Illusion Necklace

By: Audrey

Materials:

9 to 15 beads

2 ½ feet of the illusion cord

2 micro crimp beads

1 clasp

(Sample in picture contains 5 of the 6mm Swarovski crystals and 6 of the 6mm cream colored pearls)

String on one bead to the center of the illusion cord

Take one end of the cord and string it back through the bead in the same direction, thus making a loop around the bead.

Hold the bead in place, and pull the loop tight. If the bead is no longer in the middle, gently slide it back to desired location.

Start adding more beads; it’s easier to alternate sides, especially if doing a symmetrical pattern. Make sure that if your new bead is on the left of your center bead, use the left side of the cord to make the loop around it; and if your new bead is on the right of your center bead, use the right side of the cord to make the loop around it.

Once you have all of the beads secured on the cord, it’s time to finish the necklace by putting on the clasp. On each end, string the cord through a crimp bead and through the clasp, and then back through the crimp bead (making a loop through the clasp). Use chain nosed pliers to flatten the crimp.

As you progress, you can measure with a ruler, or by sight, how much space to put between each bead. This also depends on how many beads you want on your necklace; they can be evenly spaces and go all the way around, or there can just be a few in the front, or they can be totally random. Let your creativity guide you at this point!

If you have extra cord hanging from your crimped ends, cut them.

Put around your neck and enjoy!

*~*Once you have made and are comfortable with this basic necklace, you can try double or triple strands. You can make a stunning piece of work by putting beads on one necklace where there are spaces on another necklace. The illusion necklace technique can also be applied to bracelets and anklets!*~*

Click picture for a close-up of detailed steps.