ILLUSTRATIONS BY BROWN BIRD DESIGNMAKE
(^1) A TASSEL
CHAIN
REACTIONS
Necklaces are typically
16 to 18 inches long,
but you don’t need
to limit yourself to
one material to make
a strand. We mixed
assorted chains with
one another, as well
as with sturdy rib-
bons and braided em-
broidery floss that
withstand wear.
Mix the
scale of
your chains
to up
the style
quotient.
Gather
multiple
chains for
a layered
look.
a. To open, use 2 pairs
of needle-nose pliers
to grip sides, pulling
one pair toward you
and pushing the other
away, as shown.
b. Slide on tiny beads
or a charm, making
sure it’s facing correct
direction.
c. Attach to necklace;
use pliers to close.
a. Cut 3 pieces of em-
broidery floss, each
twice the length desired.
Loop through jump
ring; fold strands in half.
b. Make a braid using
the 3 double strands,
with loop at top.
c. Tie a knot at end of
strand; trim. Open jump
ring and attach to chain.
Sources
Jump rings, 0.8 mm, in
assorted sizes and finishes,
from $1 for 5 g; chains, in
assorted sizes and finishes,
from $1 for 1'; beading
needle, $1.50 for 5; and
crimping tubes (#PD1369L1),
$4.50 for 30, tohoshoji-
ny.com. Embroidery floss,
by DMC, in assorted
colors, from 40¢ a skein,
michaels.com.
a. Thread a beading
needle with a 10-inch
piece of embroidery floss
through a crimping tube,
then a jump ring. Pull
so that tube and ring are
2 inches from end.
Thread back through
crimping tube, lock-
ing jump ring in place.
b. Thread floss back
through crimping tube so
needle comes through
opposite end and through
jump ring again, leaving
a 2-inch loop.
c. Thread floss back
through tube. Push it tightly
against jump ring; use
flat-nose pliers to flatten
tube. Trim loop; fray ends.
BRAID
(^2) INTO ENDS
USE A
(^3) JUMP RING
1
2
3
In the Loop
Show off the charms your
grandmother gave you,
or for a selection of our favo-
rite charms from the web-
sites below, go to martha
stewart.com/charms.
dimestoreemporium.com
etsy.com/shop/brasskicker
brasscharmcompany.com
a b c36
BEAUTY & STYLE
DIY Style