When I Run Out of Beads
by Karen Meador, Ph.D.
Help, I've run out of beads and my necklace is too short!
This has happened to me more than I care to mention, but now I see it as an opportunity rather than a problem.
Instructions
When I've used all of the type of beads I have for a necklace, I now add a simple piece of chain on each side of the necklace to extend it. While I usually make my chain, it can certainly be purchased. I simply attach the strung beads to the pieces of chain and then put the clasp on the chain. I'm usually only a few beads short and the chain doesn't show in the front of the necklace. By the way, I like to use this method for double strand necklaces as well.
Since I do sell some of my work, I actually like to add a few links of chain to many of my necklaces. When I add an ample amount of chain to each side of a necklace, it's easy to shorten a piece for a customer by removing links. If I need to make the necklace longer, I can make and add more links. I generally carry extra links or extenders (see: https://www.wirejewelry.com/jewelry_making_tips_techniques/Easy-Necklace-Extenders_178.html) with me. This also makes it easy for me to alter the length of my own necklaces for wearing with different garments.
Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s When I Run Out of Beads - , Wire Jewelry Design, Making Chain, Chain Making , Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, Design, wire links
Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s When I Run Out of Beads - , Wire Jewelry Design, Making Chain, Chain Making , Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, Design, wire links
Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s When I Run Out of Beads - , Wire Jewelry Design, Making Chain, Chain Making , Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, Design, wire links

Materials

18 Gauge Half Round Half Hard .925 Sterling Silver Wire
H8-18HRH
  • Lesson Quantity: 5.00 feet
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 5FT
  • Price: $11.09
  • Gold Club Price: $8.32
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Tools

Round Nose Wire Plier
G2-507
  • G2-507
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $32.95
  • Gold Club Price: $24.71
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Chain Nose Wire Plier
G2-508
  • G2-508
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $32.95
  • Gold Club Price: $24.71
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C.H.P Milano Italian Flush Cutter, 5 1/2 Inches
PLR-487.00
  • PLR-487.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $14.97
  • Gold Club Price: $11.23
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  • Category: Design
  • Technique(s): Chain Making, Making Loops, Design