Beaded Bar Connector Necklace

I’m loving this necklace so much that I’ve been choosing outfits to match it so I can wear it.  Is that crazy, given how much jewelry I make??  I just love these beads, I love the colors, and I love how it came together (and in just 10 minutes).  Okay, I’ll stop gushing “love” and just let you see it for yourself:

These are some of the ceramic beads from the care package that O and N Craft Supplies sent me (and if you love them too, then be sure to stop by the shopping spree giveaway they’re sponsoring before 4.10!)  I’ll show you how to make a connector out of whatever beads suit your style so you can create your own version of this easy necklace.

What you will need:

• Beads you love.  I used two 19mm green hemispherical ceramic beads and 8 ivory pebble ceramic beads.  (The finished connector is around 3 inches wide and 3/4 inches tall.)
• 18 gauge wire (mine is brass) – you will only need about 6-8 inches
• 13-17 inches of chain (to suit your tastes, and depending on how large your beads are), jump rings, and a clasp
• Round nosed pliers
• Wire cutters

First, cut a bit of wire.  How much you will need depends on how large you plan to make your connector, but cutting off about 8 inches is usually sufficient for most sized projects.

About 1.5-2 inches from the end, bend your wire around your round pliers, forming a loop.  Then, wrap the short end of the wire around the longer end, closing the loop off.  (See the photos below for more detail.)  I wrap 2-3 times around, but that’s mainly for appearance.  Just one wrap will secure your beads.  Cut off any excess wire.

Next, just add your beads on, then create another loop just like your first to finish off the connector.  When it’s finished, decide how long you want your chain.  I found that a 16-inch length was perfect for this design – and because the connector is about 3 inches, then I cut 13 inches of chain to finish it.  You may decide you want a longer chain, or if your connector is a smaller finished size – you may want more chain than what I used.

Whatever length you settle on – cut it in two equal lengths, and attach each piece of chain to either end of your connector with jump rings.  Attach the clasp to one of the back ends, and another jump ring to finish the closure.

And that’s it!  You can finish this piece in about 10 minutes.  Let me give you an idea what it looks like worn.  I totally did not bother to change to a matching shirt for one photo (come on, I’m all about fast and easy, not 10pm wardrobe changes, haha) – but you get the idea!

I hope you end up liking this one as much as I do!