Links of the Lotus Necklace

Stitch an elegant lotus from seed beads and metal links! A symbol of resilience and rebirth, this fascinating plant grows in ponds, flood plains, and slow-moving rivers, anchoring its roots to the mud at the riverbed and rising up to bloom at the surface. To create this necklace, you'll combine metal lotus links with networks of seed beads and a dash of crystals. This project uses unusual thread paths to accommodate the metal links, as well as bits of netting and peyote stitch. You'll use a variation on right-angle weave (RAW) to connect the individual components together, and finish the necklace with a matching beaded chain.

Pattern

The Links of the Lotus beading pattern includes:

• 32 pages of step-by-step instructions.
• 102 full color illustrations and photographs.
• Several photos of finished jewelry.

Materials

To stitch this necklace, you'll need:

• 14.6 by 13.3mm Open Lotus Charms
  
• 23.5 by 19.4mm Open Lotus Links
• 6mm round flat back crystals
• An 8mm rivoli crystal
• 15°, 11°, and 8° Japanese seed beads
• 3.8 by 1mm O beads
• 4mm round beads
  
• A jump ring and lobster clasp
• Beading thread (6lb Fireline)

Kits

This kit includes all the beads and components needed to stitch the finished necklace.

Note: these kits do not include a needle and thread.