june at noon

Really, I’m not. I’ve never before had an interest in making jewelry. But when I saw this video tutorial for a crocheted necklace, I had to try it.

People, this might be the coolest thing you can make in less than an hour! It’s a simple series of crochet chains with beads slipped in. Make three strands, braid them together, add a closure, and—bam!

This was made with 26 gauge (I think) wire and glass beads that I already had in my supplies. The wire holds the shape as you twist it into loops, so it’s very easy to work with.

I also made a couple of necklaces with a wire that is more thread-like, which made a more delicate chain but also did not hold its shape and so was a little slippery to work. For the set below, I also crocheted around two metal rings to make a matching set of earrings.

I instantly thought of several people who would look great in this style necklace, which led to the idea of making jewelry sets for Christmas gifts. That led me into a brief foray in the world of jewelry making. I ended up also making a couple of this pattern for those with simpler tastes.

I enjoyed choosing the colors and styles that best suited the personalities of the recipients—flashy, trendy pieces for the fashionista and demure, elegant pieces for the sophisticate, a vintage/modern mix for someone with like tastes and something a little ritzy for the glamour gal.

In all, I made seven sets of necklaces and earrings. (You can see all of them individually on my flickr page.) Two of the sets also included bracelets.

I found the “mechanics” of the process—twisting wire, adding crimp beads, snipping wires—soothing in a very methodical kind of way. And to be able to turn out something so satisfying in such a short time was the perfect fit for my “simple but fancy” gift theme for this year.

I’m contemplating making a few pieces for myself. But no, I’m not a jewelry maker. ;)