Multi or Single Strand
A floating style necklace looks as though the beads are simply floating on the skin; the beads are strung independently from one another on illusion thread or coated/coloured jewellery wire. This design is one of the few times it is recommended to use sterling silver plated, gold plated or coloured jewellery wire.
Tips:
Use a ruler to help evenly space the beads.
Start threading from the centre.
Use a bead board to lay the design out before beginning if required.
Method:
Space the beads on thread using any of the following techniques:
Crimping:
Use either floating or normal crimps and cover with a crimp cover if desired; floating crimps can only be recommended if the beads are light as the crimps are not strong enough to hold heavy beads.
Gluing:
Apply glue (5 minute Araldite) to the cord in the required position and slide the bead into place; secure the bead with blue tack while the glue is setting so that it will not shift when adding subsequent beads.
Using a "Stopper” Bead:
The "stopper” bead is a small/seed bead that the illusion thread will pass through twice to secure the focal bead in place. Thread the "stopper "bead and secure in position by re-threading the illusion thread through the "stopper” bead. Thread the focal bead and another "stopper” bead then re-thread the illusion thread through the "stopper” bead again.
Use your finger nail to adjust the position of the beads.