Morse Code Jewelry is a great a simple way to convey a message through beads and wearable items!
Total Project Time: 20 minutes
You know, I’m honestly surprised that I haven’t made any jewelry yet that I’ve posted about on this site. Working with beads is a lot of fun and there is a surprising number of ways to customize a piece and make it truly unique. I like having messages in my pieces that don’t necessarily use letters. Or maybe, they just use a different type of letter: morse code!! Morse code seems like such a cool way to convey a message, especially in jewelry, where different colors can represent the either the dot or dash.
Check out the Craft section of MCG for more unlimited ideas.
Supplies
For this project, I used two different types of beads and a thread/cord. I like using threads to hold the beads because they are more flexible, and they allow me to practice a knotting technique (which I will delve more into later). This is a simple project. I decided to start small by doing a bracelet.
Process
01
Deciding the Message
There are many easy messages you can write into more code. Some of the very commons ones that I found were I love you, mother, daughter, father, son, believe, hope, trust, justice, and courage. The great part about a project like this is that you are able to say pretty much anything you want so long as you have the space to do it. The message I’m deciding on doing is a secret, can you figure it out? 😉
02
Arranging the Project
I like to arrange the project before I begin work because I reduce the number of mistakes that I am able to make. It’s much easier to just grab the next thing in line than it is to have to think about where you are. Or double check every step of the process. This is also a great way to see how much exposed cord you have depending on the length of your project. I wanted to do a sliding knot clasp for the bracelet, so I needed a little extra room.
03
Threading the Beads
The message that I wanted was long enough to be a bracelet without any exposed thread, so I did my best to hide the cord along the edges of the beads. After I knotted one end of the clasp, I used glue to attach the thread together. This helps to hide the thread under the beads.
Then is was time to add the beads. Between each letter, I decided to do a tight knot. The reason for this is twofold. One – it keeps all the beads tighten in the exact space I want them. Two – if the bracelet were to break, the knot will allow for minimal beads to be dropped from the bracelet. It’s much easier to recreate something when you have all of the materials.
Once the beads are added and in place, I fastened the clasp on the other side. And voila! It’s ready to wear!
Reflections
I forgot how much I love working with beads. There are small and fickle, but I enjoy the process immensely. And being able to create hidden messages (or what feels like a hidden message), make the process even more special. This is such a simple process that I’m excited to get back into making jewelry!
Lessons
Knotting Between Beads
Knotting between beads can be a difficult task. The thread needs to be directly against the bead. Otherwise, the bead will slide and there will be some strange spaces in various places. To get the knot to lie tightly next to the bead, I use a special tool. What is this tool? I didn’t know because it was something I discovered among my grandmothers’ crafting supplies. After a little research, I discovered it’s a called a knotter tool. I think it’s one of my essentials in my jewelry making kit.
Quick Recipe
Morse Code Jewelry
Equipment
- 1 Knotter Tool optional
Materials
- 2 Different Colored Bead Types
- Thread for Stringing Project
Instructions
- Arrange the beads in the desired design
- Attach one end of the clasp to the thread. Secure as tightly as possible.
- Thread beads adding knotting between the lettering.
- Attach the other end of the clasp, secure as tightly as possible.