My mom threw out a little battered and misshapen straw hat that had unique shell beads attached around the crown. When my eyes spied it, I quickly snatched it out of the trash and snipped off the shells. They were so beautiful in their uniqueness and I gloated over my find.
I decided to make 2 necklaces (and then changed to a convertible necklace) using 2 of my favs. To add more interest, I decided to add dangles to each shell.
Each one had 1 pre-drilled hole where it had been sewn to the hat, making it fast and easy to create my design. I used reclaimed silver tone chains and beads, and new jump rings and lobster clasps.
The detachable shell pendants attach, via the lobster clasps, between the crystal bicone and faceted metallic gunmetal beads.
I chose a jasper mix ebead for the necklace. An ebead is a larger, usually 6/0, seedbead. I usually don’t care for brown and muted hues, but I have to say, this bead mix is so lustrous and beautiful. The cream beads mixed in makes it more attractive too, at least to me.
If you want to see a jasper bead mix for sale, here’s one in a tube, like mine were, at Amazon: Czech Glass Natural Jasper 6/0 E-Beads in a tube. No affiliation. Just sharing the beautiful beads. I did not pay $10 back when I bought mine. I probably got them through Wmart dot com and they were probably on sale or clearance. You will find a type of bead for sale and you can click through the thumbnails to see what colors are available. After I selected the colors that I wanted, I decided to give the jasper mix a try. It’s a good way to try new colors because you have to pick through what is left and you want to take advantage of the clearance. 
This jasper mix was a win win!
The Charms of Light website shares that, Jasper is known as the “supreme nurturer”. It sustains and supports through times of stress, and brings tranquility and wholeness. Jasper provides protection and absorbs negative energy. It encourages honesty with one’s self. Provides courage to assertively tackle problems. Aids quick-thinking and promotes organisational abilities. Jasper stimulates the imagination and transforms ideas into action. It supports during prolonged illness and re-energises the body.
What else is left for other stones to do? 
I designed this necklace to be an over-the-head design with no clasp. The down side is that the pendants have the lobster clasps, which can be a challenge for some. Being of a certain age, I’m always thinking about ease of wear, not only for myself but for others who have physical challenges.
The dangles add just the right touch of sparkling accent to the interchangeable, shell pendants of this coastal-themed handmade necklace!
Thanks for taking a look! This is my 7th post in my pursuit of the Chameleon Badge! 11 to go. 
