Tied Ribbon Design

• Slide your choice of 18mm beads over a 1/4-inch wide to 3/8-inch wide satin or gossamer ribbon strand to make a tied ribbon necklace. Cut a strand of ribbon twice as long as the overall necklace length, then tie a tight overhand knot 2 inches from one end. Insert a threaded beading needle through the other end of the ribbon so the beads will slide onto the ribbon strand easily. Many 18mm beads have large holes, but the needle and thread method helps when the holes are smaller than the width of the ribbon. Slide the bead to the first knot, and then tie a second knot immediately behind the first 18mm bead, or up to 1 inch away from it. Slide on another bead. Continue to tie knots in the ribbon strand wherever you'd like to place an 18mm bead. Add a necklace clasp, or tie the necklace on and off with the end of the ribbon.
  
  

Chunky Shells

• Create a chunky shell necklace using 18mm shell beads of your choice, separated by smaller shell beads. Large bead necklaces have greater flexibility if they include smaller beads as fillers. For example, create a strand of 18mm paua shells separated by 8mm paua shell beads. Alter the design by arranging a stair-step pattern that includes a 6mm paua bead, followed by an 8mm paua, an 18mm paua, an 8mm paua and a 6mm paua. A wide variety of shell beads are available at online bead suppliers. String the shells onto soft monofilament line and add a clasp to make a necklace.
  
  

Dramatic Gemstones

• Gemstone beads are also available in a wide variety of sizes, including 18mm. Gemstone beads may have holes drilled through the top, creating drop beads, or they may have center-drilled beads. One attractive necklace idea using 18mm gemstone beads of your choice is to string 18mm gemstone drop beads between sections of 4mm and 6mm gemstone beads in the same or contrasting materials. For example, separate 18mm amethyst drop beads with rows of 4mm, 6mm and 4mm pearls. Make the heavy gemstone bead necklaces with wire or other sturdy beading cord such as satin or leather. Add a clasp to complete the design.
  
  

Tiered Strands

• Tiered necklace designs include at least three beaded strands attached to an end piece with three or more loops. Make each strand separately, making each one slightly longer than the last to create the tiered look. Make strands of your favorite beads including 18mm drops or center-drilled styles separated by smaller center-drilled beads of the same or different material. Mix and match shell beads with gemstones, wood beads with shells or ceramic beads with crystals to create a design that appeals to you. Each tier can be different, but carry the design theme through each with color, pattern or material.