Retired - Dark 'N' Stormy

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.

1. Begin by cutting three lengths of beading wire 24" long.
2. Place a bead stopper about 4 inches from one end of one strand of beading wire. To this strand string on one pyrite bead followed by one gun metal bead. Repeat this pattern 13 times and end with one pyrite bead, so that on this strand you have a total of 14 pyrite beads strung. Add one more bead stopper to this strand at this end. Set this piece aside.
3. Take another piece of wire and place a bead stopper about 4 inches from one end. To this strand string on one pyrite bead followed by one gun metal bead. Repeat this pattern 12 times and end with one pyrite bead, so that on this strand you have a total of 13 pyrite beads strung. Add one more bead stopper to this strand at this end. Set this piece aside.
4. Take another piece of wire and place a bead stopper about 4 inches from one end. To this strand string on one lapis bead followed by one gun metal bead. Repeat this pattern 13 times and end with one lapis bead, so that on this strand you have a total of 14 lapis beads strung. Add one more bead stopper to this strand at this end. Set this piece aside.
5. Cut three lengths of chain, 44" each. Fold each in half so you have two sides with 22".
6. To assemble, take one strand reducer, and work from left to right using the side with 6 holes.
7. Open one jump ring and attach one length of chain at it's mid-point to the first hole on the strand reducer. Close the jump ring.
8. Take the beading wire with 14 pyrite beads strung and remove one bead stopper. String on one crimp tube. Thread the wire up thru the next hole in the strand reducer and back down thru the crimp tube. Pull snug and crimp the crimp tube. Add a crimp cover. Take the tail of the wire and thread it back thru the adjacent beads. Trim an excess wire.
9. On the next hole of the strand reducer, open one jump ring and attach one length of chain at it's mid-point. Close the jump ring.
10. Take the beading wire with 14 lapis beads strung and remove one bead stopper. String on one crimp tube. Thread the wire up thru the next hole in the strand reducer and back down thru the crimp tube. Pull snug and crimp the crimp tube. Add a crimp cover. Take the tail of the wire and thread it back thru the adjacent beads. Trim an excess wire.
11. On the next hole of the strand reducer, open one jump ring and attach one length of chain at it's mid-point. Close the jump ring.
12. Take the beading wire with 13 pyrite beads strung and remove one bead stopper. String on one crimp tube. Thread the wire up thru the next hole in the strand reducer and back down thru the crimp tube. Pull snug and crimp the crimp tube. Add a crimp cover. Take the tail of the wire and thread it back thru the adjacent beads. Trim an excess wire.
13. Now lay this piece out in front of you, separating the strands. Take all the strands and begin braiding and twisting and tangling them up. Work your way towards the other end.
14. Once you are done braiding, you will repeat the above process to attach these twisted ends to the second strand reducer in the same manner. Note that for the chain you will just be bringing the two ends of the chain together. You may need to trim the chain using your flush cutters. It's okay if they are different lengths you are really just trying to get the braiding to lay nicely when worn.
15. For the clasp, cut two lengths of chain 2.5" each.
16. Open one jump ring and attach it to one piece of chain and to one strand reducer. Close the jump ring. Repeat with the other length of chain and the second stand reducer.
17. To the other end of this chain open another jump ring and attach the chain to the large oval jump ring that comes with your clasp. Close the jump ring. Repeat with the other length of chain and the second oval jump ring.
18. Attach your clasp and you're all done!

• SPPY-201 - Pyrite Gemstone Beads, Smooth Ovals 15x30mm, 4 Pieces, Gold
  Project uses 27 pieces. You will need 7 packages.


• SPLL-40 - Lapis Lazuli Grade A Long Oval Gemstone Beads 14.5x30mm (2)
  Project uses 14 pieces. You will need 7 packages.


• BMB-5072 - Gun Metal Plated 3mm Round Metal Beads (100)
  Project uses 38 pieces. You will need 1 package.


• FJR-5167 - Gun Metal Plated Open Jump Rings 6mm 18 Gauge (50)
  Project uses 10 pieces. You will need 1 package.


• FCL-1663 - Large Oval Lobster Clasp, with 2 Jump Rings 20x15mm, 1 Set, Gun Metal Plated
  Project uses 1 piece. You will need 1 package.


• FCO-9233 - TierraCast Antiqued Lead-Free Pewter 6-Hole Strand Reducer 7.5x19.5mm (2)
  Project uses 2 pieces. You will need 1 package.


• FCR-1083 - Gun Metal Brass Fluted Crimp Bead Covers 4mm (144)
  Project uses 6 pieces. You will need 1 package.


• FCR-1255 - Beadsmith Black Ox / Gunmetal Crimp Tube Beads 2x2mm (100)
  Project uses 6 pieces. You will need 1 package.


• CHA-9688 - Gunmetal Steel Flat Link Cable Chain 4.3mm - Bulk By The Foot
  Project uses 12 Feet. You will need 12 packages.


• XCR-5193 - Soft Flex, 49 Strand Medium Beading Wire .019 Inch Thick, 30 Feet, Satin Silver
  Project uses 6 Feet. You will need 1 package.

• XTL-5608 - Xuron 4 In 1 Crimping Pliers - Works On 1, 2 And 3mm Crimps!
• XTL-5600 - Xuron Sharp Flush Cutter Pliers - Wire/Soft Flex
• XTL-5511 - Beadsmith Jeweller's Micro Pliers Chain Nose Flat Nose
• XTL-3000 - Bead Stopper- Stop Beads Sliding Off Stringing Material