making a nursing necklace?

[ElizabethAW]

Could I buy beads and have DS (age 4) string beads to make a nursing necklace for me for Mother's day? What would be the best material to string beads on? What's safest for my 5-month-old DD, who is starting to tug and scratch while she nurses? Any tips?

Thanks!
Elizabeth

[gazapo]

A friend of mine just started making those for me to sell at my store
She says hemp is excellent and safe for baby. I do agree with her, as well as with acrylic beads. Crystal ones can be chipped. Of course a nursing necklace should be used with a mommy supervising it. Here is her necklace:

[alisonsage]

I've tried to find info on making nursing necklaces and for some reason it seems hard to come by
I have heard that materials like hemp and leather can rot and break if they are ever exposed to wetness so you need to be careful with them. Some people recomend a thick cotton cording. I would personally not use a clasp, but rather tie the 2 ends in slip knots (do you know what I mean?) HTH mama!

[jennyhot76]

I wanted to know this too and have tried to research. Anyone know?

[alisonsage]

Do you think people are closed lipped about this subject for a reason?

I have been trying to figure out how to make one of those loop style NN for ages (I have some beautiful turquoise beads that were given to me at my blessing way!) and haven't been able to find very much info at all.

I think I am going to go to a bead shop and ask for recomendations. Maybe ask what is best for stringing childrens jewelry etc....

[Mrs_donnelly]

I made one the other day. I think it cost me less than $10. It would have been less, but the big stone was almost $7. I like that it isn't a "kiddo" piece and I also enjoy playing with it! I used 3 feet of leather (about 35 cents/foot). I've also heard of people using magnet clasps.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e1...y/IMG_1338.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e1...y/IMG_1337.jpg

(Holy Cow those pics turned out huge! But I guess you can see the details now)

[jennyhot76]

That's pretty! Can you buy magnetic clasps at a craft store? I am kind of new to jewelry making. I think I may get a book and maybe that will give me some more answers.

[Mrs_donnelly]

I have no idea where to buy magnetic clasps. This is my first "real" necklace ever! So obviously I'm no expert!

[gazapo]

My friend tried magnet clasps, but we didn't like them for two reasons: one, it opens very easily, at the first little tug. I think that even if the necklace is a little big heavy it'll open. I don't think it'll very comfortable to be nursing and closing it all the time. Second reason was price. We couldn't find reasonable priced ones. She ended up closing them within themselves. They are large enough, anyway.