Winter Berries

Use tactile eraser effect beads to create Gemma Gray's opulent party necklace

Gemma Gray, MJ Designer

"Why not complete the set by creating a matching bracelet and pair of earrings as well"
Gemma Gray designs for Beads Unlimited and specialises in wirework techniques.

These eraser effect beads simply smoulder with their satiny rubber surface that will add a touch of glamour to any outfit. Their tactile feel makes them a satisfying allrounder that will delight any beader. Use burgundy and deep purple shades with gold findings to create the perfect statement necklace for this season.

Necklace

1. Make a chain of four faceted beads threaded onto eye pins, separated with 8mm jump rings.
2. Make sure the loops on the eye pins all face the same way. Then attach a faceted beaded eye pin to each jump ring so the beads hang vertically. Add a jump ring to the end of each of these eye pins.
3. Join a faceted beaded eye pin between the first and second jump ring and another between the second and third jump ring. You should have created a rectangle with a faceted bead suspended vertically in the centre. Thread a plain cup and 14mm deep purple round bead onto an eye pin, trim 1cm above the bead and form a loop. Connect this to the centre jump ring at the bottom.
4. Thread a plain cup onto a head pin followed by a faceted bead. Trim and loop the pin, then attach to the bottom loop of the deep purple bead. Add more 14mm burgundy and deep purple round beads to the necklace in this way, so that there are four bead drops on the bottom jump rings and three on the top rings.
5. Cut four 23cm lengths of chain. Join two ends with a jump ring and attach to an eye pin at one side of the necklace. Repeat for the other end. Add a jump ring to the ends on one side and a jump ring with a trigger clasp to the other.