Eye Candy Necklace

This colorful glass bead and button necklace is sweeter than sugar-and much better for your teeth. The length is about 4211 (1 07 em), and it wraps loosely around the neck a couple of times.

11 pairs shell buttons, 1/2'' to 1" (1.3 em to 2.5 em) in diameter, various
shapes and styles 200 glass beads, various shapes, sizes, and colors 11 0 seed beads, size 11 , various colors Beading thread Super glue

Keep in Mind

Making jewelry and accessories with your own two hands is fun and rewarding-it's also a great way to wind down after a busy day, or to relax on weekends and holidays. Here are some points to keep in mind as you work:
Follow your instinct
Feel free to alter any project in this book by using different colors or sizes of buttons and beads. You can even make the same project several times using different materials-you'll be surprised at how different the results will be!
Length of thread
I generally work with very long pieces of thread, because I find them easier to handle. It also means I won't run out of thread before my project is finished. If you find it more comfortable working with shorter thread, go right ahead.
Planning a pattern
Everybody has their own work style. Some people like to plan their pattern in advance; others like to improvize as they go. Play around with the buttons before you start, and choose the method that comes naturally to you.
Quantities
All of the quantities in this book are based on the sizes of the beads and buttons I used. The materials you use will likely be somewhat different, so be sure to adjust the quantities of your materials accordingly. I suggest overestimating when buying materials for a specific project-it's better to have leftovers at the end, rather than running out along the way!
Sizes
All of the sizes are flexible. If you want longer earrings, a shorter necklace, or a wider belt, that's fine-just remember to adjust your materials accordingly.

Basic Techniques

Flattening crimps
Crimps are small metal tubes that are made to be flattened. They can be used to attach two ends of string together, or to hold
beads in place. To flatten a crimp, simply hold the crimp in place with a pair of flat-nose pliers and gently press the sides together.
Making dangling beads
To turn a regular bead into a dangling bead, insert a headpin into the bead, and slide the bead down so it rests on the flat end of
headpin. Using round-nose pliers, twist the top of the headpin into a loop. Cut off any excess wire with wire cutters.
Making open jump rings
Several projects in this book call for open jump rings, sometimes as many as 200 or more! Making your own jump rings is easy, and
can be much less expensive than buying prepared ones. You'll need flexible metal wire to make the rings-1 usually use 20 or 24
gauge (0.9 mm or 0.6 mm) wire, but any wire that is flexible enough to wrap will do. You'll also need a wooden dowel in the appropriate
diameter, and a wire saw.
Wrap the wire around the dowel in a tight coil. Make as many rounds as you need jump rings. When the wire is tightly coiled, use
the saw to cut the wire in a straight line along the length of the dowel.
Opening and closing jump rings
The easiest way to open and close jump rings is by using two sets of pliers. Two flat-nose pliers are best, but you can use round-nose
pliers as well. If you have only one set of pliers, that's fine too; you'll just have to grasp one end of the jump ring with your fingers.
To open the ring, hold one set of pliers in each hand and grasp one end of the jump ring in each set of pliers. Position the ring so
that you see through the hole. Now draw one pair of pliers towards you and push the other pair away. Do not unroll the
jump ring. To close the ring, draw the pliers back to their original position.
Sewing buttons together
To sew two 2-hole buttons together, hold the buttons so they are back to back, with the holes lined up. Insert the thread into the
bottom hole of one button, and out the corresponding hole of the other button. Draw the thread through, leaving a 2" (5 em) tail behind
the first button. Insert the thread into the top hole of the second button, and out the corresponding hole of the first button. Repeat the
process to secure the buttons. Tie a knot with the tail thread and cut both ends close to the knot. The technique for sewing 4-hole
buttons together is almost identical, just insert the thread on a diagonal each time you insert it into the same button, and repeat the
process twice, to make an X on each button.
Sewing buttons onto fabric
To sew a 2-hole button onto fabric, insert the thread on the underside of the fabric and draw out through the top. Draw the thread out
a button hole, leaving a 2" (5 em) tail on the underside of the fabric. Insert the thread into an empty hole and draw through to the underside
of the fabric. Tie a knot with the tail to secure. The technique for sewing a 4-hole button onto fabric is almost identical, just insert
the thread on a diagonal each time you insert it into the same button, and repeat the process twice, to make an X on each button.

Lampshade frames come in various sizes

jump rings are small connector rings that can be pried open and pressed closed. They come in various sizes-be sure to choose the size that is right for your
project. When purchasing rings for these projects, be sure to select open rings  ather than ones that have been soldered close. Some projects require particularly large jump rings-these may be hard to find, and can be expensive. To make your own jump rings, see below.
Pin backs are used for making pendants and brooches.
Ring bases are usually made from sterling silver or stainless steel. Charm ring
bases have a protruding hoop or hole; flat ring bases have a flat surface. Both types of bases can be found in jewelry supply shop and bead stores.
Lampshade frames come in various sizes, shapes, and styles. They can be found in craft stores, as well as lighting and home decorating stores.
Memory wire is a flexible wire that retains its round shape, and conforms to a
certain size after it has been worn a few times. It comes in various sizes,  uitable for bracelets, necklaces, and rings.
Sconces are lamp fixtures suited to installation on a wall. Find plain or decorated sconces at craft stores, as well as lighting and home decorating stores.
Silicone cord has a smooth texture and distinct shiny look. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors and various widths. Be sure to choose a width that it is thin enough to fit through your smallest bead or button hole.
Sketching supplies are useful for drawing your design out in advance. Basic
items to have on hand include white paper, pencil, eraser, ruler, and marker.
Super glue is used to reinforce knots, and hold beads and buttons in place. The type sold in hardware stores is fine for these projects, although you can also find a large variety of appropriate adhesives at any bead stores. Be sure to choose glue this is quick-drying and water resistant. Make sure the variety you select comes in a jar with a fine spout, for precisely applying the glue.