Make a convertible bracelet/necklace by Julie D’Amico-Beres Wear an eclectic mix of beads as a bracelet or as a necklace —connecting a chain extender will double your options. This project provides the perfect opportunity to use leftover beads, so feel free to combine various shapes and colors.

• 1 To make a bead unit: On a head pin, string one to three beads. Make a wrapped loop (Basics). Make a total of 11 bead units, including top-drilled bead units.

• 2 To make a top-drilled bead unit:Cut a 3-in. (7.6cm) piece of wire.String a top-drilled bead and make a set of wraps (Basics). Make a wrapped loop above the wraps.

 

• 3 Decide how long you want your bracelet to be, and cut a piece of chain to that length. Open a jump ring (Basics) and attach the largest bead unit to the center link.Close the jump ring. On each side of the center, use jump rings to attach a bead unit to every fourth or fifth link.

 

• 4 On one end, use a jump ring to attach the loop half of a clasp.On the other end, use a jump ring to attach the bar half of a clasp.

• 5 Decide how long you want your necklace to be. (The pastel-colored necklace is 17 in./43cm; the boldcolored necklace, shown as a bracelet, is 19 in./48cm.) Subtract the length of the bracelet, and cut a piece of chain to that length. Repeat step 4.To wear the piece as a necklace, attach the loop end of the extender chain and the bar end of the bracelet. On the other side, attach the bar end of the extender chain and the loop end of the bracelet.

DESIGN TIPS • To make a fairy bead unit: On a head pin, string a 9mm drop crystal, a 14mm fairy-wing bead, and a 4mm round crystal. Make a wrapped loop. • To make an angel bead unit: On a head pin, string a 6mm rondelle, a 6mm bicone crystal, a 20mm angel-wing bead, and a 6mm bicone crystal. Make a wrapped loop.