What you'll need:
- Jewelry wire (I prefer using a 24 gage because it is easier to manipulate but the 20 gage can work well too with the help of some round nose pliers)
- pearls or glass beads
- necklace chain
- jump ring and a clasp
Select the beads you want, string them onto your wire and arrange them as you'd like.
then simply wrap the wire around the beads
wrap some wire in the space between each bead (I like the look of three loops but you could just do one or two if you prefer)
this is what the back looked like. (In the other necklaces I attached a jump ring but on this one I just formed a loop with the wire.)
and this is what you end up with :)
I love how each one is so different
just to show you the difference between the 20 and 24 gage...
the two on the right were made with 20 gage wire and on the left is the 24.
The 24 gage is definitely easier to work with and manipulate and I like the delicate look of it but I also like the thicker look of the 20 gage
I think this one is my favorite
**Update: you can now purchase my bird nest necklaces via my online Etsy shop, poppy & pine. Cheers and happy shopping!













HI!
ReplyDeleteSeen your feature on craftgawker!
Wishin you had a google connect button so I could add it to my feed.
Your phot's are amazing!!!
Thanks for the great tutorial. I've been in search of the perfect beads to make myself one.
kristanlynn
Thanks for the tutorial! The necklaces look beautiful, I can't wait to try it out :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! I love how elegant and simple these look. Thanks for explaining how to make these beauties in such an easy way. :)
ReplyDeleteSaw you on gawker.
You're more than welcome to link up at the Sunburnt Cow link party.
Cheers,
Tracy All Thumbs Crafts
I can not wait to try this out. Thank you for sharing, I found this via craftgawker :)
ReplyDeleteHi, found you on craftgawker.
ReplyDeleteLove these necklaces!!
I'm so glad you posted this very simple tutorial. I've always like the birds nest necklaces, but they looked very difficult to make. I'm excited to try and make them now!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Kasey
These are just lovely!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the tutorial! With these materials permanently on stock, you can never run out of gifts to give friends and family!
ReplyDeleteLove this! How do you care for these necklaces? Do they rust/fade quickly?
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Esther Dush
Hi Esther,
DeleteI've had mine for about a year now and they still look great. Even though the wire is rust resistant I still keep them away from water and don't wear them in the shower or pool.
awwww lovve it~!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness these are gorgeous!!! Thank you so much for posting the tutorial. I'm heading out to the store today to make it :)
ReplyDeleteFab ideas...must find the time to try some of them out..new follower here xx
ReplyDeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteSo I'm a pretty avid crafter, and I love these necklaces! However, I tried to make one for my sister, and it didn't work very well. The nest part wouldn't stay tight as I was wrapping and kept slipping around, unraveling and forcing me to start over. Any ideas? I was using 22 gauge wire.
Thanks!
Hi Alyse, that's a great question!
ReplyDeleteWhen I'm wrapping the wire I secure the beads between my thumb (on the bottom) and my pointer and middle finger (on top.) As you wrap the wire it gets held in there too and will prevent it from slipping and unraveling. I hope that helps you out and if you have any more questions don't hesitate to ask :)
Thanks for stopping by!
These are so cute! Can't wait to make one!! Just wondering....what size beads did you use? I went into the store to look at some and was overwhelmed by how many different sizes there are!!
ReplyDeleteThx,
Sara
Hi Sara,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your question. I use all different sizes of beads depending on how many I am going to put in the pendant. If I make a nest with only 1 bead I'll select a larger one and if I'm going to make one with 4 beads I'll choose smaller ones. (Sorry, I don't know exact sizes or measurements.)
A good way to do it is to get an assorted pack of beads with a variety of sizes and colors (like this one) so you can try out different sizes and see what you like. Hope that helped!
thanks for the Tut! it's great!
ReplyDeleteI saw this on craftgawker and had to try it! My first try came out great. Thank you for posting!
ReplyDeletesarah u are very talented i can't wait to get to these crafts!!!
ReplyDeletelove vero!!!
Will you please just sell me the one with the one pearl? lolol
ReplyDeleteI found this link through craftgawker too! You are awesome! I made on for myself and love this tutorial! Good work on it and thank you for posting it!
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone! I'm glad the tutorial is working out for you all. I'd love to see pictures of your final products. (my email link is at the top of the page)
ReplyDelete@Katie I am in the works of starting up an Etsy shop so hopefully these (and more fun goodies) will be up for grabs soon :)
This is amazing, and so simple! I love the one with the single peral bead. Will be trying this myself, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletewww.i-cant-walk-in-heels.blogspot.com
Beautiful! I can't wait to get supplies and try this myself. Thank you so much for sharing the instructions. I love your photos, too!
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Ireland! Just "gawked" at your Jenga project on gawker and was led to your wonderful site! Your photographs are AMAZING! Beautiful and inspiring. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWow! These are absolutely adorable, and I can't wait to make them! Fabulous job! Very inspiring!
ReplyDeleteLove these necklaces! I tried the tutorial while home sick, and it came out super cute! Definitely improved my day :-) Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI love this idea! Thanks so much for telling us how to do it! http://caribbeanmissionarywife.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteThese are absolutely gorgeous! Found you through stumbleupon. Off to the craft store...
ReplyDeleteThese are amazing. I have a friend who has been searching for a mother's necklace with 5 stones - to no avail. I can't wait to make her one of these. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteHola sara!
ReplyDeleteIl tuo blog è meraviglioso..
Un abrazo.
Fer.
Wow! They are lovely and easy to make. Thanks for posting
ReplyDeleteLove, Love, Love!! I absolutely adore this! thank you.
ReplyDeleteomg i made two of these and everyone loves them! i found u on craftgawker-nice job!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to make some today and will defiantly wear these to my first day of high school tomorrow!! :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Made a few of these with beads, wire and chains that I've had stockpiled for years! I even twisted some very thin wire (not sure of the gauge) around my 20g before I wound it around the beads and it adds some extra flair and color to it, especially when using pearls, clear or black beads.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tutorial!
Oooh, these are so cute!! I love them. can't wait to try my hand at them! Thank you so much! :)
ReplyDeleteI love it! :) I'm trying this first thing in the morning!! :)
ReplyDeleteThese little nests are so pretty - I'm definitely going to try one myself. Thanks for the tutorial - saw it on Pinterest.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the tutorial. It was nice to see each of the steps.
ReplyDeleteThis might seem like a silly question, but do you know about how much wire you used for one necklace? I'm hoping to do this for a craft night soon and have no idea how much wire I'll need to get (there will probably be around 10 of us making these).
ReplyDeleteGreat tutorial, super cute necklaces!
@Ashley W that's a really good question actually. I'm not really sure how much wire I use per necklace, maybe a yard or two? Just a guess :)
ReplyDeleteYou should be able to find spools of jewelry wire at your local craft store. if there's 10 of you maybe get 20-30 yards just to be safe, always better to have some left over.
I hope your craft night goes well, I'd love to see pictures of all the creations :)
Do you know if this would be too much for earrings or not. I thought this might make a great necklace/earring combo for a Christmas gift for my mom using her grandkids birthstone colors
ReplyDeleteI just made one of your necklaces and I love it! I found your blog via craftgawker (thanks to stumbleupon) and I am so glad I did! I am new to all these awesome craft things and I am loving every second of it! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks again!
Gina
Mandy,
ReplyDeleteYes you could definitely do an earring necklace combo! I would just use smaller sized beads to make the earrings so that they don't come out too big. If you make a set I'd love to see how they come out :)
These are awesome. Thanks so much for sharing. Found it on StumbleUpon and then to Craftgawker. Can I sell these at a local charity craft bazaar or is this your own pattern/design? I'm not sure how that works but don't want to do the wrong thing. Thanks
ReplyDeleteThese are awesome and something I will try very soon.
ReplyDeleteFound you from Tutorial Tuesday on Daisy Chain designs.Thanks,
jenni
@Amy
ReplyDeleteThank you for asking! I have no problems with you selling these at the charity craft sale.
As for the pattern/design, I had seen various versions of bird nest pendants and this design is what I came up with to make my own.
Good luck on the sale!
Thanks again :)
my friend made me one of these and i love it! now i can make a varient of the one she made! yes! i found you on pinterest..oh my sweet pinterest! =) i'm a new follower! love your photography! i too a a photographer == self taught and total amateur but i'm getting there =) love your site!
ReplyDeleteJust made this for my mom's birthday... it came out great! Super easy and very pretty. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis is SO very AWESOME! I can not wait to make this!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThat is such a cute idea :) My 9 year old girl is into wire jewelry, she would love to use this tutorial. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi! I just tried making this and I'm having problems with the pearls looking scratched when I'm done. Any ideas...I'm making sure I'm not touching the pearls with the end of the wire, but I think it's how the pearls are rotating in the nest. Did you have any problems with this with pearls? Any suggestions?
ReplyDeleteThanks!
These are SO cute! I can't wait to make one for my mom, sister and myself. Our last name is Byrd, so I think they'll fit nicely :)
ReplyDeleteThese are amazing!! I had surgery last week and decided to try and make some of these to pass the time and they're beautiful! I am NOT artistic at all and I was even able to make this look amazing. I bought gold wire as well and love it with the pearls. I'll be giving these to every woman I know for Christmas :) Thank you so much for posting how to do this, you rock!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the tutorial on these sweet nests necklaces! I have SO many "girls" on my list...this is perfect for Christmas gifts! hugs, Heidi
ReplyDeleteThis is nice. thanks for this. I'll definitely try this.
ReplyDeleteGreat tutorial and photos. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah- I ADORE these necklaces! I'm on maternity leave and plan to make these for all the girls in my family for Christmas! I have a silly question... Where do you get the chains for your necklaces? I couldn't find anything decent when I bought the rest of the supplies at Hobby Lobby.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Jenny
these are adorable Sarah
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited to see your tutorial on the bird's nest necklaces! I just found it on Pinterest, and now I'll repin so more folks can see it.
ReplyDeleteGod bless your sharing, creative heart!
LOvely and easy!!!!
ReplyDeleteI made two of these tonight. They're the first pieces of jewelry I've ever made. I had the same problem with the pearls as a previous poster. I ended up painting over them afterwards with a pearly whit-ish nail polish to cover the scratched off parts. That helped a little, but I don't think I'll be giving that one as a gift. The second one used glass beads so no scratching, but I love the look of the pearls. I'm gonna have to figure out a way to make some without scratching them. Maybe if I paint them with the polish before I make it, they won't scratch as easily? Any ideas? Thanks for the tutorial. It took some practice with wrapping the wire (first time and all), but I got the hang of it after a little while.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. You have a great tutorial here and giving the two gauges 20 and 24 sample was great. I'll try it. Dita.
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah! Just tried this a home and blogged about it. www.moondogtreasures.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteI LOVE wire-wrapping. Thanks for a tutorial that explained this!
Susan
I love this and will SO be making a few as soon as I can get to the craft store for supplies!!
ReplyDeletei´ve tried it out! It´s adorable!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much!
Greeting
Lena
love this! thanks for posting! i want to make these for Christmas for my roommates :)- what did you do differently when making the single bead necklace?
ReplyDeleteI made this today because your directions were so wonderful! Thank you so much! I needed a quick gift for a friend who loves birds and nests and this is perfect!
ReplyDeleteThis is so cute!
ReplyDeleteGood job!
Wow I love this! I am totally making this for christmas. Thanks.
ReplyDelete@Chelsea R Hey Chelsea,
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked the tutorial. For the single bead necklace I simply just wrapped the wire around the bead and when I was happy with how it looked I just tucked in the end piece within the layers of wire. That's it! Easy Peasy :)
Thank you for the tutorial! I made some for friends and family for the holidays, and I posted a couple of pictures at www.onedogwoof.blogspot.com.
ReplyDeleteThank you!!! I just made the most adorable necklace-and it was SO easy! Everyone I know will be getting one of these for xmas this year!
ReplyDeleteI love this idea and can't wait to try it. I also really love the effort you put into the photos, like placing one of the necklaces on a plant. It makes me want to be more conscious of how I stage my own photos.
ReplyDeleteI'm really excited about making these as Christmas gifts! Off to Michael's in the morning!
ReplyDeleteI can't seem to get the Findings into the chain. the little loop is giving me problems... The chain seems to be too small although it's the same one you used (and the same findings) How did you connect the findings to the chain?
ReplyDeleteHi. Just want to start off by saying that I LOVE this idea. I am trying it out (right this second) but am having a heck of a time wrapping the "nest" part. I am using 24 gage wire but cannot seem to wrap it without it looking messy or the wire sliding off the beads. Any suggestions on an easy way of wrapping the nest? Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this! I ran out and got some beads and wire... They turned out sooo pretty.
ReplyDeleteI found your blog after seeing these on craftgawker. I saw them again when your tutorial was featured somewhere else and I FINALLY made these this morning. I LOVE THEM!!
ReplyDeleteI am a professor of ornithology and have been studying birds for years. I love all jewelry with birds, but most don't have this classy look. Thanks so much!!
@Lindsey R. I'm glad that you're enjoying the tutorial and trying it for yourself!
ReplyDeleteAs for your question, when I'm wrapping the wire I secure the beads between my thumb (on the bottom) and my pointer and middle finger (on top.) As you wrap the wire it gets held in there too and will prevent it from slipping and unraveling. Also I just turn the pendant and let the wire wrap around on its own... does that make sense? I hope that helps you out and if you have any more questions don't hesitate to ask :)
Thanks for stopping by!
@Lena That's a good question, after making a few necklaces I started using a really small jump ring to attach the chain and the clasp together and another small jump ring to attach the chain and a thicker jump ring on the other side. That makes it easier when you are using a thinner chain. Hope that answered your question. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteHi there! I pinned your necklace tute on Pinterest a while back ago, and planned to make them for sassy in-law gifts! Of course, it's Christmas Eve, and guess what I am just now doing?
ReplyDeleteMm-hmm, that's right. :)
So I am having the same issue as two previous posters with the 24 gauge wire slipping. I have tried to hold and move the beads and wire as you said, but I think I am missing something. When you say, "wrap", are you simply meaning moving the wire around the outside of the beads, or do you mean threading it up or down between two beads or through the center?
Even if I do not conquer this today (gah!) I WILL get this, because it is a full-on dose of Awesome! Thank you for your graciousness!
Hi Sally,
DeleteFor the wrapping I just move the wire around the outside of the beads. I wish I could be of more help... If you find that the wire is still slipping perhaps you are wrapping too tight? Maybe try a looser more relaxed wrap.
Let me know if that helps.
Cheers!
I just made one of these, and it turned out lovely! Thank you for this post :)
ReplyDeleteTe felicito por tan hermosos collares y te agradezco que compartas, ademas con un paso a paso tan bien hecho.
ReplyDeleteAun no veo otras trabajos de tu blog pero lo que a simple vista se aprecia es magnifico!!!!.
Te deseo un feliz año nuevo 2012 lleno de salud, armonia y creatividad
Oh my! These are gorgeous! I've never made any jewelry, but I definitely want to make these. I've already started looking at supplies online, but I have no idea on the specifics of some things. I'm comfortable with finding the beads and the wire, but I'm unsure on the clasps, jump rings, and chain. Are there different size clasps & jump rings to go with different size necklace chains? Or is there a pretty general size of all three that go with each other most of the time. I hope that makes sense! Thanks so much! I can't wait to make my own.
ReplyDeleteAmanda
Hi Amanda,
DeleteI like to use 4mm jump rings to connect the lobster clasp and 7mm jump ring to the ends of the chain.
For the nest pendant I use a 7mm jump ring to connect it to the chain.
For the chain it depends on your preference if you like a thinner or thicker chain. I personally like the thinner chains.
I hope that helped! If you have anymore questions let me know :)
Found your tutorial via A Holy Experience blog. I've been wanting a necklace like this to remember my 4 angel babies; in my heart I'm a mother of 5. I love this beautiful, serene way of honoring the dreams of my babies that weren't to be.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing! I only hope mine turn out as beautiful as yours.
What a lovely symbol of your children. Thank you so much for sharing.
DeleteBeautiful necklaces!! Thank you for sharing the tutorial :)
ReplyDeleteI made these for Christmas gifts this year!! Here is a link to the pics on my blog: http://everythingiwantandnothingidont.blogspot.com/2012/01/janky-home-made-christmas-part1-birds.html
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the tutorial!!! xo
They looks great! I love how you wrapped them. Thanks for sharing :)
DeleteHere's a question for Sarah and others who have made this: How easy do you think it would be for a 10-11-year old girl? With help, could she create one inside of an hour? Thanks in advance!
ReplyDeleteHi Caroline,
DeleteI think that is definitely do-able! If someone is there to help her with the steps and demonstrate the process then I think a 10-11 year old could make one.
Let me know how it goes!
Here's a question for Sarah and others who have made this: How easy do you think it would be for a 10-11-year old girl? With help, could she create one inside of an hour? Thanks in advance!
ReplyDeleteHi! Im 12 and I decided to try out this necklace, and I'm 99% sure that I have the right wire. So I was working on it, everything is fine, until my wire breaks! I would just like to know: How do wrap the beads and make the loops without breaking the wire?
ReplyDeleteHello :)
Deleteare you using 24 gage or thicker? I have not tried thinner wire but perhaps it might break easier? What wire are you using? At what step did it break? I have never had my wire break so I'm not sure if I can be of much help but hopefully we can work it out :)
Thanks!
Thank you for sharing this! Made some of my own, and shared your blog with my friends! :)
ReplyDeletehttp://brittanysmartin.blogspot.com/2012/01/diy-bird-nest-jewelry.html
Brittany
Your bird nest jewelry looks awesome! Thanks for sharing :)
Deletethese are really beautiful , I make necklace as well,if you are interested in please check: http://bettyshimalayanhandicrafts.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteI have been wanting to do this! I had a birdsnest necklace I purchased from a local jewlery shop that is now out of business. I haven't been able to find a good replacement. Now I can make it myself....I am so excited to start!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
I just LOVE these. very creative. thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletereally good idea, I will try it soon.
ReplyDeleteSarah, I have never seen birds nests before this, and I LOVE them. I do jewerly, Christmas ornaments, ref.magnets, crochet, and will try any craft I think I might like. I can't wait to try the birdsnests. Thank you so much for PERFECT directions!!! :) <3 Peace, Nancy
ReplyDeleteLove your tutorial an photos - I am a lampwork bead artist and I have heaps of orphan beads lying around looking a little unloved - I think I might just make a few of there to use them up - Cheers Tania
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah - have just stumbled upon your blog - I am a lampwork artist and thank you for the beautiful photos on the tutorial - I think I might just have to make a few of these with my orphan beads that I have lying around here at the moment. - Cheers from OZ
ReplyDeleteThat's so good. Considering doing an earring version. Thanks for the idea. ^^
ReplyDeleteBeautiful necklace! I've been assembling all of the parts but I'm having trouble finding chain you can buy by the length. I've checked out my hobby lobby store and they didn't have any. Any other suggestions?
ReplyDeleteYou could use birthstone beads to signify each child you have, or grandchildren if there aren't TOO many...
ReplyDeleteI AM IN LOVE WITH THIS! Totally going out to buy supplies tomorrow :)
ReplyDeleteLove this! I totally want one of these and I never thought about trying to make it myself. Who knew it would be this easy!? Pinning this for future use. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI love your tutorial Sarah! Been a long time I was looking for this model with explanations. thank you very much
ReplyDeleteFlo
http://lartenciel.blogspot.com/
Hello there! Wow...I'm pretty sure you know this already but I think this tutorial is really cool. It gives me something to do with my wire and it looks great. Thanks so much for posting it.
ReplyDeleteQuestion: How do you buy the chain?
Thanks [=
Hi Sarah! These are adorable. I saw someone wearing one a while back and have been hunting to find them in stores. I was so happy to find this tutorial. I plan on going to the craft store tomorrow and trying out this project. I am actually making it for my best friend who is having her first child in a few months so will be making a nest with one egg. I was just curious if the nests with one egg in them stay together as easily since there is no wrapping detail around the beads? Is there a method that you do in the back to secure it instead? Thanks so much for sharing your creativity.
ReplyDeleteLauren
I went to buy wire online and found the correct gauges, but the wire also came in hard, half hard, and soft. Which do you use?
ReplyDelete