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Multi-Strand Necklace with Photo-Transferred Findings, Mother-of-Pearl Focals and Cultured Freshwater Pearls

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Design Idea 727J

Momentos of Life

-- Designer --

Louise McClure

To learn more about Louise McClure, read her jewelry artist success story here

: : : Materials : : :

Vintage photographs, antique daguerreotypes, hazy script from old letters and documents, elusive images of people, imagined voices across time. So intriguing. Genealogy is composed of several miniature, hinged journal charms showcasing images from the past and dreams of the future. Decorative scrapbook papers and image transfer medium are combined with beads to create multi-layered narrative charms. The collection of charms is suspended from a six strand cascade of dyed, analogous colored, freshwater pearls in mixed shapes and sizes, and oxidized brass ball chain. Very simple techniques of stringing and knotting, cutting and pasting, wire wrapping, metal shaping and oxidizing.

Six strand pearl and ball chain necklace with sterling silver clasp (finished necklace adjusts from 15.5-16.5" long)

STEP 1
Determine the total length of the finished piece including the desired clasp (example 40cm).
STEP 2
Cut three lengths of Silkon cord, each approximately 2-1/2 times the desired finished length (example 40cm x 2-1/2 = 100cm).
STEP 3
Coat each end of the cord, for approximately 1cm, with a dab of G-S Hypo-tube cement and allow to dry.
STEP 4
Locate the center of each piece of cord and knot.
STEP 5
For first beaded strand, * pick up five, 5 - 6mm potato pearls.
STEP 6
Knot close to the last pearl on the strand.
STEP 7
Repeat from * to form one half of strand, varying the number of pearls between the knots (example three, seven, five). Remember to allow for the clasp dimension in the total measurement (example 40cm finished length minus 3cm clasp length equals 37cm of beaded cord for the first strand). Divide this measurement by 2 to find the dimension of the beaded cord for this step (example 37cm dived by 2 equals 18-1/2 cm).
STEP 8
Pick up a 2x2mm sterling silver crimp bead.
STEP 9
Place a bonding clip onto the end of the cord to anchor the last bead on the strand.
STEP 10
Turn your work and repeat Steps 5 - 9 for the remaining half, to equal 37cm in length and set aside.
STEP 11
For the second beaded strand, pick up one 10mm flat round pearl and knot close to the pearl.
STEP 12
* Pick up one size 8 seed bead and one 10mm flat round pearl.
STEP 13
Knot close to the pearl.
STEP 14
Repeat from * to form one half of the strand, approximately 2cm longer than first beaded strand (example 20.5cm).
STEP 15
Turn your work and repeat Steps 12 - 14 for the remaining half of the beaded strand, to equal 41cm and set aside.
STEP 16
For the third beaded strand, * pick up three 5-6mm potato pearls and knot close to the pearl.
STEP 17
* Pick up one 2.8 - 3mm rice pearl and knot close to the pearl.
STEP 18
Pick up three potato pearls and knot close to the last pearl on the strand.
STEP 19
Repeat from * to form one half of the beaded strand, approximately 2cm longer than second beaded strand (example 22-1/2cm)
STEP 20
Turn your work and repeat Steps 18 and 19 for the remaining half of the beaded strand, to equal 45cm and set aside.
STEP 21
Cut a length of the large diameter brass ball chain to equal 39cm with 3.2mm brass connector ends attached to each end. Cut another length to equal 47cm with 3.2mm brass connector ends attached to each end. Cut a third length of chain, but this time the small diameter brass ball chain, to equal 43cm with 2.4mm brass connector ends attached to each end.
STEP 22
Use liver of sulfur, following manufacturer's directions, to oxidize the surface of the ball chain strands.
STEP 23
Neutralize in soap and water, rinse well, allow to dry.
STEP 24
Seal the finish with a light coating of spray fixative and allow to dry.
STEP 25
Refer to basic instructions to form a wire wrapped eye-loop connector, adding 2mm faceted peridot to the wire, linking the loops through the ends of each ball chain strand completed in Steps 21 - 24 above and set aside.
STEP 26
Attach the 37cm pearl strand to the top loop (of the three loops) on one half of the clasp; *remove the bonding clip, thread the end of the cord through the desired loop on the clasp and back through the crimp bead from the opposite direction (toward your work).
STEP 27
Gently pull the cord until the last bead on the strand fits snugly against the crimp bead and knot close to the crimp.
STEP 28
Crimp the crimp bead using the two step crimping pliers.
STEP 29
Place a dab of GS Hypo-tube cement on the knot and allow to dry.
STEP 30
Cut the end of the cord approx 1cm long.
STEP 31
Touch the end of the cord with a lit end of stick incense to melt the cord and prevent fraying.
STEP 32
Secure a sterling silver crimp bead cover over the knotted crimp to finish.
STEP 33
Turn the piece and repeat from * for attachment to other half of the clasp.
STEP 34
Attach the 41cm pearl strand to the middle of three loops on one half of the clasp by repeating from * to Step 33 above.
STEP 35
Attach the 45cm pearl strand to the bottom of three loops on one half of clasp by repeating from * to Step 33 above.
STEP 36
Attach the 39cm ball chain to the top loop on the clasp with a jumpring.
STEP 37
Attach the 43cm ball chain to the middle loop on the clasp with a jumpring.
STEP 38
Attach the 47cm ball chain to the bottom loop on the clasp with a jumpring.

Drilled Center Medallion

STEP 1
Select a metal finding for the center medallion and hammer it flat, if desired, using a small rivet hammer and anvil.
STEP 2
Mark the drill points at the lower edge using permanent marker, and tap with the point of an awl to make a slight indentation in the surface of the metal finding.
STEP 3
Clamp the metal finding to the bench pin with adjustable c-clamp.
STEP 4
Remember to wear protective eyewear, and drill through the marks using a small hobby drill.
STEP 5
The surface can be embellished with scrapbooking techniques like rubber stamping and embossing with decorative powders. See basic instructions (embossing) below.
STEP 6
Attach the medallion to the center of the necklace using the wire wrapped eye loop technique in Basic Instructions, below.

Hinged Journal Charm with Omni-Gel image transfer onto "pages" of mother-of-pearl, mica and horn

STEP 1
Select images to be transferred.
STEP 2
Follow manufacturer's instructions to transform scrapbook paper, letters, photos, and other paper ephemera into transparent, flexible images with Omni-Gel photo transfer liquid.
STEP 3
*Select individual "page" elements to which the images will be attached--mother-of-pearl shapes, horn discs, glass beads, mica, plastic, etc.
STEP 4
Select prepared images from Step 2 above.
STEP 5
Position the image over "page" element where desired, and trace around the perimeter.
STEP 6
Cut out the image using decorative edged craft scissors (example deckle edge scissors).
STEP 7
Brush a thin coating of Omni-Gel onto the surface of the element and press the prepared image onto the wet surface.
STEP 8
Allow the gel to dry and attach the charm to the necklace with a jumpring. Repeat from * through Step 8 above, varying the "page" element ... mother-of-pearl shapes, horn discs, glass beads, mica and plastic with the image applied from the reverse side, etc. Multiple pages can be hinged together with a single jumpring or with the eye-loop wire wrap technique from Basic Instructions, below.

Charm--adding beeswax to mica or plastic journal pages above

STEP 1
Select a finished mica or plastic charm from above, with image applied face-up from the reverse side (example mica acts as a window over the image).
STEP 2
Select the desired color of tissue paper; cut a small piece, crumple tightly and then smooth out lightly. Retain most of the wrinkles.
STEP 3
Brush a little Omni-Gel onto the back surface of the mica charm, press into the wrinkled tissue, allow to dry then trim.
STEP 4
Shave a little beeswax into a microwave safe bowl and melt in the microwave on low, working for only a few seconds at a time, until just melted.
STEP 5
Working quickly, lightly paint the surface of the tissue with beeswax. To smooth and glaze the surface of the beeswax, heat a small metal craft spatula in a flame until warm, then rub it over the rough beeswax.
STEP 6
Allow the wax to cool, then attach it to the necklace with a jumpring or wire eye loop technique from Basic Instructions, below.

Charm--layered, reversible journal in sterling silver cinch setting

STEP 1
Select the size and shape of a sterling silver cinch setting you like.
STEP 2
Select paper ephemera--scrapbook paper, ticket stubs, greeting cards, photos, etc.
STEP 3
Using a plastic template, select the size that matches the cinch setting.
STEP 4
Position the template over the paper until desired image appears in the template window.
STEP 5
Trace inside the opening with a pencil.
STEP 6
Repeat Steps 4 and 5 for the image on the back of the charm.
STEP 7
Repeat Steps 4 and 5 for cardstock for the center of the charm.
STEP 8
Repeat Steps 4 and 5 two times for mica or plastic windows.
STEP 9
Cut out the front image, cardstock center, back image and two mica or plastic windows.
STEP 10
Brush small amount of Omni-Gel onto the surface of one side of the cardstock shape, position front image and press lightly to glue into place.
STEP 11
Repeat Step 10 to apply back image to the reverse side and allow to dry.
STEP 12
Place small dabs of G-S Hypo-tube cement around the perimeter of the front of the charm, position one mica window and clamp with alligator clips until dry.

Variation: small bits of lace, mica flakes, paper, etc can be layered inside the charm before the mica window is glued in place.
STEP 13
Repeat Step 12 for the back of the charm.
STEP 14
Insert the completed layered charm into the cinch setting, then close with chain-nose pliers, by pressing the sides of the mount gently at the top of the setting.
STEP 15
Attach to the necklace with a jumpring or wire eye loop technique from Basic Instructions, below.

Charm--patterns on glass with Etch-all surface etching

STEP 1
Select a glass flat round bead with a flat surface.
STEP 2
Press on a small piece of clear packing tape.
STEP 3
Using a rubber stanp and permanent ink stamp pad, stamp an image onto the surface of the tape; allow stamped image to dry. Follow manufacturer's instructions to clean rubber stamp with cleaner.
STEP 4
Using a small craft knife, cut around the stamped image on the packing tape and remove the excess. The image that remains on the surface of the bead will be clear after the etching process.
STEP 5
Burnish the remaining tape, on the surface of the glass bead, to insure a tight bond to the glass when using Etch-all.
STEP 6
Follow manufacturer's instructions to etch/frost the exposed surface of the glass bead.
STEP 7
Carefully neutralize the bead(s) in a soap-and-water solution and dispose of the etching solution following manufacturer's instructions.
STEP 8
Remove the tape, allow bead(s) to dry and attach to the necklace with a headpin or drawn-bead eye-loop wire wrap from Basic Instructions, below.

Basic Instructions--embossing

STEP 1
To enhance the surface of the charm with embossing, select a rubber stamp in the desired size and pattern.
STEP 2
Stamp an image onto the surface of the finding using clear embossing liquid.
STEP 3
Working over a scrap piece of paper, sprinkle the stamped image with embossing powder.
STEP 4
Gently lift the finding, turn on its edge and tap to remove the excess powder (return excess powder to jar for later use).
STEP 5
Place the prepared finding onto a heat resistant surface, hold in place with the tips of the tweezers and heat evenly with an embossing tool until powder begins to bubble and turn shiny.
STEP 6
Remove from the heat immediately and allow to cool.
STEP 7
Seal with a light coating of Omni-Gel and allow to dry.
STEP 8
Attach to the necklace with a jumpring or wire eye loop.
Prepare your work surface, having a heat-proof surface below your torch and a bowl of cold water near by.

Basic Instructions--drawing a bead, wire wrapping and forming an eye loop

STEP 1
Cut a 3-inch length of wire, 26- or 22-gauge.
STEP 2
Use tweezers or pliers to pick up the wire and place in the tip of the flame, of an ignited small butane torch. Hold in the flame until the end of the wire glows and begins to melt into a ball shape.
STEP 3
Remove from the flame and allow to cool.
STEP 4
Place a bead or pearl onto the new headpin with drawn bead.
STEP 5
Grasp the wire, close to the bead, with round-nose pliers and fold wire over into an "L" shape over the lower jaw of the pliers.
STEP 6
Rotate the pliers perpendicular to the wire and bring the wire up and over the top jaw of pliers.
STEP 7
Remove the pliers and reinsert with the wire loop your just created, between the top and bottom jaws of pliers.
STEP 8
Complete the loop by bringing the wire across the wire below the lower jaw.
STEP 9
Remove and grasp the top of the loop with chain-nose pliers, held in non-dominant hand.
STEP 10
Grasp the end of the wire with a second pair of chain-nose pliers, held in your dominant hand; wrap the wire around the exposed wire between bead and loop.
STEP 11
Clip the end of the wire with wire cutters; tuck in any wire to be sure the wrap is clean and no sharp ends are peaking out.
STEP 12
Attach to the necklace with a jumpring.

Variation: attach a charm with a loop, by forming an eye loop, Steps 5 - 9, adding a charm before closing the loop in Steps 10 and 11. Repeat Steps 5 - 12 to finish the other end with an eye-loop and attach to the necklace.

The pieces featured in the Gallery of Designs are copyrighted designs and are provided for inspiration only. We encourage you to substitute different colors, products and techniques to make the design your own.

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