Red & Black Ironwork 1 Backing PaperCompleted by Gail Pennycuick

I decided to use this design to make a necklace with. So I printed it onto quality white paper and cut it out. On the back I ruled pencil lines top to bottom, measuring each strip carefully and varying their widths.

So some were straight and some had a small end compared to their other end. I cut along the pencil lines and then used a bamboo skewer to roll each strip, always starting with the biggest end where applicable and with the white side facing me.

I then rolled it towards me.

I applied glue along the last inch or so of the white side and smoothed it down gently. Next I coated the whole bead in glue (I used PVA) and eased it off the skewer, putting it to dry on a toothpick I'd stood in some polystyrene.

I did this with each of the strips and left them a few hours to dry.

To assemble the necklace I used gold beading string and with some extra black and gold beads I had, laid out a pleasing design.

Then I threaded them all and tied off the ends, attaching clasp findings. The striking red and black design makes a lovely looking necklace, though of course it could be used for background on a card as well.