How to Make an Alluring Necklace Using Fishing Tackle

Apr 21, 2010
Melissa Howard

Fishing Tackle Necklace - Melissa Howard

Use fishing tackle to make a whimsical and yet surprisingly delicate looking necklace.

Not all necklaces need to be made from standard jewelry hardware. In fact, inexpensive, fun, and even pretty supplies can be found in the isles of your local hardware or sporting supply store. For instance this necklace is made from inexpensive items that you can find in the fishing-supply isle of the sports store or department store.

Supplies

Size-5 barrel swivels with interlock snaps
Heavy-duty wire leader: 6-inch length, 20-lb test weight
Seed beads or E beads in assorted colors
Pliers
Lobster clasp (optional)

Instructions

Open a barrel swivel by depressing the hooked side and releasing it from the clasp. Use the pliers to straighten the hook slightly. (This step could be skipped, however, it will be easier to find beads that will fit onto the hook if the angle is loosened up).
Slide several beads (three is a good number) onto the bar. You will find that not every bead will work on the hook so make sure you have extras and be patient.
Slip the head-end of a second barrel swivel over the hook end so that you now have two barrel swivels joined head-to-end. Close the first hook and repeat steps 2-3 on the next barrel swivel.
Continue linking barrel swivels until you have as much length as you want for the front of your necklace.
Connect the last hook of your chain to the head-end of your wire leader.
You can use the hook of your wire leader as the clasp for your necklace, or if you prefer (this is much easier on your hands and nails), attach a lobster clasp to the hook by opening the hook, slipping the lobster clasp over it, then reclosing the hook. Now you simply use the lobster clasp to connect to the head end of your last barrel swivel clasp.

Ideas and Suggestions

The wire ends of the hooks aren’t completely encased and so these necklaces could be a bit irritating for those with extra sensitive skin.
Experiment with a variety of bead colors for more fun designs.
Find small fish beads that could be used to accent the barrel-swivels for a whimsical approach that gives those around the wearer a hint about the origin of the necklace.
Make a bracelet or dangle earrings to go with your necklace.
The necklace pictured uses 7 barrel-swivels linked together for a nice length, which lays just over the top of a typical t-shirt neckline.
The size and the look of this necklace can be easily modified by using different size barrel-swivels as well as different lengths of wire leader.