This post is one of the most popular on the site. Over the years I have made necklaces from stones collected on both coasts and they remind me of the trips.
Here are step by step instructions for making necklaces from small stones.
A few tools can make the work go quickly.
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 can use lovely sterling silver wire or a less expensive metal.
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.)
A little cooking oil makes the rocks gleam and look more beautiful.
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.
With many different sizes of stones you can guess on the wire and it will fit one of your stones.
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.
Almost there!
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.
A toothpick can make the pulling apart of the wires easier.
Pull pieces of the wire out to make a basket to hold the stone in place.
Wiggle the rock to be sure you are fitting it well.
Wrap the wire around the rock and adjust it so the rock is held firmly in place.
Smooth down the wire around the stone.
Be sure to make the loop big enough to feed your cord through.
Trim all the ends of the wire next to the loop except for the really long one.
A river stone transformed.
Wrap the ends to keep them in place; adjust the wire on the rock so it looks good and finish wrapping the wire ends.
All set!
Take cord or leather and make something to string the rock on.
Enjoy!
