Michele ChesakMonday, May 22, 6:30 p.m.
Supplies:
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Buttons – can all be the same or mixed sizes and colors – you will need enough buttons for twice the length of the necklace, e.g. 104 for ½ in. buttons. You will be doing two different patterns: front and back.
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Thread – Any type of beading thread or line. I prefer a thick beading thread but we will be using fire line in the class.
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Seed Beads – Size 11 or larger. Approximately 3 beads per button (e.g. 312 beads for 104 buttons)
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Beading Needle – I prefer the smaller sized big eye needles but any needle will do as long as it’s firm enough to go through the buttons twice.
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Scissors
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Glue (optional)
Tips:
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Due to time constraints, we will thread the necklace with the buttons and the seed beads at the same time. For a stronger necklace, it’s best to thread through the necklace twice: once for the buttons and once for the seed beads.
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Remember that the back of the beads will be visible on the other side, so match your colors accordingly. Also, place closer sized buttons together.
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You can attach the buttons to a chain or a clasp. Just make sure the chain or clasp is attached at the back of the ending button. Pattern 2 will require 1 less button than pattern 1.
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As you are attaching the buttons, periodically make sure they are overlapped or lying flat and spaced the way you want them.
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To start a new thread: Tie the new thread between two previously threaded buttons (go back 2 or 3 buttons). Then continue through the buttons you’ve already threaded until you resume with the new ones. Tie off the old thread between two buttons. If you wish, you can add a drop of glue to the knots you’ve made but do this after you’ve finished.