If you've scrolled through Instagram or TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen the Coastal Cowgirl aesthetic riding the wave of fashion trends. Think salty air, straw hats, beach boots, and the perfect mix of Western flair with coastal charm. And what better way to show off your love for the trend than by creating a handmade beaded necklace that totally gets the vibe?
In this guide, we’ll show you how to craft your very own coastal cowgirl-inspired beaded necklace—step by step. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced jewelry maker, this fun and breezy project will have you feeling like a sun-kissed rodeo queen in no time. Plus, we’ll show you how to pair it with beaded bracelet kits from Jewelry Made By Me for a complete look.
Materials You'll Need
To get started, gather the following supplies. You can find all of these and more at Jewelry Made By Me:
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Assorted beads (natural wood, turquoise, pearls, seed beads)
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Charms (cowgirl hat, star, shell, horse shoe)
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Nylon beading thread or wire
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Crimp beads
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Jump rings
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Clasp (lobster clasp or toggle)
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Beading needle (if using thread)
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Flat-nose pliers
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Scissors or wire cutters
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Optional: Leather or suede cord for a rustic touch
Step-by-Step: How to Make Your Coastal Cowgirl Beaded Necklace
Step 1: Plan Your Design
Before you even touch the beads, take a moment to sketch or lay out your design on a beading board. Decide how long you want your necklace to be, typically, 16 to 20 inches works great for layering with other pieces.
Design Tips:
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Use turquoise as a focal point.
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Mix pearl or shell beads with wood for that coast-meets-west feel.
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Break up beads with small metallic spacers to add texture and shine.
Step 2: Cut Your Thread or Wire
Measure and cut your beading thread or wire, adding about 4 extra inches so you have room to work. If you’re using thread, knot one end or attach a bead stopper to prevent beads from sliding off.
Step 3: String Your Beads
Start threading your beads in the order you’ve planned. Alternate between different textures, like wood next to pearls, or shell beads next to turquoise, for a natural, layered look.
Step 4: Add Charms
As you bead, incorporate one or two charms in the center or asymmetrically for a more modern feel. A cowgirl hat charm beside a shell bead? Instant coastal cowgirl magic.
Step 5: Secure the Ends
Once your beading is complete:
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Thread a crimp bead and one half of your clasp onto the wire.
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Loop the wire back through the crimp bead and flatten it with pliers to secure.
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Repeat on the other side.
Trim off any excess wire or thread.
Step 6: Optional Embellishments
You can wrap leather cord around one section or attach a short tassel for a bohemian edge. Get creative, this is your signature piece!
Styling Your Necklace: The Coastal Cowgirl Way
Once your necklace is finished, the fun part begins, styling it! Here are a few ideas:
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Layer Up: Pair your necklace with other pieces like chokers, chains, or additional beaded strands.
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Beach-to-Barn Look: Rock it with a flowy white dress and Western boots.
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Denim Days: Style it with a chambray shirt and sun hat for the perfect rodeo-meets-boardwalk vibe.
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Casual Cool: Throw it on with a basic tee and cutoffs for effortless style.
And don’t forget your wrist, stacked bracelets are a coastal cowgirl must.
Shop the Look: Coastal Cowgirl Bracelet Kits
Want to take your beachy-cowgirl style to the next level? Don’t stop at necklaces.
Jewelry Made By Me offers Coastal Cowgirl beaded bracelet kits that pair perfectly with your DIY necklace. Each kit comes with curated bead mixes, charms, thread, and all the findings you need to create bracelets that match your necklace like a dream.
✨ Shop Coastal Cowgirl Bracelet Kits Now ✨
You’ll get the same blend of rustic charm and coastal breeziness, ready to wear or gift.
Tips for Beginners
New to jewelry making? Here are a few helpful hints:
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Start Simple: You don’t need a 10-strand masterpiece to make an impact. One good design with quality beads does the trick.
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Work on a Tray or Towel: Beads can roll! Keep them contained.
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Use a Bead Design Board: It helps visualize patterns and keep lengths even.
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Be Patient: If you drop your design halfway through (it happens!), take a deep breath and start again. Every necklace tells a story, even in the mishaps.
Final Thoughts: Make It, Wear It, Love It
The Coastal Cowgirl trend is all about embracing contrast, earth and sea, rustic and refined, freedom and femininity. A handmade necklace is the perfect way to embody that duality in your style. Whether you're making it for yourself or gifting it to a free-spirited friend, your custom jewelry will be more than a trend, it’ll be a vibe you created by hand.
And remember: the best part of DIY is making it yours. So don’t be afraid to experiment, mix up the colors, or even toss in a keepsake bead from a favorite beach trip or festival.
Ready to ride this wave?
👉 Shop Jewelry Made By Me for your Coastal Cowgirl Beaded Bracelet Kits and start creating your perfect set today.
