Watch our technique videos on the TierraCast Blog (look for Jump Rings and Simple Loops).
Tip: When bending wire to make simple loops, protect the top of the bead with your thumbnail to prevent cracking or breakage*.
Steps
- String Czech glass bead onto one head pin. Bend wire over at top*, trim wire to approx. 3/8" and use round nose pliers to form simple loop. Make sure loop is closed.
- Repeat Step 1 with second head pin and pearl bead. Set aside.
- Open one jump ring and attach to pendant. Close jump ring.
- Open second jump ring and attach bead dangles. Close jump ring.
- String both jump ring dangles onto leather cord.
- Overlap cords to create the loop of the necklace, allowing about a 6" tail on each side. The cord ends are now the “working” cords, and the looped cord is the “bottom” cord.
- At center of loop just to one side of the overlap, position both cords so that working cord is on top. Fold working cord back onto itself. (Fig 1)
- Grasp fold and bottom cord in one hand. Bring loose end of working cord behind other cords and wrap 2-3 times around (not too tight), looping away from fold. (Fig 2)
- After final loop bring end towards you, then thread back through all loops including original loop created by fold. (Fig 2) Tighten by carefully pulling working tail, keeping knot near end of cord. Adjust knot until secure but loose enough to slide.
- Repeat Steps 7-9 to create a second sliding knot with other cord end.
- Trim excess cord at each end leaving ¼” tails.