Beadwork, August/September 2018 Fast & Fabulous: Tassels
From elegant and demure to big and bold, the tassels in these nine projects showcase the many different looks that leather, chain, cord, and fabric can lend to your jewelry designs. Find this collection today in Beadwork August/September 2018.
One Hot Night in Rio by Fernando Dasilva
Add a little vibrancy to your wardrobe with fall’s most desirable hue. Assemble cup-chain bracelets filled with orange and red crystals, then combine with leather and a premade tassel for a necklace that wows!
Techniques:
Gluing
Stone setting
Simple wireworking
Materials:
21 hyacinth 8mm crystal chatons
15 scarlet 8mm crystal chatons
1 gold-plated 8mm faux-stone charm for cup-chain bracelets
6 gold-plated 6mm jump rings
1 gold-plated 20mm ring
2 gold-plated 7mm glue-in leather cord ends
1 orange 4″ tassel
3 gold 8.5mm 15-setting open cup-chain bracelets
41/2′ of metallic gold 2mm round leather cord
41/2′ of red 2mm round leather cord
3′ of brown round leather cord
Jewelry adhesive
Tools:
2 pairs of chain- or flat-nose pliers
Nylon-jaw pliers
Scissors
Finished size: 28″ (with 71/2″ focal)
Option: Use similar techniques to make matching earrings.
FERNANDO DASILVA is a jewelry designer, published author, and trendsetter, as well as an avid cook. His designs have been featured on Women’s Wear Daily and in Harper’s Bazaar. Follow Glamnando on Instagram to chart his bold style.
Falling Rain by Sandra Lupo
Create a tassel that sways as you move by making a custom cone with sterling silver wire and attaching beaded chain and a sparkling crystal.
Technique:
Wireworking
Materials:
1 crystal silver night 8mm crystal bicone
1 sterling silver 24″ beaded chain necklace with attached clasp
36″ of sterling silver 1.6mm beaded cable chain with 3mm beads
12″ of sterling silver 26-gauge wire
36″ of sterling silver 18-gauge wire
Tools:
Wire cutters
Cone mandrel tool set
Round-nose pliers
Chain-nose pliers
Bent-nose pliers
Liver of sulfur (optional; for custom wire cone)
Finished size: 23 1/2″ (with 4″ focal)
Option: Use similar techniques to make matching earrings.
SANDRA LUPO is a New Jersey artist who teaches at bead shops, museums, and Bead Fest events. She also creates instructional videos and contributes how-to projects to various publications. As an inventor, Sandra is excited to share her designs, instructions, and demos based on her Conetastic Cone Mandrel Tool Set and accessories. Watch some of her videos and contact her at www.sandsstones.com.
Sparkle & Swing by Erica Stice
Sterling silver is beautiful on its own, but a few offset cubic zirconias and a tassel really make it sparkle. Use jump rings to connect all the components together for super-easy assembly.
Technique:
Simple wireworking
Materials:
3 sterling silver 4×9mm bezel links with 4mm cubic zirconias
3 sterling silver 6×13mm bezel links with 6mm cubic zirconias
1 sterling silver 8×9mm Y-link with 5mm cubic zirconia
1 sterling silver 25mm chain tassel with
3 and 4mm round beads
1 sterling silver 5×10mm lobster clasp
16 sterling silver 4mm jump rings
16″ of sterling silver 2mm rolo chain
Tools:
2 pairs of chain- or flat-nose pliers
Wire cutters
Finished size: 19″
Option: Use similar techniques to make matching earrings.
ERICA STICE is the studio coordinator at HalsteadBead.com, where she enjoys hosting monthly Facebook Live posts and writing for the Halstead blog.
Verdant Fringe by Debbie Blair
Create a rustic-style tassel from sari silk ribbon, then add sparkly links of crystal and glass for a modern take on the timeless tassel trend.
Technique:
Simple wireworking
Materials:
5 palace green opal 8mm faceted crystal rounds (A)
12 peridot mirror 8mm fire-polished rounds (B)
5 brass 6mm fluted rounds (C)
3 brass 9×8mm rondelles with rhinestone/bead inlay (D)
2 antiqued brass 12mm ring links
1 brass 25mm decorative ring
1 hammered brass 13×17mm cone
1 brass 10×40mm “breathe” connector
1 brass 5×10 mm lobster clasp (small)
1 brass 6×12mm lobster clasp (large)
1 copper 3/4″ head pin
7 brass 4mm jump rings (small)
1 brass 5mm jump ring (medium)
10 brass 7mm jump rings (large)
2 antiqued brass 10mm ribbon crimp ends
18 3/4″ of brass 2×4mm oval chain
36″ of moss green sari silk ribbon
11″ of chocolate 10mm leather strap
18 1/2″ of copper 18-gauge wire
Fabric glue (optional)
Tools:
2 pairs of chain- or flat-nose pliers
Wire cutters
Round-nose pliers
Scissors
Finished size: 19 1/2″ (chain necklace); 25 1/2″ (tassel necklace)
DEBBIE BLAIR is the former editor of Jewelry Stringing and Beadwork magazines. She currently enjoys the challenge of teaching art and jewelry classes in her local community. See what she’s up to at www.pinkdahliacreative.com.
Put a Bow on It by Michelle McEnroe
Use a combination of your favorite chains and a beautiful artisan ceramic connector to create this stunning tassel necklace. Unique vintage and Czech-glass beads enhance the elegance of the design.
Technique:
Simple wireworking
Materials:
4 jet 2mm fire-polished rounds
3 black Picasso 9mm faceted-glass nuggets
2 blue-and-black marbled 15mm vintage flat glass ovals
1 black-with-gray-dots 47×35mm ceramic bow connector
2 matte black 20-gauge 2″ eye pins
7 matte black 4mm jump rings
4 matte black 6mm jump rings
7 1/4″ of matte black rosary chain with 4mm blue denim pressed-glass rounds
8 3/4″ of matte black 4mm rolo chain (small)
22″ of matte black 7mm rolo chain (large)
4 1/8″ of matte black 6×10mm/5mm long-and-short chain
Tools:
Wire cutters
2 pairs of chain- or flat-nose pliers
Round-nose pliers
Finished size: 25″ (with 5 7/8″ focal)
MICHELLE McENROE has been making jewelry and designing beadwork since 2008. She is a regular participant in the monthly challenge at www.art bead scene studio.com, and her work has been published in numerous magazines. Michelle enjoys the sunshine in Plano, Texas, where she lives with her husband, a large collection of guinea pigs and bunnies, and her three adult children when they are home. Visit her Etsy shop at www.mcenroemoments.etsy.com.
Silver Shadow by Nealay Patel
A small tassel doesn’t necessarily mean a simple tassel. This design features a unique approach to wire wrapping for a fun and sassy focal.
Techniques:
Crimping
Stringing
Materials:
30 matte metallic silver size 11° seed beads
1 dark gray 6mm faceted crystal round
1 brown 20×30mm faceted crystal oval
2 silver-plated 3mm jump rings
2 sterling silver 5mm flat crimp ends
1 silver 27mm toggle clasp
1 gray 30×22mm ribbon flower tassel
24″ of silver 26-gauge dead-soft wire
38″ of silver knitted wire
Tools:
Nylon-jaw pliers
Chain-nose pliers
Wire cutters
Round-nose pliers
Finished size: 38″ (with 3″ focal)
Option: Use similar techniques to make a matching bracelet and earrings.
NEALAY PATEL works as an art director in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and designs for Jesse James Beads. He practices his craft by designing, teaching, and publishing various works of jewelry. His accomplishments include authoring three jewelry-making books; hosting workshops at various trade shows; appearing on Beads, Baubles & Jewels and Jewel School on JTV; and maintaining his own brands, Beads & Bubbles and SilverSilk & More.
Plumb Scrappy by Terry Ricioli
Use recycled shirts, leftover ribbon, yarn, and strands of chain to create a one-of-a-kind tassel. And, for the tassel cap, shop the plumbing aisle at your local hardware store!
Techniques:
Simple wireworking
Stringing
Knotting
Drilling
Hammering
Patina
Materials:
7 topaz jade 10mm rounds
8 red 10×6–8mm bamboo coral rondelles
2 red/yellow/blue 14×24mm ceramic ovals
8 antiqued copper 4×7mm rondelles
1 antiqued copper 13mm 5-petal flower scrapbook embellishment (small)
1 brass 21mm pinwheel petal scrapbook embellishment
1 antiqued copper 24mm 5-petal flower scrapbook embellishment (large)
1 oxidized copper 9mm filigree bead cap
1 copper 1/2″ diameter cap (copper pipe fitting)
1 antiqued copper-plated 29mm hammered toggle clasp
2 copper 6mm jump rings
12″ of fine copper 2.5×3mm cable chain
12″ of brass 3mm/3×7mm Figaro chain
36″ of antiqued copper 5×7mm curb chain
Scraps of red plaid fabric (or old shirt)
24″ of red sari silk ribbon
24″ of orange sari silk ribbon
48″ of variegated orange cotton tape yarn
12″ of red 3/16″ wide deer-tan leather lace
16″ of brown waxed linen cord
8″ of 20-gauge copper wire
Liver of sulfur
(Note: An 18mm bead cap can be substituted for the copper cap if you wish to skip the steps that involve drilling, hammering, and patinating.)
Tools:
Polishing pad
Scissors
Electric drill with 1mm bit
Wood block
Chasing hammer
1/2″ metal rod or wood dowel
2 pairs of chain- or flat-nose pliers
Round-nose pliers
Wire cutters
Finished size: 31″ (with 7 1/2″ focal)
TERRY RICIOLI divides her time between her grandchildren, designing jewelry and craft items, and teaching art to homeschoolers. Find her work at www.terryriciolidesigns.blogspot.com.
Earthly Treasures by Tamara Honaman
Use leather fringe and various lengths of chain adorned with crystals and charms to create a modern tassel design with loads of personality.
Techniques:
Simple wireworking
Gluing
Materials:
1 crystal volcano 12mm crystal sun charm
1 red creek jasper or similar 24×58mm oval
1 copper 5×22mm heart bar charm
1 copper 16×25mm angel wings charm
1 copper 20×30mm star charm
6 copper 19-gauge 6mm jump rings
2 copper 18-gauge 8mm jump rings
1 copper 10mm glue-in cord end
52″ of copper 4mm curb chain
2″ of orange 3mm flat leather
1 orange 21/2 × 4″ leather fringe
7″ of copper 16-gauge wire
Leather adhesive
Tools:
Toothpick or craft paintbrush
Wire cutters
2 pairs of chain- or flat-nose pliers
Round-nose pliers
Finished size: 33″ (with 10″ focal)
TAMARA HONAMAN is passionate about all forms of jewelry making, including bead weaving, mixed media, metal clay, and wire. Tamara shares her knowledge and designs through video and print, at live events, and on social media. Find her at www.tamarahonaman.com.
Kashgar by Anne Perry
Like the town on the Silk Road that is its namesake, this piece combines elements from disparate regions, including imitation cinnabar, bamboo coral, shell, and a vibrant-colored Tibetan bead.
Techniques:
Stringing
Simple wireworking
Materials:
84 silver-lined crystal size 11° cylinder beads
2 red 10×18mm imitation cinnabar bicones
53 red 4mm dyed bamboo coral rounds
3 shell 15×30mm bicones
82 silver-plated 4mm spacers
1 silver with turquoise-and-red inlay 24×9mm Tibetan flat circle
1 silver 20-gauge 2″ head pin
2 silver 2mm crimp tubes
4 red 11×35mm nylon tassels with rhinestone cap
22″ of silver .015 beading wire
Tools:
2 pairs of chain- or flat-nose pliers
Round-nose pliers
Wire cutters
Finished size: 18″
ANNE PERRY is the director of two learning centers in Southern California. She has been beading in her spare time ever since her best friend cleaned out her craft closet and gave Anne all of her beads.
Download these patterns plus 11 bead weaving patterns when you purchase the August/September 2018 issue of Beadwork..
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