The "Tin Cup" Beaded Necklace got its name from a film of the same name in which the charactor played by actress René Russo wore a very similar design. It became quite popular and now the "Tin Cup" necklace has passed into the realm of classic beaded jewelry design.

The original Tin Cup Beaded Necklace was made with pearls knotted at intervals along a very lightweight (and light colored) silk thread, most often ivory, pale pink or soft brown. This rendered the silk thread almost invisible and made the pearls look as if they were floating around the neckline. One had to look closely to see the silk thread and the whole design was very ethereal and feminine.

The silk thread was, for a time, replaced with invisible plastic monofilament cord or in some cases, stretchy clear elastic cord, but the effect was not quite the same. This tutorial for the Tin Cup Beaded Necklace is done in the original design using the lightweight silk thread in colors to compliment the colors in the beads and pearls. If you prefer, you may of course substitute the pale pink or ivory silk thread for the floating effect. Either way, you will create a beautiful Tin Cup Beaded Necklace.  While the silk thread may not be completely invisible as it is with the plastic, it makes for a very classic looking beaded necklace and has a nice, permanent feel to it that you just don't get with the monofilament thread. Using silk with quality beads or pearls speaks of quality.

This design can be done as a bracelet, too, and I usually make a pair of earrings to wear with it, as well. It is light, lovely and feminine and can be worn with many different styles depending on the thread used for stringing. The purple necklace at the top of the picture shown above, was beaded on cotton cord and uses larger, pressed glass beads. It looks great with more casual clothes. The pearl variations, whether with added semi-precious beads or not, done on fine gauge silk thread, will  look elegant and refined with a lightweight blouse or dress and make a necklace design suitable for night or day.

Different elements, alone or combined, can be used in the construction of the Tin Cup Beaded Necklace. Many of the necklaces seen in stores are done in pearls or with crystals. I like to use beads, pearls, stone chips, crystals, you name it! They work up fast and look great.

Here's how to make your own Tin Cup Beaded Necklace:

You will need:

Silk Cord - I like Griffin Perlseide size 4, but if you are using very fine pearls or crystals, you can use Size 2 without problem.

Pearls, beads or crystals for your design

Tweezers with inside grooves or an awl (or your favorite silk knotting tool) for knotting between the bead sets.

Bond 527 or similar glue.

1. Remove the cord form the card, flatten the kinks from it by either attaching a weight to each and hanging it over a door overnight or dampening it and drawing it through your fingers several times to work out the bends. Know the non-needle end and place a clamshell over the knot. Add a drop of glue and close the clamshell.

2. Place your spacer bead onto the cord, and make a knot in the cord next to the end of the bead. My spacer bead (see picture) is 3/4 of an inch long, and makes a nice space between beads. Remove the spacer bead from the cord.

3. Add the single bead or set of beads to the silk cord.

4. Place a knot in the cord next to the set of beads you just added.

5. Repeat from Step 2 until you come to the end of your necklace or bracelet.

6. Add another clamshell to the end of the cord, make a secure knot and add a drop of glue. Close the clamshell.

7. Add a clasp parts to each end of the necklace and you're done!

These Tin Cup Beaded Necklaces make nice additions to any jewelry wardrobe and will make a wonderful gift for anyone at anytime of year.