How to Make a Seashell Necklace as a Beginner (with Video)
Gathered some lovely seashells from the beach but don’t know how to use them? Learn how to make a seashell necklace as a beginner with materials that cost less than $5, perfect for pairing with a variety of dresses.
Hello, craftaholics! Hey there! I’ve got a fun story to share with you. One of my friends recently went on a trip to Cox’s Bazar, which is home to the longest beach in the world. While he was there, he collected some stunning seashells and wanted to make a special gift for his wife to remember their trip by. How sweet is that?
I had an idea to make the gift even more personal and lovely. I created a simple necklace design that even a beginner can replicate and asked him to create the seashell necklace himself. Guess what, he made the green one (with little help from me ofcourse :D).
Now, I’m sharing the tutorial with you! Create your own seashell necklace—it’s a delightful project for all ages and skill levels. It might take some time, but the end result will truly wow you.
How to Make a Seashell Necklace
FYI, this design is generalized so it can be paired with a wide variety of dresses. Also, it will give you a relaxed, beachy, and mermaid vibe at the same time. So what are you waiting for? Gather the supplies and get started!
Supplies
Tools
Materials
- Jewelry wire – 22 gauge or 24 gauge
- Beading wire
- Round beads – 1 cm and 0.5cm
- Cowrie shell (with a hole in it)
- Lobster claw closure
- End pins or clips
- Jump rings (Learn how to make jump rings at home)
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Necklace Base
Hold the wire from its open end and (without cutting the wire from the bundle) make a small loop at the open end by leaving a 2 cm wire.
Coil the 2 cm wire around the wire band, below the loop. One side of the necklace base is now secured. Measure and keep enough wire to make the necklace and another loop at the other end. Cut off the wire from the bundle.
Step 2: Wiring the Sea Shell
Take a sea shell (or cowrie shell) and cut out a 3-inch beading wire strand. Insert the beading wire through the hole of the cowrie shell and bring the shell in the middle of the wire.
Draw the open ends of the wire towards their opposite sides.
Step 3: Beading the Sea Shell
Draw one side of the beading wire along the backside of the sea shell.
Draw the wire along the front side. Or simply, wrap the sea shell once, vertically around the sea shell. Bead the wire and assemble the beads along the middle gap of the shell (aperture).
Step 4: Securing the Beads
Draw both ends of the beading strands at their initial point and twist them tightly.
Make a small loop with the twisted wire, adjacent to the sea shell.
Step 5: Completing the Decorative Sea Shells
Coil the remaining wire below the loop to secure it.
Similarly, prepare 2 or 3 more sea shells; or prepare as many sea shells as you want for the necklace.
Step 6: Prepare Plain Sea Shells
Take another sea shell and insert a beading wire strand through its hole or aperture gap.
Hold both open ends of the strand together and twist both sides of the wire.
Step 7: Preparing a Loop
Use the looping pliers to make a small loop with the twisted wire, adjacent to the sea shell.
Coil the remaining wire below the loop to secure the wiring.
Step 8: Beading the Necklace Base
Select different kinds or sizes of beads of your choice and start to bead the necklace base wire.
Remember to measure the necklace length to add the wired and beaded sea shells into the necklace base.
Step 9: Completing the Base Pattern
Arrange the beads and sea shells into the base wire as you like.
Keep at least 3 cm of wire left at the open end of the base.
Step 10: Making the Necklace Closure
Make a small loop adjacent to the last bead of the base, with the remaining wire. Coil the rest of the wire below the loop to secure the end.
Attach a lobster claw closure through a jump at one loop of the base and attach another jump ring through the other loop of the base.
Step 11: Check the Closure
Wear the necklace and check if the length is okay. Also, check if the closure works nicely. There, we’re done!
Watch Video Tutorial: How to Make a Stunning Seashell Necklace at Home
Having difficulty understanding the picture tutorial? No worries at all! Go check out our YouTube channel for the video tutorial. While you’re there, don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell.
Some Additional Tips for Absolute Beginners
Here are some tips in case you’re having difficulty making the sea shell necklace.
- For the necklace base, you can use threads but it’s better to use easily bendable wire because the sea shell and beading will make the necklace pretty heavy compared to regular necklaces.
- Use heavy and durable closure materials for this necklace, since the necklace can be heavy.
- Make the beginning and ending loops as neatly as possible.
- Make sure to coil the loops below tightly and evenly to secure the ends.
Here are some of our jewelry craft tutorials that you may also like
- How to Make Mix Beaded Bracelet
- How to Make Beaded Necklaces
- How to Make Beaded Bracelets with Adjustable Cord
- How to Make DIY Beaded Wire Ring
- How to Make Stud Earrings with Wire and Beads
Making your jewelry is fun for sure and if you’re a beachy or mermaid jewelry lover, this jewelry project is a win-win for you! Make one for yourself or, for a friend or anyone special with our easy instructions. We hope you love our seashell necklace tutorial and give it a try to make this project.
Don’t forget to share your feedback in the comments below. Share pictures of your version of the seashell necklace with us if you do give them a try. You can share your picture with the hashtag #craftaholicwitch on Instagram or Facebook or just DM your picture to us on Instagram or Facebook page.
Happy Crafting!
