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• Classy • Crafty • Quirky • (Classy Jewelry, Quirky Crafts)

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z.Chainmail Cross – How To

by Filed Under: CREATIONS, Handmade Crosses, HOW TO, Rosaries/Crosses

I was constantly running out of crosses once I started making my own rosaries. So I thought figure out how to make some of my own handmade crosses (in 2011).  Here is a succinct how-to on making some chainmail crosses.

 

A. Handmade Crosses – Wire Wrapped and Chainmail Cross

Wire Wrapped and ChainMail Cross

I used Byzantine weave to first create the chainmail cross. I am not sure if I should still call it the Byzantine Weave as I modified it by making it a tight Byzantine weave.  It then has more solidity and rigidity. (For more information, see B. ChainMail Cross below).

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z.Pearl and Crystal Rosary

by Filed Under: CREATIONS, Rosaries/Crosses

This handmade crystal rosary is made with clear Swarovski crystals and Swarovski pearls.  The cross is also handmade from the same clear Swarovski crystals with a genuine Swarovski headpin.  The headpin is topped with a clear Swarovski crystal, giving a shiny sparkle at the bottom of the cross.

The two photos below show a full view of the crystal rosary.  This rosary has a purity that is both soothing and cleansing.

Swarovski Crystal Rosary

Swarovski Crystal Rosary (CH0196)

 

Crystal Rosay - full view

Crystal Rosary – full view

 

Handmade Crystal Cross

Swarovski crystal headpin is used to give strength as well as an extra sparkle to the end of the cross.  I have only used closed jump rings for reliable security.

Handmade Crystal Cross

Handmade Crystal Cross

 

Details of Connections and Links

7mm wire is used (silver plated over brass).  Close jumprings are 7mm, outer diameter with a 1.2mm gauge.

Crystal Rosary - links

Crystal Rosary – links

 

Rosary Center

I used a Swarovski metal filigree as the rosary center.

Swarovski rosary center

Swarovski rosary center

 

More Detailed Photos of the Pearl and Crystal Rosary

 

Materials Used

  • Swarovski Crystals – clear, 6mm
  • Swarovski Pearls – White, 6mm
  • Swarovski Round Filigree – clear crystal
  • Wire – silver plated over brass, 7mm dia
  • Jump rings (closed) – silver plated over brass, 7mm outer diameter with 1.2mm wire gauge

 

 

z.Hematite Rosary and Cross (CH0216)

by Filed Under: CREATIONS, Rosaries/Crosses

Handmade Hematite Rosary and Cross

A hematite rosary is especially valued for its soothing, calming, and healing qualities.  It is the hematite gemstone that is said to inherently possess and exude these qualities.  Because of or quite apart from these metaphysical qualities, I must say that there is an undeniably soothing to hold a hematite rosary in one’s hand. Here, this is enhanced by the polished surface and smooth roundness of the hematite beads.

Handmade hematite rosary

Handmade hematite rosary (CH0216)

 

Materials Used

  • polished round hematite beads (4mm, 6mm)
  • double-sided rosary center (Sacred Heart, Virgin Mary) in alloy metal
  • wire (silver plated over brass; Lead and Nickel Free)
  • headpins (silver plated over copper)

 

Double-Sided Rosary Center

 

Handmade Hematite Cross

The cross here is made with wire coiling and wire wrapping.  I rather love the uncomplicated simplicity of this cross.  It is probably one of the easiest custom handmade crosses to create.

 

 

I intend to make more of these.  Not the same of course.  But definitely a hematite rosary.  I love the calming feel of them.

Created: Oct 2011

Addendum 01 Jan 2021

In response to a reader’s query, this is the finding I used as the horizontal cross bar for this Hematite rosary.  It is strong and sturdy, 22-23mm (just less than 1 inch across), and features a single hole in the center.  I am sorry, this was so long ago that I don’t remember who the supplier was.  I suspect it was BeadSmith but I can’t be sure.

 

 

 

 

zz.Loop and Bead Clasp Tutorial

by Filed Under: Finishing Techniques, HOW TO, Knotting Techniques

This loop and bead clasp tutorial is an easy way to give your jewelry piece a customized, unique and matching finish.  This technique is especially ideal if you have used decorative knotting in your piece.

You can refer to the basic how to tie the reef knot or the beaded jewelry with square knots for a refresher on knotting techniques for jewelry making.

 

How to Make Your Own Loop and Bead Clasp for a Unique Finish

 

Customized loop and bead clasp

Customized loop and bead clasp

 

This Loop and Bead Clasp tutorial comes in two parts: the Bead Clasp at one end, and the Loop at the other end.
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zz.Beaded Jewelry with Square Knots

by Filed Under: Beading Tips Techniques, HOW TO, Knotting Techniques

Fun tutorial on how to easily use reef or square knots in a simple beaded jewelry piece.  Follow along and have fun.

If you need to, have a quick refresher on how to tie a square knot (aka reef knot). You will get the hang of it very easily and then everything that follows here will be so much easier as well.

Desired Finished Beaded Jewelry with Band of Reef Knots

Beaded Jewelry Reef Knot Strand

Reef Knot Beaded Jewelry

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