Kauila Necklace Tutorial

WireLace, Lampwork Turtle Bead, and Pearl Necklace

Skill LevelBeginner

TechniqueTwo-Part Epoxy Adhesive

Time1-3 Hours

Approximate Size12 1/2 Inches

I used freshwater pearls and WireLace to create an ocean-themed backdrop for the turtle lampwork beads in this design. author signature

In Hawaiian folklore, Kauila was a mythical sea turtle that kept a watchful eye on children and provided fresh water for her people. The magical sea turtle style of Kauila certainly fills this necklace. The beautiful lampwork beads are the perfect complement to the organic and tropical style of the WireLace strands. The shaped WireLace sections add enchanting dimension to the simple piece. Whether you want to create colorful fun or bold dimensional beauty in your designs, WireLace can help you

Step-by-Step Instructions Expand All Steps

Cut a length of WireLace 6mm brass ribbon and a length of WireLace 6mm aqua ribbon approximately 30 inches long, each. Add four Grace Lampwork turtle cove lentil beads to both WireLace strands and space out the beads as desired. Shape and stretch the WireLace around the beads with your fingers to give it curves and a fluffier appearance.

Sew beading thread into the WireLace, in front of the first lampwork bead on the strand. Make a knot and go through the lampwork bead. Add four 5-7mm green keshi freshwater pearls to the thread and go through the next lampwork bead. Add four pearls, go through the next lampwork bead and continue. Once your thread is coming out of the last lampwork bead, bring your thread into the WireLace and make a knot. Trim your thread and shape the WireLace more, if desired.

Knot the ends of your WireLace strands together, apply adhesive to the knot and insert it into a JBB 4mm antique brass tube swivel crimp end cap. Attach one half of the gold-plated brass tulip toggle clasp to the end cap using a 5.5mm gold-plated 21 gauge open jump ring. Repeat this step for the other end of the necklace.

List of Components:
WireLace Ribbon 6mm Brass, 1 Yd (STRNG-0216, qty 1)
WireLace Ribbon 6mm Aqua, 1 Yd (STRNG-0231, qty 1)
Grace Lampwork Turtle Cove Lentil Bead Strand (4pcs) (BS-0484, qty 1)
5-7mm Green Keshi Freshwater Pearl Strand (PEARL01, qty 1)
JBB 4mm Antique Brass Tube Swivel Crimp End Cap (FIND-0822, qty 2)
5.5mm Gold-Plated 21 Gauge Open Jump Ring (GP-OJR06-A, qty 2)
Gold-Plated Brass Tulip Toggle Clasp (GP-TOG04, qty 1)

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Nice choice! All or most of the products needed for this project are shown below with quantities. Sometimes we sell out of components and aren’t able to order more from the manufacturer (we know, it is very disappointing to us, too). Use the opportunity to mix up the design and make it yours by substituting similar products or altering the entire color scheme—it’s up to you!