DIY Bead Necklace Using Nail Polish

I’ve always been a fan of simple wood bead necklaces. They seem to go with any outfit – whether casual or a little dressy – and they always provide that bit of ‘boho’ vibe that I adore. So today, I thought I’d share this simple bead necklace. It is easy to create and, best of all, uses up some of that extra nail polish that always seems to accumulate! While not a typical craft you see on this blog, after sharing it over at the lovely lifestyle blog, Pastels and Macarons, I thought you all might enjoy it, too! This project takes about 1 hour to complete and is a great craft to do on your own, with the kiddos or with your crafty friends on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Let’s get started!

MATERIALS

Wood beads
Nail polish
1mm width cotton or silk beading cord
Two 1/4″ compression sleeves (the small, copper tubes just to the right of the beads above)
Skewer
Washi tape
Toothpick (not pictured)
Glue (E6000 is a great choice for jewelry crafts)
Scissors
Two sets of pliers (round nose and flat nose)
Jewelry findings:
- Two 1mm jump rings
- Two end caps to fit 1mm beading cord
- One ‘lobster claw’ clasp

STEPS

Step 1: Paint Beads

The simplest way to paint these beads is by taking a skewer and sliding each wood bead through. Wrap tape between each bead to keep them in place.

Taking the nail polish, begin painting each bead. Start with a layer of white before applying the other colours. Wood absorbs quite a bit so it’s a good idea to apply a base coat first. (If you don’t have white, then be prepared to paint on a few coats of your coloured nail polish).

Let dry.

Once the white coat has dried, apply your colours. I chose soft pastels and whites. Apply two coats. Let dry between applications. Remove the washi tape.

Step 2: Prepare Necklace

First, cut your beading cord to the desired length. Slide the painted beads through. I added copper embellishments that were actually 1/4″ compression sleeves that I picked up at our local hardware store. Place one at either end of the string of beads.

To prepare the closure of the necklace, pick up one end of the cord and one end cap. (End caps are used to cover the tips of any soft stringing materials used in necklace or bracelet crafts).

Add a bit of glue inside the end cap using a toothpick.

Slide the cord into the end cap.

Repeat these steps on the other end of your cord, attaching the second end cap the same way. Let dry.

Next, using pliers, open each of the two jump rings. [Jump rings are used to attach or connect one element (like a chain or end cap) to another (like a clasp)].

Tip: A jump ring is made of wire shaped into a circle that is soldered shut at the two points that close the circle. To open it find the point at which the two ends meet. Gently open sideways making sure that the ring retains it’s ‘c’ shape. If you pry open a jump ring any other way, it may be difficult to retain its circular shape once you close it up again.

Slide each opened jump ring through the loops at the top end of each end cap.

Close up one of the two jump rings.

Next, attach the lobster claw clasp to the jump ring that is still open.

Close up the second jump ring.

And that’s it! Now you have a unique and pretty wood bead necklace to wear!

If you are looking for a chic and pretty necklace idea, I hope you give this one a try. With this handmade piece, there are so many possibilities to personalize it with your choice of colours and embellishments. And once you’re done, you’ll have a unique, handmade necklace to add to any outfit.