Making Illusion Designs
Designed by Katie Hacker

Illusion Style necklaces are perennially popular and very versatile – they work well for casual or formal looks. They're also a wonderful way to show off your favorite beads or mix together an assortment of shapes and sizes.

Basic instructions for creating Illusion Style designs:
1. Choose the diameter of Beadalon 49 wire based on the hole-sizes of the beads. .018" is a good middle-range diameter for Illusion Style designs.

2. String a focal bead onto the wire with a crimp bead on each side. Use a crimping tool to attach the crimp bead.

3. Use the same method to attach beads evenly spaced on the beading wire. To make sure the spacing is even, use a beading board or slide a piece of rubber tubing over the wire before crimping. Remove the tubing to add a bead and crimp again.

4. You can leave the crimp bead as-is, or you can add a crimp cover. Crimp covers are special beads that hide the crimp bead and add a more decorative look.

You can also use the Illusion technique to suspend an interesting pendant in the center of a necklace.

Or, create a dramatic Illusion Style necklace with a unique tassel pendant.

For more ideas using Bead Gallery beads,
check out Necklaces 101
(Hot Off The Press 2012) available at your favorite
bead shop, craft store or KatieHacker.com.