Description
So, back in the Autumn, I was playing around with some new beads. I also happened to be enjoying ITV’s lovely adaptation of the novel, ‘Vanity Fair’. The two unrelated facts came together to create my Vanity Fair necklace!
The Story Behind my Vanity Fair Necklace
I had managed to create a motif that I liked. But I wasn’t sure what I would do with it. Then, along comes Episode 6 of the series and Becky Sharp, the main character, was gifted a stunning diamond necklace. (You can see it in this still from the series on the ITV website). Suddenly, I could see just what I needed to do with my motifs…
As you will see, my little motif is not at all like the glittering diamonds of Becky’s necklace. But I found myself inspired by the style. So, in keeping with that, I also used ribbon, rather than a metal clasp, to fasten the necklace. This would have been true to jewellery of the early nineteenth century. But you can use a more conventional clasp if you prefer.
Materials
Your Vanity Fair Necklace requires the following materials:
- Kos beads
- Superduos
- size 11 delicas
- 4mm pearls
- 5x16mm dagger beads
- 5mm wide ribbon
- Your choice of beading thread
All these materials (apart from the ribbon) came from the Beadsmith. In fact, I designed this necklace as part of my work for the Beadsmith Inspiration Squad. So, you can check my beading supplies for materials. Or you should also be able to find them in any bead shop that stocks Beadsmith products.
You can also have fun choosing different colour schemes for this project. I have included the colours that I used, but this would look lovely in any colouring.
Experience and Techniques
As you make your Vanity Fair Necklace, you are mostly going to be stringing beads. So, whether that is stringing the shaped seed beads to create the motifs, or assembling the necklace, the technique is the same.
I used a tiny bit of basic even count peyote to make the clasp.
The pattern takes you through all the steps in detail. I have also included lots of diagrams. So, you should be able to make this necklace whatever your level of experience.
