Craft curator Allison Mitola

With dainty beaded necklaces popping up all over for this summer, making your own is an easy and affordable way to wear this jewelry. This is a pretty straightforward craft that will give you the opportunity to express your creativity in your design and relax while you craft. Plus, you’ll get to show off what you made when you wear your cute new accessory!

You will need:

String

A clasp

Beads

Scissors

Step 1

Use an existing necklace as a reference or measure around your neck to determine your desired length - be sure to add some extra string to tie the clasp with before cutting. 

Step 2

Tie your string around one side of the clasp. I chose to secure this by double-knotting and adding some glue.

Step 3

Begin adding your beads! I used a marker and added a point where I wanted my beads to stop, then folded the string in half and added a halfway point. I chose to focus my smaller beads near the outside and use more of my larger beads near the center. Tip: garage sales, estate sales, and thrift stores are great places to look for cheap quantities of beads and other jewelry supplies!

Step 4

Finish adding your beads until you reach your desired length. If you choose to create a symmetrical pattern like I did, mirror your design once you reach the halfway point. 

Step 5

Tie and secure this end of the necklace to the other side of the clasp. Cut any loose ends of string, and it's ready to wear!