Mini DIY Tutorial – Tassel Jewelry 3 Ways
When you get started on something, do you ever find that you just can't stop doing more and more? That's what happened for me with tassels this week. I had a stash of new wooden beads to play with that paired quite well with my tassels. As the focal point of these necklaces, the humble tassel can be quite a showstopper.
For the first tassel necklace, I used a variety of oval shaped wooden beads in black, cream and hot pink. This is a long necklace that extends to the waist.
Tassel Necklace 1
Supplies
1 endcap
(I also used these endcaps for my Braided Fabric Bracelet. I purchased them from a jewelry supply store.)
Variety of oval wooden beads
(I bought mine from the Bead Factory store in downtown LA. They are also available: Large Black Ovals, Small Ovals.)
Craft glue
Instructions
Step 1: Make tassel. Tutorial here. Glue top of tassel into endcap.
Step 2: String beads and tassel onto beading thread, arranging beads as desired with tassel in the center.
Step 3: Attach knot covers and knot ends of string.
Step 4: Attach jump rings and closure.
For Tassel Necklace 2, I used a tassel made with pearl cotton and large geometric wooden beads. The shape reminds me of an animal's face. I love the boho, tribal feel of this necklace.
Tassel Necklace 2
Supplies
1 large rectangle wooden bead (with two holes in side)
1 half circle wooden bead (with two holes in side)
I bought the large wood beads from The Bead Factory store but can't find them online.
Instructions
Step 1: Make tassel. Tutorial here.
Step 2: String beads as follows: 1 knot cover, 3 small round beads, side one of rectangle bead, one small round, side one of half circle bead, tassel, side two half circle bead, one small round, side two rectangle bead, three small rounds, 1 knot cover.
Step 3: Knot ends of string. Add a dot of glue and close knot covers.
Step 4: Determine desired length of necklace. Cut two pieces of chain. Attach to knot covers using jump rings.
Step 5: Attach jump rings and closure to ends of chain.
Would you believe that this is the first pair of earrings that I've ever made?!?! Yes, it's true. Aren't they fun and cute? Lately, I've been really lazy about wearing earrings so hopefully these will jumpstart me back into ear adornment.
Tassel Earrings
Supplies
Embroidery Thread (or thread of choice) in black and coral
2 small black, oval shaped wooden beads
Instructions
Step 1: Make 2 tassels. Tutorial here. Wrap neck of tassel with black contrast thread. For these tassels, I used embroidery thread and combed it out a little bit.
Step 2: String a small piece of coral thread through top loop of tassel. Tie a square knot and trims ends. Carefully move knot to the center of tassel.
Step 3: Attach jump ring to top of each tassel.
Step 4: Place one bead on eye pin. Attach earring hoop to opposite end, make loop on free end of pin and trim away excess. (For help check out this video, starting at second 30.)
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I hope you find these mini tutorials useful. I love the bohemian feel of the tassel and making these pieces was a lot of fun.
DIY Tutorial – How to Make a Tassel
When you think of tassels you probably think of winter ski caps or heavy window coverings. But they can be used for many more things, even in the summer! Tassels can be used as part of a boho cool necklace, on the corners of a tablecloth, as a keychain or zipper pull. Fun right? Lucky for us they're super easy to make. You probably already have all the materials you need.
How to Make a Tassel
Supplies:
Embroidery thread, yarn or material of your choice
Pencil, small dowel or knitting needle
Manila folder or cardstock
Large eye sewing needle
Instructions
Step 1: Cut a piece of manila folder on the fold, the desired height of the tassel. If you don't have a folder, cut the cardstock twice the height and fold it in half. Trust me that fold is going to come in handy later.
Step 2: Starting with end of thread at folded edge, wrap thread around template to desired thickness.
Step 3: Make a temporary hanger for the tassel. This will help keep the threads together and prevent them from betting messy. Slide a doubled length of thread through the middle of the template and up to the open (not folded edge) of the template. Make a slip knot by threading the loose ends through the loop.
Step 4: Carefully slide the thread off the template and tighten hanger thread.
Step 5: Slide a pencil or knitting needle through middle of threads to help keep them in order. Tie another piece of thread around the tassel just below the pencil. Wrap tightly working your way down the pencil.
Step 6: Remove pencil. Cut thread and using a needle insert bottom end of thread up to top of neck. Tie a square knot at the top with remaining loose end. Thread both ends back through tassel to become part of the body of the tassel.
Step 7: Cut through loops at bottom of tassel. Trim as needed.
These tassels are really fun and easy to make. Try different materials like pearl cotton, ribbon, cording or leather for a different look. You can also use a contrast color or material for the neck of the tassel. Below are some of the different materials that I tried out. To comb out the embroidery thread, I waited until after I cut the loops at the bottom of the tassel. Then I used a needle to separate the strands. These are really fun to make. I hope that you find this tutorial useful.
