How to Make My Kind of Necklace Chain

First, you'll need these materials:

Chain (I use a minimum of 18")
1 or 2 pairs of round nose pliers
1 pair of flat nose pliers
Split ring pliers
Wire cutters (optional)
Split rings
Clasps
Ruler
Bead mat
Bead trays (suggestion: use bendable lids from plastic containers)

1. Measure a length of chain against a ruler. Static cling on the bead mat will help to keep the chain straight.

2. Use your round nose pliers to remove your desired length of chain from the rest of the chain.
3. Use the round nose pliers to open the link at one end of your length of chain.

4. Hold the open link still with your round nose pliers, as pictured below:

5. Slip a split ring onto the open link.

6. Close the link by holding it still with the the round nose pliers and pressing it closed with either a second pair of round nose pliers or a pair of flat nose pliers.

*When the link is "closed," there may still be a gap. To close the gap:

A. Hold the chain link still with your round nose pliers (The photos below show a different chain link than the previous photos, sorry).

B. Using a second pair of round nose pliers, reopen the link.

C. Using a pair of flat nose pliers, twist the chain link so that the ends no longer align.

The two ends should be touching as pictured in the photo below:

D. Use the flat nose pliers to straighten and realign the twisted ends of the link.

This should close the gap:

7. Repeat steps 3-6 to attach a split ring to the opposite end of the chain.

8. Use split ring pliers to open a split ring at either end of the chain. Slip a clasp onto the open split ring.

And now you're done.

Where to Buy Supplies:
The list below is targeted at people living in the United States, but some of these options are available in other countries.

--Local bead stores and bead expos
Do a Google search for bead stores, arts & craft stores and bead expos in your area; there may be one near where you live

--Hobby Lobby
Go here for printable coupons

--Michaels Arts & Crafts
Go here for printable coupons

--JoAnn Fabric and Craft Stores
Go here for printable coupons

--artbeads.com
Free shipping is available on orders $10 and over
Get coupon codes here

--firemountaingems.com

--etsy.com
This is sometimes the cheapest option online, but shipping can take weeks.

--ebay.com