Make a Set of Beaded Heirloom Chatelaines
An heirloom chatelaine is a piece of jewelry that is often suspended from a chain or a delicate rope necklace. The piece of jewelry is a three-dimensional vessel that houses another object (usually beads). Often, these necklaces accentuate your neckline and become heirloom pieces. If you enjoy crafting basic jewelry pieces and are looking for a more challenging project type, purchase a kit that is designed to yield a beaded heirloom chatelaine.
Familiarize Yourself With the Project Type
When you began crafting jewelry, you may have started off with some small kits that contained all of the materials needed to make a beaded bracelet or a pair of earrings. As you design a beaded chatelaine, your construction method will be similar, but the beadwork may be slightly more advanced and contain more colors and shapes than the seed beads that you are accustomed to using.
Small crystals may be added to the pointed ends of a chatelaine if desired, and these embellishments will add a touch of elegance to each jewelry creation. A traditional heirloom chatelaine is constructed of sterling silver or gold. Beaded chatelaines are an alternative that is much more colorful and intricate in design.
Some kits contain the materials needed to construct each beaded vessel but may require the crafter to furnish their own chain. If you are going to go with a traditional jewelry style, which features a pair of colorful chatelaines that are each suspended from a necklace, consider the color patterns that each pendant will possess and purchase a chain style that will complement the beadwork.
Complete the Assembly Process
Set up your work area so that you can maintain your concentration during each beading step. Set a lamp on the table that you will be using as your workstation. If you own a bead separator or a tray that you typically use when making jewelry, this item will aid you in keeping the beads organized. A pair of wire cutters, a magnifying tool, and small jewelry pliers may be needed during the assembly process.
If pictures and written instructions are included in your guide, then use them to complete each step. After completing the beadwork that will go in the center of each chatelaine, you will be directed toward completing the construction of each vessel. Keep one of the completed creations and give the other one to someone who you care about.
To learn more about heirloom chatelaines, visit a craft kit supplier near you.
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