Multiple Strands

Lately I have been working on a few multi-strand designs. I'm loving the bold dimension it gives each piece and the wide range of possibilities when combining colors and materials.

This necklace is actually six strands, despite the five strand clasp. It includes Amethyst gemstones, blue freshwater pearls, traditional Czech glass and other various glass beads in grey and silver tones.

I designed this bracelet to be only half mutli-strand. Here I combined two types of Jasper (Red and Impression) with light blue faceted glass beads and a lovely handmade lampwork focal bead. A sterling silver toggle clasp features a two strand design as well :)

Tips for creating multiple strand jewelry:

1. Use a bead board to help in the design process. This handy tool has to be one of my favorite because it allows me to lay out beads and play around the the design before committing and creating the piece. This also lets me put to put my project away for a bit and I know that the beads will not be moved out of order.

Available from Prima Beads

2. Let your findings make it easy. While no special clasps or findings are necessary to create multi-strand jewelry, these items can really help enhance your designs and make creating a piece much easier on yourself.

Clasp available from Prima Beads           Cones available from Art Beads

3. Experiment with different color and material combinations. Be brave and play with your stash of materials. Combine unlikely colors or contrasting materials, like rough chain and elegant pearls.

For further reading, I recommend Magpie Gemstone's article 'How to Make Multi-strand Necklaces' Part I and Part II.