Easy gift for mom: A chain for her eyeglasses
Making a pretty chain for Mom’s eyeglasses can be a simple, personal and practical Mother’s Day gift. Depending on your skill level, you could make anything from a basic beaded lanyard to something more elaborate.
Traditional chains connect to both arms of the glasses, while newer styles offer a center loop on which you hang the glasses by one of their temple pieces.
‘Eyeglass chains are a great way to accentuate your personality while also providing a utilitarian use, ‘ keeping glasses safe and handy, said Michelle Sacia, a craft specialist with Jo-Ann stores.
‘Just like jewelry, eyeglass chains can be created to match your everyday style while showcasing your glasses, ‘ she said.
To get started, first decide on a style of chain. Look for online tutorials at Pinterest.com and YouTube.com.
Once you’ve chosen a project, gather the necessary jewelry-making tools and supplies.
For many people, beads are what draw them to this project, and it’s the beads that will make your gift one-of-a-kind.
For a bold look, mix myriad beads and colored wire and rings. If you’re going for elegance, use a metal chain with occasional pearls or crystal beads throughout. For an earthy mom, try a brushed metal chain or leather with natural-looking wood beads.
Depending on the style of chain, your list of tools and supplies could include jewelry wire, double jump rings similar to key rings, crimp beads to secure the end of wire, crimp covers to disguise end knots, side cutters to trim wire, and jewelry and crimping pliers. If you’re creating a traditional chain, you’ll need eyeglass connectors, which are the cording that slips onto the sides of glasses.
Making a basic chain takes only a few steps. Many projects will use jewelry wire cut to 34 inches or longer depending on your preference.
Add one eyeglass connector on a double jump ring, attach that to the jewelry wire, and place the crimp bead and crimp cover. String the beads in your desired pattern. Add the second eyeglass connector to a double jump ring and place it on the other end of the beaded wire. Finish that end by attaching another crimp bead and crimp cover.
Voila, a hand-crafted gift.
This 2010 publicity product photo provided by Jo-Ann Stores shows a Fancy Pearl Eyeglass Strand inspiration from Jo-Ann Stores. (AP Photo/Jo-Ann Stores)
This publicity photo provided by Anne Gregory Bove shows a Spiral Eyeglass Chain, handmade by Anne Gregory Bove (annegregoryjewelry.com). The design idea was influenced by the book, “Beaded Chain Mail Jewelry,” by Dylon Whyte. (AP Photo/Anne Gregory Bove)
This publicity product photo provided by Lori Bergmann shows a vintage glass chain Leopard Lanyard by Lori Bergmann (LoriBergmann.etsy.com), with handmade lampwork Leopard glass beads, that uses simple wire wrapping techniques, April 2013. (AP Photo/Lori Bergmann)