Pearls and Bows Necklace

It’s time to start thinking about gift giving!

I know. It’s not even Halloween yet, don’t get all worked up.

But maybe you’re like me, and tend to leave things until the last minute? And then, two weeks before Christmas you’re all, “hmmm, maybe I should make some Christmas gifts”. Then you have to wrap them up all Pinteresty. And then you realize you’ve missed the cheap shipping date and have to open a vein and pay for the fast shipping.

Not just me right?

So let’s get started earlier this year hmmm? This sweet Pearls and Bows Necklace is perfect for moms, sisters, friends, teachers. . . Ok. Pretty much anyone you know. And it’s super fast – so you can get your Pinteresty wrapping done and still make that early shipping date.

It is a great beginner project if you are new to jewelry making, and if you’re not, it’s a fun, quick project to make!

I just love the sweet combination of the pearls and the little mint colored bows.

Here’s a quick little tutorial so you can make your own!
Materials List:

• 8 seed pearls
• 112 medium sized pearls
• 88 large sized pearls
• 2 enamel bows or similar pieces (mine came from this shop – she has several colors in stock!)
• thin bead wire
• 2 crimp beads
• 3 jump rings, one lobster closure
• Jewelry Tools: crimp pliers, round nosed pliers, flat nosed pliers, wire cutters

Begin by cutting a length of bead wire about 66″ long.
Slip one end through a closed jump ring and thread both ends through a crimp bead. Crimp the bead close to the jump ring.
If you need help with crimp beads, you can check out my How To Do That: Jewelry Page. There are lots of basic jewelry tutorials there.

Thread two seed pearls onto each wire and push them up close to the crimp bead.

Thread 14 medium sized pearls onto each bead wire strand.

After the medium pearls, string 14 large pearls onto each strand.

If you have the same enamel bows, clip off the loops on each side with wire cutters. (Point the wire cutters away from you and your cats so you don’t clip flying bow pieces into somebody’s face. Not fun.)

Slip each end of the beading wire through the back of the bow loops, add a medium sized pearl to the wire, then feed the wire through the other end of the loops. This will help keep the bow from shifting around too much while you’re wearing the necklace.

Here’s the front view:

On the smaller inside strand, add 22 pearls and the longer outside strand add 29 pearls. Add another bow (with medium pearls inside it) and then add 5 more large pearls to each strand.

Finish off each strand with 14 medium pearls and 2 seed pearls.

Thread both ends through a crimp bead, then through a closed jump ring. Then feed the ends back through the crimp bead. Separate the strands and feed them back through the pearls a little bit. Pull up the wires so all the pearls are snug but not super tight. Crimp the bead closed.

Clip off the loose wire ends.

Add a larger jump ring to one side of the necklace and open up the closed jump ring on the other side carefully, add a lobster closure to that side and close the ring.

Now you have a super cute little necklace to dress up any outfit!

Wouldn’t it make a great gift? It’s so fast – you could make up two – one to give and one to keep!

I hope you like it!

If you want some more fun gifty jewelry ideas – you might check these out!

Linking up at Met Monday, Tutorials & Tips Tuesday, Shabby Creek Cottage, 504 Main, The 36th Avenue Party, Block Party, and the other fabulous parties on the party page. Make sure you check them out!