beadworkexclusive

spirals
& filigree
Donna Kraidman

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.

For a simpler design,

omit the pendant,
diamond connectors,
and some of the
chain.

techniques
:: Russian spiral rope
:: wireworking
Project Level

Copyright Beadwork® magazine, Interweave Press LLC. Not to be reprinted. All rights reserved. Beadwork        online      1 of 2
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).
Fig. 1: Taking
the first stitch of Fig. 2: Completing
Round 2 Round 2
Repeat Round 2 (Fig. 3)
Rounds 3 and on:
until the rope measures about 3¼".
Pass through the beads of the final
round several times to reinforce.
Fig. 3: Completing Round 3
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   side of the necklace, using the remain-
1 eye pin twice, then
pass through a bead on
the opposite side of the
Artist’s Tips
• 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.
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 Fig. 5: Finishing
(wide end first), 1A, the rope end
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
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
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
Tools
Scissors
Size 12 beading needle
Dowel or pencil (optional)
Finished size: 23"
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!

second-to-last round pendant. F

from inside the rope to
the outside (Fig. 4). Pull Resources
snug to center the eye Check your local bead shop or contact: Chain: Fire Mountain Gems and Beads, (800) 355-2137,
pin. Pass through an www.firemountaingems.com. Seed beads: Jane’s Fiber & Beads, (888) 497-2665, www.janes
adjacent bead, the eye fiberandbeads.com. “Artist” pendant, “bead cap love” bead caps, “small bead” rounds, “diamond
pin, and a bead on the Fig. 4: Adding an deco donut” diamonds, copper beads, and all other findings: Kabela Design, (610) 459-5816, www
eye pin .kabeladesign.com. FireLine braided beading thread: FusionBeads.com, (888) 781-3559.
opposite side of the

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