Use the two earrings as pendants. Since the pendants will hang on you clothes or atleast below the neck they might not poke you. Taking off any parts may spoil the vintage value, and they are so beautiful. You can google for Hyderabad Pearl necklace to get an idea. I hope you don’t mind my suggestion as I am no expert on jewellery or beading.
Regards
Thanks!
aw, too bad it didn’t work out, it’s super cute!!
Greetings! I think your necklace is beautiful! For some great ideas, go to Kelly Dales YouTube channel (offthebeadedpath) she has tons of lovely jeweley tutorials. Don’t beat yourself up. Love how you incorporated the earrings into your design! Very nice touch!
Love your blog!!! ~Alice
Thanks so much! I will totes check this out!
absolutley gorgeous, see you can do it, Have you tried “pinterest how to make necklaces”? That is one amazing site, has everything, i really like the crochet patterns. elisa
Get your cutters out and snip off the pointy parts and file down any rough edges.
Olá!!!! Muito lindo este colar em perola com detalhes em turquesa…adorei. Sonia.
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Thank you!
Your necklace is beautiful, you always make the cutest things!!
to bad it’s painful to wear 
I saw this tutorial on pinterest where you crochet with wire and add beads to it! Not sure how complicated it would be, but it sounds like a fun thing to try …
Incase you want to give it a shot here’s the link
http://theharrissisters.blogspot.com/2013/01/wire-beaded-jewelry.html?m=1
Totally checking this out. I’ve never done this before, but I have been meaning to learn!
Awesome, letto me know how it goes if you do try!
I’m coming in late on this post, but my idea is to cut soft felt in the shape of the “stars” and glue it underneath them. hokey? Or just the thing….