spirals & filigreeD o n n a K r a i D m a n

Seed-bead ropes can be used for more than just necklace straps for a pendant. Here, Donna uses sections of russian spiral as components that complement the antique copper chain, beads, and filigree.

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Copyright Beadwork® magazine, Interweave Press LLC. Not to be reprinted. All rights reserved.

techniques:: Russian spiral rope:: wireworking

Project LeveL

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For a simpler design, omit the pendant, diamond connectors, and some of the chain.

1) RoPe. Form a beaded rope using Russian spiral stitch:Round 1: Use 6' of thread to string 2A and 1B three times, leaving a 16" tail. Pass through all the beads again to form a tight circle; tie a knot with the working and tail threads to secure the circle. Pass through the first 2A. If desired, slide the ring over a dowel or pencil.

Round 2: String 1B and 2A. Pass through the next A from the previous round (Fig. 1). Repeat twice to add 6 more beads (Fig. 2). 

Rounds 3 and on: Repeat Round 2 (Fig. 3) until the rope measures about 3¼". Pass through the beads of the final round several times to reinforce. 

Eye pin: Slide the needle down the thread so it is now doubled. Weave through beads to exit from the second-to-last round. Pass through  1 eye pin twice, then pass through a bead on the opposite side of the second-to-last round from inside the rope to the outside (Fig. 4). Pull snug to center the eye pin. Pass through an adjacent bead, the eye pin, and a bead on the opposite side of the 

Materials 8 g white-lined amber size 11° seed

beads (a)

10 g silver-lined opaque amber/mauve size 8° seed beads (B)

2 antique copper 10mm filigree rounds

2 antique copper 15×11mm filigree rondelles

2 antique copper 17×33mm diamond connectors with floral print

1 antique copper 41×36mm pendant

4 antique copper 9×2mm bead caps

1 antique copper 32×10mm hook- and-eye clasp

4 antique copper 2" eye pins

2 antique copper 4mm jump rings

4 antique copper 7mm jump rings

16" of antique copper 3.5×5mm curb chain

Smoke 6 lb braided beading thread

toolsScissorsSize 12 beading needleDowel or pencil (optional)

Finished size: 23"

ResouRCesCheck your local bead shop or contact: Chain: Fire mountain Gems and Beads, (800) 355-2137, www.firemountaingems.com. Seed beads: Jane’s Fiber & Beads, (888) 497-2665, www.janes fiberandbeads.com. “artist” pendant, “bead cap love” bead caps, “small bead” rounds, “diamond deco donut” diamonds, copper beads, and all other findings: Kabela Design, (610) 459-5816, www .kabeladesign.com. FireLine braided beading thread: FusionBeads.com, (888) 781-3559.

DoNNA KRAIDmAN is business and operations manager of the interweave art, Jewelry & Yarn Group. She has been beading for the last seven years and enjoys every minute. Coworkers are her greatest source of inspiration!

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Fig. 1: Taking the first stitch of Round 2

Fig. 2: Completing Round 2

Fig. 3: Completing Round 3

Fig. 4: Adding an eye pin

rope; repeat the thread path several times, stitch-ing the thread so the eye pin stays centered. Secure the thread and trim. Repeat this section to add an eye pin to Round 3 of the rope, using the tail thread.

Ends: Use one of the eye pins attached to the rope to string 1 bead cap (wide end first), 1A, and 1 filigree round; form a wrapped loop (Fig. 5). Use the eye pin on the other side of the rope to string 1 bead cap (wide end first), 1A, and 1 filigree rondelle; form a wrapped loop.

Repeat entire step to form a second rope. 

2) AssembLy. Use one 8" piece of chain to string 1 diamond connector; use one 7mm jump ring to connect the chain ends to one half of the clasp. Use one 7mm jump ring to connect the wrapped loop on the filigree-round end of the rope to the other side of the diamond connector. Use one 4mm jump ring to connect the rondelle end of the same rope to an opening in the top left of the pendant. Repeat entire step to form the other side of the necklace, using the remain-ing rope, the other half of the clasp, and connecting the rondelle end of the rope to an opening in the top right of the pendant. F

Fig. 5: Finishing the rope end

a r t i S t ’ S t i p S• The length of the finished piece is easily changed by changing the

length of the chain and/or the Russian spiral component.

• Make sure the loops of the eye pins are completely closed before attaching them to the ropes.