Orange, pink, blue and opaline white Bohemian beads, in every shape and size, punctuated with small gold-plated brass beads in 24K fine gold. Nothing matches, and that is the whole spirit of this choker necklace: an almost organic look, laid out flat on a circular template, then strung on wire thread. Just the thing to add some color to the back-to-school season.
To brighten up a simple outfit in soft colors, like a sky-blue shirt, or to stand up to a red sweater.
Tools needed: flat-nose pliers, wire cutters
A circle printed at the length of the necklace, so you can compose your choker flat, at actual size. Print it at 100%: the control bar must measure 10 cm.
Choose your Bohemian beads by mixing shapes, sizes and colors. Here, nothing matches: that is intentional. Slip the grooved washers and gold-plated brass bicones between the Bohemian beads, like little touches of light.
Print the 38 cm template at actual size. The pink area at the top of the circle is about 2 cm long: it is reserved for the clasp, crimp beads and knot covers.
Place the beads centered on the line. It is the thread, running through the beads, that gives the necklace its length. Move, shift, adjust. You are looking for an almost organic result, neither symmetrical nor regular.
Cut about 50 cm of wire thread. That is enough for both ends of the clasp and for threading back through the beads, without wasting any.
Thread on a crimp bead, then one part of the buoy clasp. Pass the thread back through the crimp bead. Bring it up against the clasp, then flatten it with the flat-nose pliers. Keep the small tail of thread that sticks out: you will hide it in the first beads.
Place a knot cover around the crimp bead, snugly in the hollow. Close it with several small squeezes, never all at once: it would become misshapen. It should roll smoothly between your fingers.
String the beads in the order shown on the template, starting from the clasp. The first beads go over the thread tail and hide it. Recreate your layout bead by bead, without skipping any: the template is what keeps the necklace harmonious.
Thread on a crimp bead, then the second part of the buoy clasp. Pass the thread back through the crimp bead, then through the last three beads of the necklace.
Gently pull the thread to remove the gaps between the beads. Keep some flexibility: a thread that is too tight makes the necklace stiff and wears the beads down.
Crimp the bead, cut the excess thread flush, then place the second knot cover just as on the first side.
A choker necklace is worn in a circle: you might as well compose it in a circle. On the template, you can instantly see the front center, the sides and the clasp placement. But a necklace that looks natural does not happen by chance: avoid repetitions and overly rhythmic sequences.
Before stringing, look for four flaws: an area that is too light, a pattern that repeats, large shapes grouped on the same side, two strong colors side by side. Correct them one by one. Then take a photo of your composition and convert it to black and white: without color, imbalances stand out immediately.
Keep the same composition on the 40 cm template, for a slightly more supple choker necklace. For a calmer look, replace the bright mix with a blend of two or three shades of Bohemian beads.
Once the necklace is finished, you will have enough beads left for the full set: the bracelet in the same spirit, and matching earrings. Just plan on a second clasp for the bracelet, and the pair of earring findings of your choice.
To be reserved alone or with friends!
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