Retired - Carpe Diem Necklace

PROJECT N8072
Designer: Alexandra Smith
Skill Level: Intermediate
Four tones of 22 gauge wire are woven into an 8 warp kumihimo braid in this intricate yet minimalist necklace. The wirework braid transitions to flat cable chain using wrapped wire loops and capsule bead caps. A pewter TierraCast koi charm completes the design.
Instructions

Note: Components and tools listed within this INSTRUCTIONS box and the printer-friendly PDF, if available, may have been discontinued since this project was published. Refer to the PURCHASE COMPONENTS and TOOLS AND OTHER SUPPLIES sections for current availability.

These instructions will make a 17.5 inch necklace. To modify the size, adjust the amounts of wire used accordingly. If you are new to kumihimo, begin by watching our video: How to Make a Simple 8-Warp Kumihimo Braid Bracelet.
  1. Please watch the video: How to Make a Round Kumihimo Braid Using Wire. Based on the technique shown in the video, cut two 3 foot lengths of each of the following colors of 22 gauge wire: silver, gold, copper, hematite. Use pliers to bend the wires together at one end and attach your weight.
  2. Arrange the lengths of wire in your kumihimo disc in the following order: two copper wires on either side of the 32 dot at the top, two silver wires on either side of the 16 dot at the bottom, two hematite wires on either side of the 24 dot at the left, and two gold wires on either side of the 8 dot at the right.
  3. Create a 7 inch kumihimo wirework braid. Then remove your wires from the disc, twist them together to secure your braid, and clip the excess wire.
  4. Slide your bail onto the center of the braid.
  5. Using the wire wrapping technique shown in the video, finish off each end of your braid using capsule bead caps and wrapped wire loops.
  6. Now use pliers to separate two 5 inch lengths of cable chain. To do this, open a chain link the same way you would open a jump ring. Use an open chain link to attach one 5 inch chain onto the wrapped wire loop on one side of your braid. Close the link. Attach chain to the other side of the braid in this same manner.
  7. Open one end link of your chain, and slide on the loop of your clasp. Close the link. Repeat this step to attach a 6.5mm textured jump ring on the other side of your necklace.
  8. Finally, open a jump ring and attach your koi charm onto the loop of your slider bail. Close the jump ring.
  9. Enjoy your necklace!
WHAT YOU'LL NEED: (scroll down for purchase options)
  • WCR-2230 - Artistic Wire, Silver Plated Craft Wire 22 Gauge Thick, 8 Yard Spool, Tarnish Resistant Silver
    Project uses 6 feet. You will need 1 package.

  • WCR-2234 - Artistic Wire, Copper Craft Wire 22 Gauge Thick, 8 Yard Spool, Bare Copper
    Project uses 6 feet. You will need 1 package.

  • WNT-2233 - Wire Elements, Tarnish Resistant Gold Color Copper Wire, 22 Gauge 20 Yards (18.2 Meters)
    Project uses 6 feet. You will need 1 package.

  • WNT-2236 - Wire Elements, Tarnish Resistant Hematite Wire, 22 Gauge 20 Yards (18.2 Meters)
    Project uses 6 feet. You will need 1 package.

  • FCO-4058 - Silver Plated Large Slider Bail Front Ring (10)
    Project uses 1 piece. You will need 1 package.

  • FCL-2507 - Silver Plated Curved Lobster Clasps 10mm (10)
    Project uses 1 piece. You will need 1 package.

  • FJR-2070 - Nunn Design Antiqued Silver Plated Open Jump Rings Etched 6.5mm 17 Gauge (10)
    Project uses 2 pieces. You will need 1 package.

  • PND-5344 - TierraCast Fine Silver Plated Pewter Koi Japanese Fish Charm 17mm (1)
    Project uses 1 piece. You will need 1 package.

  • CHA-9809 - Nunn Design Antiqued Silver Plated Flat Cable Chain, 3.6mm, by The Foot
    Project uses 9.5 inches. You will need 1 package.

  • BMB-6151 - Capsule Bead Caps, with Flaps 7x6mm, 25 Pieces, Silver Plated
    Project uses 2 pieces. You will need 1 package.

RECOMMENDED TOOLS:
  • XTL-6095 - Beadsmith Lightweight Kumihimo Round Disc Disk For Japanese Braiding and Cording 35mm Hole
  • XTL-6108 - No Tangle Flexible Plastic Thread Bobbins For Kumihimo Or Macrame 2 1/2 Inch (8 Pack)
  • XTL-6063 - Gator Weight For Kumihimo Braiding - 1.6 Ounces (1)
  • XTL-100 - Micro Grip Pliers, Side Cutters, 4.5 Inches Long, 1 Piece
  • XTL-101 - Micro Grip Pliers, Long Chain Nose, 5 Inches Long, 1 Piece
  • XTL-104 - Micro Grip Pliers, Round Nose, 5 Inches Long, 1 Piece
  • XTL-4003 - Beadsmith Bead And Pearl Knotting Fine Point Steel Awl
  • XTL-9920 - Beadaholique Bead Mat, 12.5x9.25 Inches, 1 Piece
Additional Information
Theme Yoga
Ingredients WCR-2230, WCR-2234, WNT-2233, FCO-4058, FCL-2507, PND-5344, CHA-9809, BMB-6151,

Purchase Components

Purchase the components needed to make this project. Change quantities as needed to make multiple pieces. This project is RETIRED. Please review project instructions carefully—some items may no longer be available for this project and will not be listed below. Tip: Save this project to your wishlist to easily return to project instructions.
Artistic Wire, Silver Plated Craft Wire 22 Gauge Thick, Tarnish Resistant Silver (8 Yard Spool)
You will need 1 package(s).
1 package = 1 Spool.
$8.75 / Package | SKU: WCR-2230
Artistic Wire, Copper Craft Wire 22 Gauge Thick, Bare Copper (8 Yard Spool)
You will need 1 package(s).
1 package = 1 Spool.
$4.99 / Package | SKU: WCR-2234
Wire Elements, Tarnish Resistant Gold Color Copper Wire, 22 Gauge 20 Yards (18.2 Meters)
You will need 1 package(s).
1 package = 1 Spool.
$9.99 / Package | SKU: WNT-2233
Silver Plated Large Slider Bail Front Ring (10 pcs)
You will need 1 package(s).
1 package = 10 Pieces.
$5.29 / Package | SKU: FCO-4058
Lobster Clasps, Curved 10mm, Silver Plated (10 Pieces)
You will need 1 package(s).
1 package = 10 Pieces.
$6.99 / Package | SKU: FCL-2507
TierraCast Fine Silver Plated Pewter Koi Japanese Fish Charm 17mm (1 pcs)
You will need 1 package(s).
1 package = 1 Piece.
$1.49 / Package | SKU: PND-5344
Nunn Design Antiqued Silver Plated Flat Cable Chain, 3.6mm, by The Foot
You will need 1 package(s).
1 package = By the Foot.
$6.09 / Package | SKU: CHA-9809
Capsule Bead Caps, with Flaps 7x6mm, Silver Plated (25 Pieces)
You will need 1 package(s).
1 package = 25 Pieces.
$3.89 / Package | SKU: BMB-6151
Earn Reward Points Earn Reward Points with your purchase of project components or tools.

Tools and Other Supplies:

Gator Weight For Kumihimo Braiding - 1.6 Ounces (1 pcs)
Micro Grip Pliers, Long Chain Nose, 5 Inches Long (1 Piece)
Micro Grip Pliers, Round Nose, 5 Inches Long (1 Piece)
The Beadsmith Bead And Pearl Knotting Fine Point Steel Awl
Beadsmith Beading Mat, 12.5x9.25 Inches (1 Piece)
$7.97 / Package | SKU: XTL-9920

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