Design Inspiration Supplies
Design Instructions
Supplies needed
- 1 Crucifix Pendant (94-2587-12)
- 1 Rose Trinity Link (94-3100-12)
- 6 Reina Link (94-3243-12)
- 14 Oval Jump Ring 20ga 3x2mm ID (01-0016-01)
- 53 Gemstone 6mm Faceted Round Beads in assorted colors (shown: Amethyst, Lapis, Malachite, Citrine, Red Garnet)
- 24 Gauge Craft Wire, silver
Tools
- chain and/or flat nose pliers (2)
- round nose pliers
- wire cutters
Skill Level: Beginner-Intermediate
Finished Size: Approx. 40”
Designer: Tracy Proctor
Download the Rainbow Rosary PDF
Watch the Demo Video: Rainbow Rosary Jewelry Making Demo
Variation: We used gold instead of silver in our live demo.
Watch our technique videos on the TierraCast Blog (look for Wrapped Loops and Jump Rings).
Tip: This rosary can be created with multiple colors of beads as shown, or simplified with 1 single color. Also consider grouping the colors by decades.
About Rosaries: A traditional set of rosary beads consists of 59 beads (or components) arranged into a loop of five “decades” (sets of 10 beads), alternated with an Our Father bead or component to separate the decades, a center to close the loop, and a pendant consisting of 5 more beads or components and a crucifix or cross. Each bead in the rosary represents a prayer.
Steps
- Create Loop: Arrange beads in desired color order.
- Cut one 4" piece of craft wire and make a right angle bend about 1 1/2" from one end. Use round nose pliers to form wrapped loop, wrapping tail 2-3 times. Trim excess and use chain nose pliers to tuck end in.
- String 1 bead onto wire. Make a second bend, allowing about 1/16" of wire between bead and bend. Form second wrapped loop.
- Repeat Steps 2-3, attaching to first bead link before completing first wrapped loop. String second bead and complete Step 3.
- Repeat Steps 2-4 eight more times to form first decade.
- Open 1 jump ring and attach decade to 1 Reina link. Close jump ring. Attach 1 more jump ring to other side of link.
- Repeat Steps 2-5 four times, attaching first bead link in a decade to Reina link of previous decade.
- Open 1 jump ring and attach 1 end of loop to centerpiece link. Close jump ring and repeat to attach other end of loop to centerpiece.
- Create pendant: Open 1 jump ring and attach to 1 Reina link. Before closing attach to bottom of centerpiece. Close jump ring. Attach 1 more jump ring on other side of link.
- Repeat Steps 2-3, attaching to jump ring on Reina link placed in Step 9.
- Repeat Steps 2-3 to attach 2 more bead links.
- Open 1 jump ring and attach to final bead link. Before closing attach final Reina link. Close jump ring.
- Use final jump ring to attach crucifix to Reina link placed in Step 12.
