Urban Farm Hub

This is a bit out of the usual subject matter for an urban ag site but hey, anyone doing gardening knows that you run across a lot of rocks.  Might as well use them for something good!

Here are step by step instructions for making necklaces from small stones. 

To start you will need a few basic tools such as needle-nosed pliers, wire cutters and if you use overlapping jump rings, a tool for separating the pieces of wire.

You will also need wire, something to string the rock on and some items to make a closure for the necklace.  (If you want to be really rustic you can just tie the ends.)

Choose your rock.  Beaches, lakes and your very own backyard are all good places to find good stones.  Unless you have really strong neck muscles keep the rock on the small side.

Next cut two pieces of wire; one long and one short.  Double over the long piece to make a loop and line up the shorter piece next to it.  This loop will be what you use to hang the necklace.

Next take thinner wire and wrap it around the pieces of wire.  Use the needle nosed pliers to crimp the wires down then trim them with the sharp ends all on one side; these will go against the rock so they won’t catch on clothing.

Pull pieces of the wire out to make a basket to hold the stone in place.

Wrap the wire around the rock and adjust it so the rock is held firmly in place.

Trim all the ends of the wire next to the loop except for the really long one.

Wrap the ends to keep them in place; adjust the wire on the rock so it looks good and finish wrapping the wire ends.

Take cord or leather and make something to string the rock on.

Enjoy!