On the 11th Day of Christmas: Willow Leaf Pendant

This was a fun project to design.  I needed to add a series of pendants for a gallery show last month and found myself drawn to the simplicity of monochromatic color palettes, letting the textures and shapes of the beads shine though.  I had fun mixing metals using copper, gunmetal and steel.  The copper became an accent color and added warmth to the darker metals.

These are quick and easy. I used a pre-made chain to finish the pendants.  I simply cut a chain in half and attached it to the end of my design. 

Supplies:
Willow Leaf Pendant
Czech glass leaf
6 glass beads
15mm Arte Metal jump ring
8mm copper jump ring
2 4mm copper jump rings
8 links from a chain (make sure your chain links can open and close.)
1″ copper headpin
6 1″ copper eyepins
18″ gunmetal chain
3″ 21 gauge steel wire

Pendant length: 22″

Directions:
1. With the steel wire create a loop through the pendant and wrap the wire twice, from a smaller loop and continue wrapping the wire under the small loop to create the bail.
2. String the glass leave on the headpin and create a simple loop.
3. Attach the pendant, glass leaf and large copper jump ring to the Arte Metal jump ring.
4. String one glass bead on an eyepin and create a simple loop. Repeat five more times creating six beaded links.
5. Attach three beaded links together with a chain links. Attach the links to the large copper jump ring with a chain link.  Attach a chain link to the top bead.  Cut the 18″ chain in half and attach one side to the top of the beaded links with a small copper jump ring.  Repeat on the other side.

Resources:
Pendant: Humblebeads.  Czech leaves: Dream Girl Beads. Glass beads: various sources, check out Beads by C. Art Metal jump ring, chain and findings: Hobby Lobby.  Copper jump rings: Rings & Things.

Special bonus: As a year end gift, I’m offering 20% off my Etsy shop now through Monday.  Use discount NewYear when you check out.