Beads Seem to Float, Like Magic!
Illusion Necklace Materials
e.g., Invisible Bead Cord, 0.010 inches diameter
Beads
6, 8, or 10-mm pearls or crystals look great. Feel free to experiment with sizes and shapes.
Seed Beads
e.g., clear size 11 or size 15. I used size 11 silverlined crystal. Very small metal beads work well too.
The most challenging part of making this type of illusion jewelry is adding a clasp. I didn't specify a method for doing this (I included videos), because it depends on the type of clear cord you are using. I have had good luck with metal crimp beads and thicker cord (such as clear elastic). For fine line, like the Gudebrod cord used in this example, I prefer (a) melting the ends of the line into a ball with a lighter or match and attaching the clasp with a clamshell bead tip or (b) I tie the end around a seed bead, glue the knot (be careful to use an adhesive that doesn't dissolve or weaken the cord!), and use a normal bead tip.
Find Project Materials Online
Clear Illusion Monofilament Beading Cord .01 Inch (150 Feet)
Amazon Price: $1.35 (as of 11/10/2009) 
Blue Moon Natural Elegance Metal Bead Tips 80/Pkg-Silver
Amazon Price: (as of 11/10/2009)
Sterling Silver 7 mm (our largest) Magnetic Clasp Converter for necklaces
Amazon Price: (as of 11/10/2009)
Cultured Round Potato Creamy White Pearls 3-4mm /16 Inch
Amazon Price: $14.69 (as of 11/10/2009)
Bead Boutique Bead Box and Silver-Lined Seed Beads
Amazon Price: $8.77 (as of 11/10/2009)
Illusion Necklace - Step 1
You can either leave the cord on its spool or else cut a length somewhat longer than your desired final length (leave enough length to attach a clasp plus a bit more). If you cut the cord from its spool, go ahead and attach the clasp at one end. String a seed bead and let it fall down to the desired location for your last bead (or toward the clasp). Thread the end of the cord back through this seed bead, as if you were stringing a 'stop bead' (as in the photo, only much further down the cord). Illusion Necklace - Step 2
String a main bead (e.g., a pearl or other larger bead) and another seed bead. Illusion Necklace - Step 3
Thread the end of the cord through the new seed bead. Use your fingernail to snug the three beads together. To add another station, string a seed bead, run back through it again (a nice spacing is 1/2" or 3/4"). Add a main bead and another seed bead, string through the seed bead, repeat as desired.The resulting stations are quite secure, but you can adjust their position if you gently loosen the cord around a seed bead. I gauge the initial distance between the stations visually and then neaten things up using a ruler once all of the beads have been strung. It's probably even easier to get the distances exactly right during the stringing process. Enjoy!
One Way to Attach a Clasp
Stones and Findings: How to Attach a Clam Shell
The clam shell is a great kind of clasp, and is easy to attach. Our example uses Softflex Wire, a 2mm Sterling Silver Crimping Bead, and a Sterling Silver Clam Shell. You will also need a set of chain nose pliers and a set of wire cutters. If you don't have wire cutters, nail clippers are a surprisingly effective substitute. Attaching the Clam Shell Slide the Softflex wire through the clam shell, and then through the crimping bead. Now hold the wire with your fingers while using the tip of the chain nose pliers to fit the crimping bead snugly into the 'mouth' of the clam shell. Then you can use a slightly broader section of the pliers' teeth to crimp the bead. This will lock the clam shell in place. All that remains is to trim the excess wire with your wire cutters. Finished!
Runtime: 1:17
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curated content from YouTube
Video Examples of Making Illusion Necklaces
Karla Kam - Illusion Necklace Pt1
Since I did a how to on crimping techniques I thought I would show you how to use them in an illusion style necklace project. This is also something that has been requested by you so keep the suggestions coming! Part 1. www.auntiesbeads.com
curated content from YouTube
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Do you have any questions about making an illusion necklace or comments about this lens? You've found the place for them!
Azareal wrote...
in reply to Marian Desormier
You make each individual strand the same way as the one I have outlined above, except the usual rule of thumb is to add 2" for each extra strand. I would use Gudebrod monofilament line but any clear beading cord would work.
The 'trick' to the necklace is a set of metal components near the clasp. They are 2-hole, 3-hole, 4-hole, or 5-hole connectors (depending how many strands). The strands are attached to the connector either by tying/crimping them on (not recommended because the line could abrade over time) or by attaching the strands with bead tips. The connectors are joined to the clasp usually using jump rings. I'll see if I have a set of connectors and if I do I'll write up a necklace tutorial for you to show exactly what is involved.
Posted January 22, 2009
Marian Desormier wrote
I would like to know how to make multistrand illusion necklaces using Swarovski crystals. I am most interested in the best medium to use, using crimp beads and how to finish the multi strand and attach to a clasp. If you are unable to help,can you direct me to where i can find this information? Thank you for your time.
Posted January 22, 2009
by Azareal
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