This week on Free Spirit Beading with Kristen Fagan, learn how to make a long cluster Y necklace and boho bead earrings. "Y" necklaces are a timeless fashion statement. They complement a variety of styles and necklines. The 'Y' silhouette is a classic design in a necklace. The can be minimal and sleek, layered, or full of fun like this beaded cluster dangle one! You'll be surprised at how easy they are to create.
DIY Long Cluster Y Necklace with Chain & Boho Bead Earrings
This whimsical long beaded Y necklace uses a small brass colored curb chain, hammertone ring circle component by TierraCast and a bead dangle cluster focal created with our exclusive whimsical bead strand. While this particular bead strand has sold out, we introduce a new bead strand made exclusively for Soft Flex Company by Jesse James Beads and coordinating design kit at the end of each month! If you enjoy this design idea, you can use any of our exclusive bead strands to make something similar!
Supplies:
Soft Flex Exclusive Bead Strand
3mm Curb Chain - 30"
Take all your beads and make them into dangles. Click for instructions on how to make a dangle. After making all your bead dangles, reserve 2 matching dangles for earrings.
Attach each of the remaining dangles to a jump ring. Cut a 2" segment of chain, attach it to the ring and then begin adding your bead dangles to the chain. Add your focal dangle to the bottom, then count two links and add the next dangle to link 3. Repeat this up the chain with all dangles.
Once complete take a look at your cluster and make sure it is pleasing to you. If anything is out of place you can open the jump ring and adjust the placement of the dangles until you are satisfied.
Attach your two reserved earring dangles to ear wires. So simple and cute!
Take the remaining 28" of chain and using two jump rings, one on each end of the chain, attach the chain to the top of the ring and you're done!
I loved the look so much, I wore it right away! On tip to note: You can change this up with different chains just be sure that they have links large enough to attach a jump ring and that the chain is strong enough to handle the bead cluster at the bottom. Due to the size of these beads you will need a heavier chain. You can absolutely make this design with smaller beads and a lighter chain too though.
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Kristen Fagan is the Website Graphic Designer and a Jewelry Making Educator for Soft Flex® Company. She is the co-author of Seed Bead Revolution, an artist and creativity guide. She currently lives in Arizona with her husband, their two sons and two dogs. When she's not painting, drawing or beading, she enjoys reading, yoga, exploring the outdoors and traveling. Her favorite stones are Opal, Turquoise, and Quartz and she can't bead without Bead Stoppers. You can email her at Kristen@softflexcompany.com or visit her Website | Facebook | Instagram