Quick and Easy Stocking Fillers

If you're still looking for last minute stocking fillers or need a quick gift for an unexpected guest, then a beaded Bag charm or key chain could be just the thing. They're quick and easy to make and you'll probably have most of the materials in your jewellery making stash already...in fact they're a great way of using your orphan art beads and scraps of cord.

All you need to get started are:

• A swivel clasp or large lobster clasp
• 10" Leather or similar cord
• A selection of focal and accent beads that can be threaded over the cord.
• A charm
• a large strong jump ring

Step 1
Attach the cord to the clasp using a larks head knot.

Step 2
Thread a selection of beads onto one end of the leather and tie a simple overhand knot beneath the beads.

Step 3
Repeat step 2 on the other end of the cord and adjust the length before tying the overhand knot - asymmetric lengths tend to be more pleasing to the eye.

Step 4 
Tighten the knots and trim the cord.  If you're using cotton or fabric cords you may want to add a dab of glue to the knot.
  

Step 5
Open the jump ring and attach it to the bottom of the clasp making sure to trap the centre of the cord inside the ring.

 

Step 6
Add the charm, close the jump ring and that's it - you're finished.

You can personalise your designs to the recipient with your choice of beads and charms and you'll have a great gift in a matter of minutes.

As this will be the last post from me before Christmas I'd like to wish all our AJE readers and my awesome team mates a very happy festive season...however you celebrate I hope you have a wonderful time.

Have fun,

Lesley

The Gossiping Goddess