✘ marks the spot! These treasure chest pendant necklaces are no, not for pirates. They are for anyone who wants a super sparkly, super customizable accessory that's super easy to make! Gather round, beaders, and I'll show you exactly how to create one of your very own!
I was inspired to make these after discovering these killer wish box pendants from Doreenbeads.com. How cool are they?! The intricate metal work (they come in all sorts of patterns) and huge selection of sizes and colors caught my attention online, and I patiently awaited their arrival. I had never really seen beading components like this, so I knew they had to star in my next tutorial.
They open up and can store anything from a few small stones, mini letters or handwritten notes, crystals or sparklies, or really anything that you deem special and want to carry with you. Honestly, you really have to check these out, lovin' the boho vibes these give to any piece! They totally remind me of something you'd find in a Moroccan or Indian market. Add crystals and gemstones and you are totally set. I made these in different lengths for layering (if you don't know me by now, I LOVE LAYERING)….but you can even wear one of these necklaces by itself to add a gypsy mood to your look. I'll lay out the steps to creating your own below - read on!
Step 1: Gather materials. For the blue necklace I used 8mm peacock blue rondelle crystals, 4mm faceted metallic blue rondelles, Cousin brand monofilament, crimp beads, one 10mm white agate gemstone round bead, silver 5mm crimp covers, assorted sized silver bead caps and a 3.5cm prayer box pendant from Doreenbeads. You can search Doreenbeads' whole selection of wish box pendants here. There are a ton of awesome styles in multiple colors and sizes! I used this specific wish box for the brown necklace. If you want even more choices, you can find more prayer box pendants here
. You will also need flat nose pliers and wire cutters.
Step 2: Measure out a length of monofilament that's a little over the length you want your final necklace to be. Cut this length, and cut another the same length. Thread both strands through the top loop in the wish box. Group all four strands together, and string on a 4mm crystal, bead cap, the agate bead and a bead cap.
Step 3: Divide your four threads into two groups of two, and thread on about 12 to 14 4mm crystals on each side. Add a smaller bead cap, then the 8mm rondelle, and another bead cap to each side. Just keep repeating this process, making sure your number of 4mm crystals between 8mm crystals remains consistent. Keep beading in this pattern until you've got the necklace to the desired length. To finish, thread on two crimp beads to one side, and thread the other side back through the crimp. Pull tight and crimp shut, cutting the extra string and covering with the crimp bead to hide. I didn't use a clasp here as the necklace was long, about 28" or so. These are meant to be long layering necklaces, so clasps aren't needed!
I repeated the same technique for the brown necklace, except I added a rhinestone connector instead of an agate bead, and didn't use any spacers, just corresponding brown crystal rounds for a monochromatic look.
These obviously lend themselves very well to customization. Pick your favorite colors, your favorite stones, and create looks that match your aesthetic. You don't even have to use crystals; gemstone rounds would work perfectly here too. But, you know me, I love the glitz.
I'll leave you with a few more inspo pictures to finish. Remember, if you follow one of my tutorials and create your own piece, post a picture of it on Instagram and tag me @quietlioncreations. I'll repost you!!
COPYRIGHT
Because I take all photos for my blog, the images within this post are all copyright Allison Beth Cooling for Quiet Lion Creations. If you'd like permission to use a photo, email me at allison@quietlioncreations.com
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