How Do I Make A Toggle Necklace
Looking for a simple beading project to get you warmed up?
Try making a simple toggle necklace. A toggle necklace is a beaded necklace that has the toggle in the front of the piece as a dramatic focal point. Follow these easy step by step instructions to make a beautiful glass beaded toggle necklace.
Most of the materials that are needed for this project can be found at your local arts and craft store. The one thing that you need to realize is that you will be paying a lot more than you have to when buying from a retailer. As a one off project this is fine, but if you are going to be doing this as a business it is best to find your supplies from other sources. The cheapest option is to find reliable wholesalers. Their product usually come in bulk so planning and designing your own jewelry in advance will help you decide what materials you need and you won’t be left with stock that you cannot use.
Depending on which country you live, will determine the price you pay for your supplies if you buy from a wholesale company that is based there. Most of the jewelry materials needed are made in China, India, Taiwan etc. Buying from companies in these countries means that you will cut out the middle man and be able to make much more of a profit. How to source the best wholesale jewelry suppliers can be time consuming at the beginning, but will be well worth it once you have spent time finding reliable suppliers. One of the best places to find wholesalers is eBay, try to use eBay to find cheap beads and other jewelry supplies.
MATERIALS NEEDED:
- Glass Beads
- bead stringing wire
- toggle clasp set
- crimp beads
- head pins or eye pins
- jump rings
- needle-nose pliers
- wire cutters
INSTRUCTIONS:
Start with a length of bead stringing wire that is approximately six inches longer than the piece of jewelry you intend to make.
Slide on a crimp bead, then the loop end of the toggle.
Bend approximately two inches of the wire, going back through the crimp bead, and draw it snug against the clasp.
Use your needle-nose pliers to flatten the crimp bead against the clasp so that it cannot slide up or down.
String all of the beads onto the wire (the first few beads should be strung over both thicknesses of wire).
Slide the second crimp bead onto the wire, then the other half of the clasp, then go back through the crimp bead and several other beads.
Pull the wire until all of the beads are snug against each other.
Then, flatten the crimp bead.
Use a pair of wire cutters to cut off the remaining wire as close to the beads as possible.
Happy Beading!
Jennifer Thoden shares her love of beads and creativity with beginner beaders and jewelry designers. Her love of color and unique design shows in her bead patterns. Find her bead patterns and tutorials at http://www.beadpatternsonline.com