Almost Instant Nrvklace

It's been awhile since I posted a jewelry project, mostly because my jewelry supplies are in a big messy pile.  Honestly, it takes me so long to find the right beads that I sometimes give up before I start.  Recently, I discovered some Jesse James Beads in 7" strands which were color coordinated and varied in shapes, sizes, and materials (ceramic, stone, and crystal).  I decided on a delightful strand called 'vanilla' and with the addition of a few crystal bi-cones (in 4mm black and 5mm copper) I formed an 11" strand on copper colored beading wire. Loops were formed on both ends of the wire and fastened with crimp beads which were covered with copper crimp covers.  Each looped end of the strand was attached to two 3-1/2" lengths of chain (Sweet Beads Fundamentals) with jump rings and the clasp was connected to the ends of the chain.  The length of the chains were determined by subtracting the 11" from the total desired length of the necklace which in this case was 18".  I was very pleased with this necklace because it was quick to assemble, not as heavy as an all-bead necklace would be, and created at a low cost because an assortment of beads were obtained in one strand.  If you are an experience or novice beader, I think you will appreciate the look of the Jesse James Bead strands ($6.99 at Ben Franklin Crafts....what a bargain!)  Making jewelry is fun when you can whip up a piece in less than an hour and it costs you less than ones on the 75% off rack. Give it a try!