Whether you are a hobby jewelry designer and you created jewelry as gifts this past holiday season or you are a professional jewelry designer and you have put away the art show booth for the season you probably have quite a stash of beads and components that didn't make it to a finished project. 

Or maybe you have older projects that didn't sell or that you are tired of and you wish to disassemble them to create something new.

 

In any case, if you have a stash of odds and ends - a container with only three beads of one style and seven of another - you'll want to check out this list of "Bead Soup" Necklaces. If you think you need tons of one type of bead to make a necklace - think again. 

How to Make an Earthy Beaded Necklace from For the Love of - This beautiful twist on multi-strand necklaces will turn heads wherever you go. This necklace puts a twist on learning  how to make beaded necklaces by making the beaded strands the centerpiece of the necklace pattern. After making this piece, you'll be well on your way to making your own high-fashion twists.

Make it Tonight, Wear it Tomorrow from Katydids - While this project is made with whole strands of beads it could easily be made with bead soup - or beads that didn't really work for any past projects. Use the beads in the dominate color of your bead soup to inspire the rest of the color scheme. If mixing and matching colors isn't your strong suite hold the main color of beads up to a painting or photo that has a very similar color and then pull beads in colors that are used in the rest of the painting.

Whether you match or contrast with your main color you are sure to have a unique necklace. 

How to Make a Crystal Layering Necklace from Candie Cooper - If you have a smattering of quartz crystals or druzy beads on hand you will definitely want to check out this project. Create a necklace with just a few crystals for a delicate accessory or go bold with a neck full of crystals. It is your call. The project is super easy and will take no time at all to complete. 

Anthro Petalouda Necklace from Flamingo Toes - Make a necklace that's really fit for spring by including one of the season's icons on your colorful strands of beads. This necklace is a great spring project that affords you a lovely piece of jewelry at the end of the process. 

Making a Treasure Necklace from Beading Arts - Create your own treasure necklace using various odds and ends all in the same color scheme or mix it up. This upcycled treasure necklace is a great way to use those extra bits and baubles you have lying around.

Boho Beaded Necklace – Video Tutorial from The Createve Goddess - Get that effortless eclectic vibe with this Boho Beaded Necklace tutorial. Fans of multistrand jewelry designs will love this layered look. It's much simpler to pull off than it sounds, and the end result is worth the effort. Add to the bohemian aesthetic of this necklace by using a mix of seed beads and chunky beads in natural, earthy tones.

DIY Upcycled Necklace from Sarah Ortega -  This Upcycled Necklace tutorial uses upcycled beads from the thrift store or old pieces of jewelry. You can mix and match this necklace with any outfit. The more eclectic the beads are, the more unique your ensemble will look. Go ahead and use this homemade bead necklace as a conversation starter at brunch with your friends. They might just ask you to make one for them next time.