Braided bead strands might look complicated, but they really aren’t! You can create this fabulous DIY bead necklace in an hour or less, and we bet you’ll want to show it off as soon as it’s finished. This pretty emerald green could be worn in the spring, summer, or fall… talk about versatile! It will always be in style. Plus, emerald is the Pantone Color of the Year for 2013! (Of course, you can always customize it using beads in your favorite color!)

Supplies needed to make your own DIY braided bead necklace:

• Small Loop Gold Chain
  
• Glass E Beads 6/0 in Green – 2 packages
• 3mm Double Cup Connectors Gold
• 7mm  Gold Jump Rings
• White Bead Thread
• 3-in-1 Combination Tool

Step 1: Cut six pieces of white bead thread 12 inches in length. Take two pieces of the thread and double/triple knot at one end and attach a double cup connector. String seed beads until a length of around 10 inches for both strands. Knot and secure with another double cup connector. Continue with the rest of the string so that you finish with 3 sets of double strands.

Step 2: Take the 3 sets of double beaded strands and attach them to a jump ring using the double cup connector and secure. To begin braiding, keep the 3 sets of double beaded strands separated, and start braiding them together. (It may help to tape one end to a table for stability.) Finish the braid by attaching another jump ring at the opposite end.

Step 3: Cut the gold chain to 20 inches in length. Attach each end to the jump rings on either side of the braid.

That’s it, your DIY bead necklace is finished and ready to wear!

You can customize this bead necklace with beads in different colors and sizes, and you can also make the chain shorter or longer depending on your preference. Or better yet – make multiple bead necklaces with different styles! You could even try a multi-colored necklace with different colored beads. You can definitely get creative with this project – have fun with it!

Jessica