https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/tribal-necklace-2 • Posted by Sheena D.
I took an old Mother of Pearl shell necklace and took it apart. I gathered various sizes of Batik bone beads from Kenya (These can be found at bead stores, gem fairs and flea markets). I had the center bone pendant from a necklace I bought in Kenya.
I took an eye pin and wrapped it around the long black bone beads creating a loop for stringing using needle nose pliers. Then I used a head pin for each small batik bead dangling from the long black beads. Use the pliers to create a loop and attach to the end of the long black beads so they dangle.
Once those pieces are ready to go, lay out the design as you like. I created a graduated look with the sizes of beads and alternated the black and white beads. Along with wood balls, stone discs and small bone beads I strung the beads on heavy weight jewelry string (not the stretchy kind) or you could use fishing line. You need something strong as these are heavier beads.
Once it was at the desired length, I used crimp beads and a large lobster clasp to finish. I used about 8 crimp beads on each side to make sure it would hold, again for the weight of the necklace.
You can use any combination of beads to create this design but I think using beads with pattern and putting them in a collar like design creates a bolder, more tribal look. This is definitely a statement piece! Hope you like it and good luck with your creations!