Using Shank Buttons

[Dianna]

I am trying to make a special birthday gift for a friend who loves vintage jewelry. I have purchased some beautiful metal shank buttons and planned on grouping several of them together (similar to what a broach would look like) and using them as my focal point of my two (maybe three) strand necklace. I can't seem to figure out how to prevent them from flopping around. I tried small beads along with crimp beads in between and strung them on .018 beading wire, pulled them tight into a circle. They still move too much and I just don't think they will hang right. How can I reinforce them? Is there a better method that anyone can suggest?
Thanks in advance for your help!!

[marym]

Hm. Good question. I'm assuming you've tried wire? Sometimes you can use wire to hold elements in certain positions but you do have to be careful of making something that will be uncomfortable against skin.

The only other suggestion I have is to remove the shanks and use epoxy to put them on a more manageable base. I'm thinking specifically of Gluable surfaces like our pendant findings.

Hope you find something that helps! Let us know if you need anything else.

Mary