Category: Wood Beads

Prayer Bead Influenced Necklace

Carmi Cimicata Mala Style

Prayer Bead Influenced Necklace
By Carmi Cimicata for John Bead Corp and Perles Et Cetera Magazine

Carmi Cimicata Mala Style Necklace

This step by step appears in French in the Summer 2017 issue.

This necklace could be the biggest impact piece you will create this year with absolutely no tools. It features aromatic wood beads and metal patina components. It also has a unique bead as a focal which is called a guru bead.
The length of the necklace is an individual choice but I wanted mine to truly stand out so I made it very long.
You may be hearing a lot about mala necklaces this year. The mala bead necklace is based on traditional Buddhist prayer beads.  “Malas are used for keeping count while reciting, chanting, or mentally repeating a mantra or the name or names of a deity.  Malas are typically made with 18, 27, 54 or 108 beads.  A decorative tassel is often attached to the beads, flanked by talismans or amulets depending on one’s local tradition.”  Via Wikipedia
Since Mala bead necklaces are considered a Buddhist rosary I wanted to acknowledge that I was aware that these necklaces have spiritual importance to many people. The necklaces I am making are influenced by the symmetry in the traditional mala necklace.   I have gone out of my way to create a necklace with an even number of beads that is not a real mala.

Carmi Cimicata Mala Style Necklace

I used a long bead board to set up my project. This took me the most time as I added and removed different sizes.  John Bead Corp just added an aromatic bead collection to their catalog. These beads are available in sandalwood and cedarwood in all the classic bead sizes; 6,8,10,12,15,20mm. I choose to design with sandalwood.  I also choose a strand of Buddha heads to add interest.

You’ll notice in the middle of the board a single wood bead and cap. That is the “GURU” bead. It is a three holed bead used with a tower bead. These two will be joined together to make the exact centre of the necklace a perfect place to attach a dangle and tassel.

My necklace was strung using just one strand of silk beading cord.  The needle is already attached to the thread making this necklace an easy one to finish in less than 30 minutes.

Carmi Cimicata Mala Style Necklace

I strung the first half of the necklace and then stopped to gather what I needed for the guru bead addition.

Carmi Cimicata Mala Style Necklace

The guru bead is actually two components.  The round bead has three holes and you need to be sure you are stringing your cord through the right holes so that it will sit properly in the necklace. You have to get your needle and thread through one half of the bead to start. (see picture) The needle bends like wire so I could send it through the curves in the bead.

Carmi Cimicata Mala Style Necklace

Then you string through the tower bead and pendant.

Carmi Cimicata Mala Style Necklace

You do everything a second time by going back up through the tower bead, then through the other side of the three-holed guru bead. It looks so nice when you pull your thread and then add you second side of beads. I’ll be honest though. The guru bead is not easy to string the first time. You must be patient when pushing your needle through the curved sections in the three-hole bead.

Carmi Cimicata Mala Style Necklace

After adding all the beads to the necklace you simply tie a good knot. I even added a little glue to keep the knot extra secure.

Carmi Cimicata Mala Style Necklace

My last step was to add a tassel. You have so many options when it comes to adding embellishments. No doubt I will switch the tassel to something else later this summer.

All beads and components from John Bead Corp.

  • Carved Buddha Head Strand – 286013060
  • Wood Beads – Sandalwood Round 20mm, 18mm, 12mm
    286013003-00, 286013005-00, 286013006-00
  • Metal Hand Link Patina – 26040021
  • Metal Beads with Patina 8mm – 28838008
  • Metal Beads with Patina 6mm – 28838007
  • Metal Cones with Patina – 28838003
  • Guru Bead – Sandalwood Round 20mm – 286013016-00
  • Bead Board Long (21×8) – 74530130
  • Silk Bead Cord with Needle .8m Black – 74422068-00
  • Tassel (from Home Dec department)

Semi Precious Beads, Wood Beads, Tassels and Charms – A Step by Step for Five Meaningful Bracelets

 

The Courage Bracelet

The bracelet features Carnelian Semi Precious Beads and Wood.

Carnelian grounds and anchors you in the present reality. A stabilizing stone with high energy, it is excellent for restoring vitality and motivation, and for stimulating creativity. It gives courage, promotes positive life choices, dispels apathy, and motivates for success in business and other matters. Carnelian improves analytic abilities and clarifies perception.

What You Need

  • John Bead Corp 8mm Carnelian Semi Precious Beads 27600623-02  (2)
  • John Bead Corp 8mm Red Wood Beads 286519-03  (3)
  • John Bead Red Cotton Tassel 1543410-09 (4)
  • TierraCast Wing Charm 94-2341  (4)
  • Beadalon Elastic Cord Needle (1)
  • John Bead Stretch Bead Cord 25003000-01
  • Jump ring to add wing and tassel

The bracelet featured is considered a “large” size which is 7 1/4 inches long.

You add to your needle:  5 wood beads + 6 carnelian beads + the jump ring with dangles + 6 carnelian beads + 6 wood beads to make a size 7 ¼ wrist size.

Working with a ruler you can add and subtract wood beads. The Beadalon stainless steel elastic cord needle allows you to plan out your design.

Cut a generous amount of stretch cord (elastic) for the stringing part of the project. I used four times the length of my bracelet.

I wanted my elastic to be double thickness so I placed the cord into the threader hook so that I had equal amounts of stretch cord on either side of the loop.

Once the stretch cord was ready I simply pushed my beads off the needle onto the cord.

A good knot holds the bracelet together. You can add a tiny bit of glue to the stretch cord knot for a little extra security.

Other Designs

The Integrity Bracelet

The bracelet features Tiger Eye Semi Precious Beads and Wood.

Tiger’s Eye is a protective stone that was traditionally carried as a talisman against ill wishing and curses. It shows the correct use of power and brings out integrity. It assists in accomplishing goals, recognizing inner resources and promoting clarity of intention.

  • John Bead Corp 8mm Tiger Eye Semi Precious Beads 27600615-01
  • John Bead Corp 8mm Mahogany Wood Beads 286519-11
  • John Bead Light Brown Cotton Tassel 1543410-21
  • TierraCast Peace Charm 942293

Plus

  • John Bead Stretch Bead Cord
  • Jump ring to add charm and tassel

The Truth Bracelet

The bracelet features Obsidian Semi Precious Beads and Wood.

Obsidian is a stone without boundaries or limitations. As a result, it works extremely fast and with great power. Its truth-enhancing, reflective qualities are merciless in exposing flaws, weaknesses, and blockages. Nothing can be hidden from Obsidian.

Obsidian is a strongly protective stone, forming a shield against negativity.

  • John Bead Corp 8mm Obsidian Semi Precious Beads 27600615-01
  • John Bead Corp 8mm Black Wood Beads 286519-02
  • John Bead Black Cotton Tassel 1543410-01
  • TierraCast Feather Charm 942045

Plus

  • John Bead Stretch Bead Cord
  • Jump ring to add charm and tassel

The Filter Bracelet 

The bracelet features Amazonite Semi Precious Beads and Wood.

Amazonite has a powerful filtering action. It blocks the earth’s vibrations, absorbs microwaves and cell phone emanations, and protects against electromagnetic pollution. This is an extremely soothing stone. 

  • John Bead Corp 8mm Amazonite Semi Precious Beads 27600613-02
  • John Bead Corp 8mm Natural Wood Beads 286519-09
  • John Bead Turquoise Green Cotton Tassel 1543410-16
  • TierraCast Lock Charm 943144

Plus

  • John Bead Stretch Bead Cord
  • Jump ring to add charm and tassel

 

The Love Bracelet

The bracelet features Pink Quartz Semi Precious Beads and Wood.

Pink (rose) Quartz is the stone of unconditional love and infinite peace. It is calming, reassuring, and excellent for use in trauma or crisis. If you want to attract love, look no further than romantic Rose Quartz.

  • John Bead Corp 8mm Pink Quartz Semi Precious Beads 27600614-01
  • John Bead Corp 8mm Light Brown Wood Beads 286519-10
  • John Bead Turquoise Rosewater Cotton Tassel 1543410-06
  • TierraCast Sacred Heart Milagros Charm 942342

Plus

  • John Bead Stretch Bead Cord
  • Jump ring to add charm and tassel

You can read more about the attributes of our 2017 semi precious collection in this PDF.

John Bead Corp does not guarantee the health or physical benefits referenced. This brief summary shares in a light-hearted fashion some of the most popular attributes associated with semi precious stones. You can read and learn a great deal more about these stones in the:  THE CRYSTAL BIBLES 1,2,3 – THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO CRYSTALS Written by Judy Hall

Projects by Carmi Cimicata

Lush Green Multi Length Simply Stylish Necklace

1

pearls 1

By Carmi Cimicata for John Bead Corp and Perles Et Cetera
This is the English translation for this project which appeared in the magazine in French.

2. Pantone_Color_of_the_Year_Greenery_Color_Formulas_Guides_Banner

When Pantone announced that the 2017 Colour of the year was GREENERY, I was ecstatic. Green is such a powerful colour. Pantone described it as fresh, restorative and Nature’s neutral. “A life-affirming shade, Greenery is also emblematic of the pursuit of personal passions and vitality.”

3

I truly enjoy stringing interesting components, so it was easy for me to just go to my stash and gather strands of green beads for this project. John Bead Corp has over 3000 items that are “green” including Czech pressed glass beads, wood beads and semi precious stones.

4

The unique product that I was most interested in using for the first time was the green Lucite petal beads in our Tropical Punch collection. These petal beads are available in several colours. The green is a non-traditional flower colour, however for this project it is a perfect addition.

5

The curved petal beads become a flower shape when strung on elastic and tied tightly together with a knot. This creates a circle center.

6

You can stretch the circle center over the flower component crystal and it will settle into place. For extra security you can add a little bit of glue to the knot you made with the elastic.

7

I strung a very long strand of multi shaped beads from my collection. I finished each side of the beaded necklace with an EZ Crimp End.

8

My beautiful long strand of beads does not need a clasp to get it on and off. I opted to attach both ends to my Flower Maker components. The necklace is ready to wear.

I could have stopped at this point and would have been happy with my statement piece.

9

However, I had already decided that I would want to wear this necklace a couple of different ways. My next step was to create this simple necklace extender with some lobster clasps, jump rings and chain.

10

Then I placed some large jump rings in several key spots on my long necklace.

 

11

The jump rings look like part of my design.

13

My necklace looks wonderful worn as one long piece.

12

When I attach my necklace extender to those jump rings I can created tiered lengths.

13a

Add in a necklace extender and jump rings and I have several new looks to enjoy.

14

This will be my go-to summer look!

15

When I want the flower to be showcased differently I can wear it this way.

The GREENERY colour of the year has inspired me to create a new necklace that I can wear several different ways. Like the colour, I am feeling refreshed and restored now that I have completed this project.

All products from John Bead Corp

Tropical Punch Flower Maker (Gold)     26011512
Tropical Punch Petal Curved (Shaded Green)      28400689-03
Elastic Cord
Large and small Jump Rings
Lobster Clasps
Selection of pressed glass beads
Wood beads
EZ-Crimp Ends from Beadalon

Mala Style Necklace Featuring the Guru Bead

Mala Style by Carmi Cimicata

The Mala bead necklace style is based on traditional Buddhist prayer beads.  “Malas are used for keeping count while reciting, chanting, or mentally repeating a mantra or the name or names of a deity.  Malas are typically made with 18, 27, 54 or 108 beads.  A decorative tassel is often attached to the beads, flanked by talismans or amulets depending on one’s local tradition.”  Via Wikipedia

Since Mala bead necklaces are considered a Buddhist rosary I wanted to acknowledge that I was aware that these necklaces have spiritual importance to many people.

The Mala style necklace I am presenting is influenced by the symmetry many of us love in the 108 bead necklace.   We can all appreciate how wonderful aromatic beads will smell and look paired with semi precious beads that also hold meaning and sentiment for the wearer.

I am also using the beloved guru bead.  To jewelers the bead might be considered a unique component.  The Mala Collective says “This bead is believed to represent the student-guru relationship.  “The tassel represents enlightenment. As the strands combine together into one, it represents our connection to the Divine and to each other. Oneness.”

There are so many wonderful ideals attached to a Mala necklace.  Making and then wearing one will give you a great deal of pleasure.

DSC06282

Let’s begin.  I used a bead board to lay out the beads and the guru bead component.  John Bead has just released a new wood bead collection.  The Aromatic beads are available in sandalwood and cedarwood in all the classic bead sizes; 6,8,10,12,15,20mm.  I choose to work with 8 and 10mm sandalwood.

286013052-00          286013002-00

The sandalwood guru bead is a three holed bead used with a tower bead. There are a pair of them in each box.

74422068-03

My necklace was strung using just one strand of silk beading cord.  The needle is already attached making this even quicker to complete.

DSC06283

I strung blocks of ten beads.  Sixty on each side.

27600603-02

I selected Blue Agate beads from our new semi-precious bead collection.  The Crystal Bible says that “Agate is a soothing and calming stone.  It works slowly but brings great strength. Its multiple layers can bring hidden information to light.”  These are attributes I love. “Agate enhances mental function as they improve concentration, perception and analytical abilities leading to practical solutions.”

DSC06285

The guru bead is actually two components.  The round bead has three holes and you need to be sure you are running your cord through the right ones so that it will sit properly in the necklace.

DSC06286

In this picture you can see how my stringing went.  The needle bends like wire so I could send it through the curves in the bead.

Now here is where I went my own way.  After the tower bead component I added a soldered jump ring.  At this point many would add their tassel or pendant.  I’ll explain why shortly.

 

DSC06288

This picture shows you how I went back through both guru bead components.

  1.  Guru Bead
  2.  Tower Bead
  3.  Soldered Jump Ring

 

 

DSC06290

I added sity more bead (six sets of ten) to match the first side and then made a knot.

DSC06291

My necklace looked quite nice, but unfinished.

DSC06293

Now you will understand why I added the soldered jump ring.  I want to be able to change the pendant/talisman I will wear with this necklace.  I can now add and remove items as I like, using the soldered jump ring as my constant anchor.

1543410-14

We are pretty excited to have a new tassel collection. They are made of cotton thread and are available in 24 delightful colors.

34768712801001

Using a Swarovski Buddha pendant was a personal design choice.  I had several ideas and in the end settled on this item.

DSC06352

It made sense to make a matching bracelet.  I could not resist using more cotton tassels.

DSC06295

The bracelet I strung with elastic.  I also added a soldered jump ring allowing me to add or remove tassels when I want to.

Aromatic-BeaDS_square

I hope you enjoyed this step by step.  The Mala prayer bead necklace is one that I will continue to be inspired by and I am certain this will be the summer of Mala style necklaces.

Do let me know if you make a necklace!

Carmi