Jewelry Making

DIY Jewelry, Beads And Patterns

Madeby Sam Giveaway

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MadeBy Sam jewelry is well known for their bridal selection which features
beautiful jewelery for the bride and bridesmaids. One of the favorite things
about their shop is that they do custom orders and special designs for
customers.

All of their jewelry pieces are handmade with sterling silver or 14k gold filled with the finest hand selected gemstones and unique metal components.

SUMMER SALE UP TO 30 PERCENT OFF

WIN WIN WIN

Thanks to Madeby Sam we have 2 beautiful pieces to give away.

For your chance to win the the custom made initial Orchids bracelet and matching earrings below simply visit the etsy stores www.madebysam.etsy.com and www.sammi84.etsy.com and tell us which piece is your favorite. The initial you want on the bracelet and which stone you would like.

For extra Entries: follow them on Facebook here

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Special offer: They are offering CraftGossip Readers  a FREE GIFT with every purchase $40 or more. Simply mention “craftgossip giveaway” in the notes to seller during they check out to receive the free gift. . The promotion apply on all our shops here

www.madebysam.etsy.com

www.sammi84.etsy.com

www.madebysam2.etsy.com
Also, we do combine shipping on all 3 shops. The extra shipping fee
will be refund through Paypal after purchase .

Competition Closes – September 1st

Competition Open – Worldwide

Comments

  1. Oh my goodness! I love this jewelry! I especially like the Peridot gold leaf pear lotus petal ear wires. I would like the initial L and the red garnet stone. Beautiful!

    Admin- CONGRATULATIONS LISA YOU HAVE BEEN SELECTED AS THE WINNER

  2. WOW, that’s pretty! That Orchids bracelet is my favorite but I also love the Apple green chrysoprase , salmond pink coral silver chanderlier earrings!

    I would like the initial C and the persian turquoise stone.

  4. I love the LIMITED EDITION – BLUE PERUVIAN OPAL and silver fern leaf- sterling silverLariat!

    I would get initial D and amethyst stone if I had to pick one! 🙂

  7. I’m in LOVE with all items and have both pages bookmarked as favorites on my etsy site. As a bride to be, I will likely be ordering my bridesmaid gifts from them, as well as my own jewelry (unless I win).

    My favorite piece is currently the (copied title) SILVER orchid, inital disc ,IOLITE BLUE QUARTZ on STERLING SILVER CHAIN -NECKLACE -CUSTOM INITIAL AND STONE.

    So VERY beautiful and elegant! Love them all!

  8. The Gold rutilated Mint leaf 14k gold filled chain Long necklace ( 40 inches ) is GORGEOUS and if I won the above set I would like the pearl and M initial.

  9. i love all of this jewelry! it’s so gorgeous!!
    my favorites, if i must, are the golden orchid necklace and the silver monogrammed initial necklace. or, any of the other beautiful pieces!

    i would like the initial “c” and the champagne mystic quartz if i’m lucky enough to win! thank you!!

  10. Beautiful! It’s so hard to pick a favorite piece…it’s all fantastic. I do love the Bare Leaf necklace w/initial & stone. I’d choose a ‘B’ and Carnelian stone. Lovely!

  11. I love the turquoise and golde circles earrings! They are absolutely gorgeous!!! I would like pearl with the inital L. The pearls with these golden flowers are stunning.

  12. I luv all these designs-great designs & craftmanship! The Silver Orchid Necklace is my favorite – Soooo beautiful!

  14. PERIDOT, COIN PEARL ,INITIAL DISC IN 14K GOLD FILLED NECKLACE is my favorite. Love those coin pearls. I would choose the coin pearl and the inital R

  16. I’m torn…I think I would go for the coin pearl earrings in silver (though I’m loving the Tree of Life necklace and Vine Earrings as well!!). I’d go for a rose quartz and the initial ‘V’, please!

  17. I love the BLUE KYANITE , SILVER INITIAL LEAF, PEARL NECKLACE IN STERLING SILVER. Everything in the stores is beautiful. I would choose a blue stone.

  18. I LOVE the LIMITED EDITION – BLUE PERUVIAN OPAL!
    I would choose the initial K and persian turquoise!
    Thanks so much for a chance to win!!! Beautiful stuff!

  19. I just love the flowing organic quality of this jewelry. While I like to rotate the jewelry I wear, I have one ring that I never take off (not a wedding ring) and it has the same close-to-nature feel as these pieces. My fave is the silver orchid necklace with the iolite blue quartz…so elegant! My extremely close 2nd fave is the silver lotus. I love eastern design, as well. Anyway, if I’m lucky enough to win, I’d love the iolite blue quartz and I’d actually prefer not to have an initial attached. Thanks so much for the opportunity to see this amazing jewelry and the chance to win something so lovely!

  21. My favorite piece is the Spring Garden necklace. My pick would be chrysoprase and the letter ‘A’!

  23. My absolute favorite thing on their site is the HALO – PINK TOPAZ ON 14K GOLD FILLED AND VERMEIL – LARIAT AND LONG NECKLACE. I would like an S initial on the bracelet with an amethyst stone. Thanks for the giveaway!

  24. fave: Golden orchid, gold inital disc , champagne mystic quartz on 14K GOLD FILLED CHAIN -NECKLACE (ALSO AVAILABLE IN SILVER)
    stone: peridot
    initial: d
    xoxoxo

  25. Very cool designs. I really like the Sealife Infinity bracelet. I love the ocean and would like the iolite stone with the letter V. I think these would make great gifts.

  26. I really like the Tree Of LIfe Aqua Earrings.
    I like the tones in the Bicolor Quartz and with the Letter T.

  28. I love everything, but especially the bright orange carnelian and golden orchid 14k gold filled lariat. Gorgeous!

  29. Everything is absolutely exquisite… I simply can’t pick what I like best!! The stone I would choose would be my birthstone – garnet and my initial ‘m’.

  30. Whaa so pretty! I like the “SEA LIFE -CUSTOM INITIAL AND STONE – STERLING SILVER STARFISH ,INITIAL SILVER DISC ,AQUA CHALCEDONY, PEARL , – STERLING SILVER NECKLACE”

    I had 3 others I really liked, but since I can only choose one, this one is my pick for the best.

    Initial: A
    Gemstone: Rose Quartz

  31. Frpm the 1st website I like Crescent Moon Earrings. From the 2nd website I like Coin Pearl Earrings.

    Initial: M

    Gemstone: Iotile Blue

    melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com

  32. I love the custom initial jewelry from the first website. On the second website I like any or all of the pearl jewelry. I would like the initial K and the stone topaz. Thank you!

  33. I love the Aqua and Gold leaf Double layer 14k gold filled Necklace from sammi84 and from Madebysam2 i love HOT PINK CHALCEDONY Earrings -custom stone

    i would love the inital N and the hot pink 1 gem

  38. I love the citrine, labradorite and vermeil earrings!!! I also like the three lariat with turquoise. I think they would both be great additions to my jewelry wardrobe! I would choose a K because I am getting married soon and it will be my new last name with a pearl for my June birthday!!!

  39. I like any color or design.

    My favorite stones are Turquoise and my initial is T
    I love to be surprised and all the artwork by Sam is lovely so I wouldn’t be picky! Keep creating those remarkable works of wearable art.

  40. I’m in love with Red garnet gold chandelier earrings.
    My favorite stone is Turquoise blue chal and my favorite initial is A!!!!

  41. Cute alert!

    CUSTOM STONE – GREEN CHRYSOPRASE , GOLD LEAF, PEARL LOTUS PETAL EAR WIRES

    I would like a J with champagne quartz.

  42. I like the CUSTOM INITIAL AND STONE -INITIAL DISC ,PEARL , SILVER LEAF -NECKLACE IN STERLING SILVER. The initial I’d use would be RH. Or at least R.

  44. I love the orchid & leaf earrings! I’d get D as my initial, and peridot since it’s my birthstone and I so rarely find it in jewelry that I like as much as this stuff.

  45. I like the orchids necklace in silver. If I win, I’d like a J as the initial with the emerald.

  47. I LOVE the Sparkling CITRINE rhinestones studs. They’re so bold! I would have the initial C with the bi-color quartz. 🙂

  48. Ack, I had a hard time deciding. I like the Gold rutilated Mint leaf 14k gold filled chain Long necklace but I also really love it in the Black rutilated quartz ,silver leaf in sterling silver -Long necklace. I think the orchid bracelets are great too.
    The initial I would love is W with a light amethyst.

Have you read?

How To Make A Simple Beaded Necklace Without A Clasp

If you love the idea of making your own necklace but feel a little nervous about clasps, crimp beads and fiddly findings, this simple beaded necklace without a clasp is a perfect beginner project.

A no-clasp necklace is exactly what it sounds like: a necklace long enough to slip over your head, finished with a secure knot instead of a clasp. It is relaxed, easy to wear, and wonderfully beginner-friendly.

This is a great project for using larger beads, wooden beads, clay beads, gemstone chips or leftover beads from other handmade jewelry projects. It is also a good option if your hands do not love tiny clasps, or if you are making jewelry for someone who prefers easy on-and-off accessories.

If you are ready to try clasped jewellery later, you can move on to this simple beaded necklace tutorial for beginners or learn the finishing basics in how to use crimp beads without ruining your necklace.

Why Make A Necklace Without A Clasp?

A no-clasp beaded necklace is one of the easiest necklace styles to make because you do not need crimp beads, jump rings or a clasp.

It is ideal for:

  • beginners
  • quick handmade gifts
  • kids’ dress-up jewellery with supervision
  • boho-style necklaces
  • long layering necklaces
  • wooden bead necklaces
  • large statement beads
  • craft group projects

The only important rule is length. The necklace must be long enough to slip comfortably over the head.

Supplies You Will Need

To make a no-clasp beaded necklace, you will need:

  • Beads of your choice
  • Strong cord or elastic cord
  • Scissors
  • Measuring tape
  • Bead stopper, clip or tape
  • Clear jewelry glue, optional
  • Large-hole bead to hide the knot, optional

Good cord options include nylon cord, waxed cotton cord, leather cord, satin cord or strong elastic cord. Choose a cord that suits the weight and style of your beads.

Choosing The Best Beads

No-clasp necklaces work especially well with beads that have larger holes, because you may need to pass the cord through easily and hide the knot.

Good bead options include:

  • wooden beads
  • acrylic beads
  • clay beads
  • large glass beads
  • ceramic beads
  • gemstone chips
  • pony beads
  • paper beads
  • macrame beads

If you are using tiny seed beads, a clasped necklace may be easier and neater. For seed bead jewelry, see this beaded bracelet tutorial for beginners as a good starting point.

How Long Should A No-Clasp Necklace Be?

A no-clasp necklace needs to fit over the head, so it is usually longer than a standard necklace.

A good beginner length is around 28 to 32 inches. This length usually slips over the head easily and sits nicely as a long necklace.

As a guide:

Necklace LengthBest For
24 inchesMay fit over some heads, but can be snug
28 inchesGood short slip-over length
30 inchesComfortable long necklace length
32 inchesEasy slip-over necklace
36 inches+Rope-style necklace or layering

If in doubt, test the length with string before cutting your cord. Wrap it into a loop and make sure it slips over your head comfortably.

You can also check the necklace length guide for handmade jewelry makers for more help with choosing the right size.

Step 1: Plan Your Necklace Design

Lay your beads out on a bead board, towel or table mat.

For a beginner design, keep it simple. You can use all one type of bead or create a repeating pattern.

Try these easy patterns:

  • wooden bead, spacer, wooden bead
  • three small beads, one large bead
  • neutral bead mix with one centre pendant
  • rainbow beads in colour order
  • gemstone chips with metal spacer beads
  • clay beads in soft seasonal colours

If using a focal bead, place it in the centre and build the design out from there.

Step 2: Cut The Cord

Cut your cord longer than your finished necklace length. Add at least 6 to 8 inches extra so you have enough cord to tie the knot.

For a 30-inch necklace, cut around 38 inches of cord.

You can trim the extra later, but you cannot add it back once it is cut. That is one of those crafting lessons we only need to learn the hard way once.

Step 3: Secure One End

Place tape, a bead stopper or a small clip on one end of the cord to keep beads from sliding off.

If your cord frays, you can wrap the end with a tiny piece of tape to make threading easier.

Step 4: String The Beads

Thread the beads onto the cord in your chosen pattern.

If the bead holes are snug, twist the cord gently as you push it through. Do not force delicate beads, especially glass or ceramic beads, as they may crack.

Check the length as you go by carefully forming the necklace into a loop.

Step 5: Test The Fit

Before tying the knot, test the necklace length.

Hold both cord ends together and slip the necklace over your head. Make sure it goes on comfortably and sits where you want it to.

If it is too short, add more beads. If it is too long, remove a few beads before tying.

Step 6: Tie A Secure Knot

Bring both ends of the cord together and tie a strong knot.

The best knot depends on your cord type. For many cords, a square knot or surgeon’s knot works well. If using elastic cord, use a secure stretch bracelet-style knot and add a tiny dot of jewelry glue.

Pull the knot firmly and check that it holds.

Step 7: Hide The Knot

If possible, slide the knot inside a large-hole bead. This makes the necklace look neater and protects the knot from wear.

If the knot will not fit inside a bead, place it at the back of the necklace and trim the cord ends neatly once the glue is dry.

Step 8: Check The Finished Necklace

Before wearing, check:

  • the necklace slips over the head easily
  • the knot is secure
  • the beads move comfortably
  • no sharp bead edges rub the cord
  • the necklace sits evenly
  • the knot is hidden or tidy

If the necklace feels too heavy, consider removing some beads or using lighter materials.

Easy No-Clasp Necklace Variations

Wooden Bead Necklace

Use large wooden beads for a natural boho-style necklace. This works beautifully with linen, denim and casual outfits.

Long Pearl-Style Necklace

Use faux pearls or lightweight pearl beads to make a long slip-over necklace. Choose a 30 to 36-inch length for an elegant layered look.

Chunky Statement Necklace

Use larger beads in a simple colour palette. Keep the pattern clean so the necklace feels stylish rather than chaotic.

Kids’ Craft Necklace

Use large plastic, wooden or pony beads with elastic cord for a supervised craft project. Make sure beads are age-appropriate and avoid small parts for young children.

Upcycled Bead Necklace

Take apart an old necklace and reuse the beads in a new no-clasp design. For another clever remake idea, see this bracelet made from upcycled necklaces.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Making The Necklace Too Short

A no-clasp necklace must fit over the head. Always test the length before knotting.

Using Weak Cord

Heavy beads need strong cord. Thin thread may snap under the weight.

Forgetting To Hide The Knot

A visible knot is not the end of the world, but hiding it inside a bead gives a neater finish.

Using Beads With Sharp Holes

Sharp bead holes can wear through cord. Check rough beads before stringing.

Cutting The Cord Too Close

Leave a little tail until the knot is secure and glue is fully dry.

How To Style A No-Clasp Beaded Necklace

A long no-clasp necklace is easy to wear. It works nicely with plain tops, linen shirts, dresses, tunics and simple knitwear.

Try:

  • one long necklace over a plain tee
  • two no-clasp necklaces layered together
  • a wooden bead necklace with neutral outfits
  • a colourful bead necklace with denim
  • a pearl-style necklace for handmade gifting

No-clasp necklaces are also useful for people who find small clasps difficult. That makes them a practical handmade gift as well as a pretty one.

More Beginner Jewelry Projects

Once you have made a no-clasp necklace, try making matching earrings with any leftover beads using this beaded earrings tutorial or practise with this wire necklace tutorial.

This is a simple project, but it is a good reminder that handmade jewelry does not need to be complicated to be wearable. Sometimes a length of cord, a handful of beads and a good knot are all you need.