This is another kit in my collection of necklaces called "Painting with Beads".

You will learn four great techniques in this kit: 1) You will learn the “Half-Knot” method for attaching a pendant (helpful when a Lark’s Head Knot isn’t feasible), 2) you will learn the technique for “Starting in the Middle”, 3) you will load beads for a Colorblock/Double Spot pattern and 4) you will learn how to make an adjustable closure with beaded tassels. This is a fun necklace to make and these are techniques you can adapt to your other projects.

This necklace is designed with 12 "sections" (six sections each side of the focal beads) of colorblocking with contrasting double spots. The finished length of the beaded sections are 8” on each side, the braided tails are 6” on each side and the length of the center focal beads is 3 1/2”.  The adjustable closure allows you to wear the necklace as short as 19 1/2” and as long as 31”.  This necklace showcases a handcarved, handpainted and handglazed Golem Pendant accented with Golem lentil, melon and round beads.

Golem Beads are the creation of Vladislav Ivanov and, his wife, Kremena Ivanova. They are an artist family from Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. Here's the special story behind Golem Beads. "First, the clay object (bead or pendant) is hand shaped, then we let it sit for awhile till the surface is "leather hard". Then using a sharp tool we engrave the lines of the ornaments. After the pieces are all dried we fire them at a temperature of 900 degrees Celsius (the so-called bisque firing). Then using painting brushes of different sizes we apply the glazes (opaque glazes of various colors). Finally, we fire the products one more time at higher temperatures - between 1100 and 1200 degrees Celsius, according to the type of clay used. The carved lines work as separating lines for the glazes, so when they melt during the firing they don't mix. All our beads and pendants are glazed by hand, no matter how they were shaped or how the pattern/ornament  was applied to the surface. You can see how they paint the beads in the video at this link .

You will need: Kumihimo Disk (I like to use the Beadsmith THICK Mini), 9 Bobbins, Scissors, Tape Measure, Hemostat Clamp or Lobster clip.