DIY Life

It's fun when the beading bug bites. I can make my own jewelry to match any outfit or any occasion. Making gifts for friends and family is so rewarding: planning out the perfect piece for that person's individual style.

I can even make a campy St. Patrick's Day choker necklace, which you'll learn how to do too.

Actually, it isn't even all that campy, and since it only takes about ten minutes, isn't it worth having apropos jewelry for the Irish fun-fest this March 17th?

You'll need:

• round nose pliers
• wire cutting pliers
• 1 silver headpin
• (2) 3 mm Nephrite Jade round beads
• (1) 6 mm faceted round Czech glass bead, any shade of green you choose
• (1) antiqued pewter Celtic triangle bead
• (3) 4 mm antiqued pewter rondelle with dots

I'll explain the procedure after the break.

Procedure

1. String beads onto headpin in the order shown in the picture, or arrange any way you think looks great.
2. Use round nose pliers to bend the top of the headpin to a 90 degree angle, leaving about 1/4 inch above the beads, before the bend.
3. Leave about 1/4 inch again, after the bend, and trim the excess with your wire cutters.
4. Turn the top of the headpin into a loop with your round nose pliers. There's a quick video tutorial on this here.

Now you have a pendant. You can use it on any chain you like. I used approximately 16 inches of 2 mm black leather cord for my necklace, secured with 2 silver coil ends with loops and a lobster clasp.

This design is certainly St. Patrick's Day festive, but since there aren't any leprechauns or glittery shamrocks dangling, this pendant can be happily worn all year round.