Instructions

Choosing the Beads

1. Choose a mix of bead colors, shapes, and textures, then lay them on a bead board. Select beads that will go together to make linked groupings. For example, in this necklace three amber-color tablet beads make one grouping; an opaque green faceted-glass round, a small green faceted-glass bead, and a medium brown, leopard swirl rondelle make another; and so on.
2. Cut lengths of wire that are long enough to make wrapped loops on either side of each bead. Working in bead groupings, string each bead in the group on a length of wire, then use the round-nose pliers to make wrapped loops for attaching the beads together as you work.
3. Divide the chain you’re using into varying lengths. The purchased vintage chain is made from a series of small filigree balls strung on wire connected by simple loops. The loops were unsoldered, making it easy to divide the chain using chain-nose pliers.

Making the Double Necklace

4. Link the bead groupings to the chain lengths as desired. Since the design is a double necklace—a choker within a longer rope length—you’ll make the choker and the two sides separately before attaching them. Make two equal lengths, each approximately 17" (43.2 cm) long, and one shorter length for the choker approximately 15" (38.1 cm) long. It’s important that each length begins and ends with chain.
5. Make four short bead-and-chain lengths for the tassels. Vary the lengths for more interest. Include the bulldog charm on one of the lengths.

Assembling the Tassels

6. Use the round-nose pliers and wire to make two double-wrapped loops. Attach the loops, each to an end of one of the longer lengths, then attach the choker to the same loops. Next, attach the bar side of the toggle to one of the double loops, and the ring side to the other.
7. Join the necklace and attach the tassels with a simple figure-eight loop. To make the loop, use the widest part of the round-nose pliers to make one large loop in a length of wire. Wrap the tail around the base of the loop a few times. Then make another loop from the tail on the other side of the wrapping (at this point, it will look like a figure eight). To finish, wrap the remaining tail at the base of the second loop around the first wrapping. Attach the ends of the necklace to one loop and the beaded tassels to the other.

Finishing the Tassel Ends

8. A flattened coil adds a finishing touch to the end of each tassel. To make one, use the round-nose pliers to make a tiny loop at the end of a length of wire, then use the flat-nose pliers to coil wire around the loop a few times. Lay the coil on the jeweler’s block and use a chasing hammer to flatten it. String a bead on the wire, make a wrapped loop, and attach it to the end of the tassel. Repeat for the other tassels.