Getting Started with My Baseball Bling
So, I got this idea, right? Baseball season was kicking off, and I wanted some unique gear. Store-bought stuff is okay, but I thought, why not make something myself? That’s how I landed on making some beaded necklaces with a baseball theme. Seemed like a cool little project I could actually finish.
Hunting for Supplies
First thing I did was head to my local craft store. Man, that place can be a bit overwhelming sometimes with all the options. I knew I needed beads, obviously. I spent a good while looking and finally grabbed a bunch of plain white ones – you know, for the main color of a baseball. Then I hunted down some tiny red beads. My plan was to use these for the stitching detail. I also picked up some blue and silver beads, kind of thinking about my favorite team’s colors, to add a bit more personality to the whole thing. And of course, I got some strong beading cord and a few clasps. Almost walked out without the clasps, that would have been a real pain later, haha.
Figuring Out the Look
I didn’t have a super strict plan drawn out or anything. I pretty much just dumped all the beads out on my table and started playing around with them. My main idea was to make some of the beads look like actual baseballs. So, I’d take a bigger white bead, and then try to figure out how to arrange the little red beads next to it to mimic the stitching. It definitely took a bit of trial and error to get it looking right. For a couple of the necklaces, I decided to add these little baseball bat charms I found in another aisle – super cute! For others, I just focused on stringing the team colors, alternating them with the “baseball” beads I was making.
Putting It All Together
Okay, so then came the actual stringing part. I cut a piece of cord, probably made it a bit longer than I thought I needed, just to be safe. Better too long than too short, right? I tied a good knot at one end, or sometimes I’d attach one part of the clasp right at the start. Then, I just started threading the beads on, one by one. It’s pretty chill, actually, once you get going. I’d put on a few white beads, then meticulously add the red ones to try and create that baseball stitching effect. This part needed some serious patience, let me tell you. My fingers definitely got a bit crampy after a while, but it was also really satisfying watching the necklace start to take shape.
- Sometimes I’d make a whole section just using the team colors.
- Then I’d pop in one of my DIY baseball beads.
- Maybe I’d throw in a silver spacer bead here and there for a little extra shine and separation.
I just kept going like that until it looked like it was the right length to go around my neck. Then, the slightly tricky part – attaching the other end of the clasp. You really gotta make sure it’s secure, otherwise, you’ll have beads flying everywhere! I usually tie a few strong knots and sometimes I add a tiny dab of craft glue on the knot, just to be extra sure it won’t come undone.
The Final Whistle!
And that was pretty much it! I ended up making a few different designs. Some were pretty simple, just the baseball beads and the team colors. Others were a bit fancier with those little bat charms. Honestly, I was pretty chuffed with how they all turned out. They’re not like, professional jeweler quality or anything, but they’re fun, they’re unique, and I made them myself! I wore one to the next game I went to and actually got a few compliments, which was pretty cool. It’s a pretty easy and rewarding little craft if you’re looking for something to do, especially if you’re a baseball fan. Plus, you get custom baseball bling! Can’t really beat that feeling.
