May 27, 2013

DIY: Teardrop Bead Statement Necklace


You know when you see something on TV or online or in a magazine and you determine in your most super villainess-style voice that "It WILL be mine"? Well, I tend to do this kind of a lot because I can't stop being inspired by shapes and colors and pretty things for even one second. I'm starting to think I have a problem, but it's hard to worry too much when your "problem" results in ridiculous symptoms like having too many fun necklaces and floral headscarves. 

I tend to obsess over the things I like for an unreasonable amount of time, and if something else has not pushed an obsessed over item out of my mind for a length of time, I decide to act upon the obsession by either buying or DIYing the object of obsession. If something else makes me obsess harder and the original item is forgotten, it was never meant to be. There's some kind of ye olde proverb in there, right?

Also, it is EXHAUSTING in this head of mine; there are just SO MANY ideas. Sometimes, though, the result is a fun new accessory. I saw a necklace similar to this one about two years ago (I said I was OBSESSIVE) on Project Runway - they were obviously using the Piperlime Accessory Wall™ wisely, as per Tim Gunn's instructions. That one was multi-colored and fabulous, but after some careful internet sleuthing I learned that it was also $100. Not exactly my style. I'm all about getting the cutest for the cheapest and that often means going the DIY route. For a detail freak like myself, this is ideal because I can make things to my exact taste. Want one too? I thought you might!

What You Need
12 Teardrop Beads with Holes (I got mine here)  //  28 Silver Spacer Beads  //  2 Clamshell Knot Cover Beads  //  Two 9" Pieces of Metal Chain  //  Stretch Magic Jewelry Cord  //  16 Jump Rings  //  Clasp  //  Jewelry Pliers  //  Wire Cutters  //  Acrylic Paint (optional - not pictured)  //  Mod Podge (optional - not pictured)

How To Make It
To start, I painted my teardrop beads mint green with acrylic paint and coated them in Mod Podge to seal the paint. This step is optional. I couldn't find any teardrop beads in a color I liked so I took the initiative to paint these clear ones because I'm a go-getter (and because I couldn't get the image of a mint green necklace out of my mind).


When all that business is dry and ready, use the jewelry pliers to twist open the jump rings and thread them through the holes in the teardrop beads. Twist the jump rings closed.

Cut 2 lengths of Stretch Magic, one about 8" and one about 9" in length. Thread 2 spacer beads on the 8" stretch cord, followed by 1 teardrop bead. Repeat 4X and then add 2 more spacer beads to finish. When done, you'll have 5 teardrop beads and 12 spacer beads. For the 9" cord, repeat this whole process, but this one is longer so you'll have a total of 7 teardrop beads and 16 spacer beads.



Cool, let's get into it! Take one end of each stretch cord and slide them both through one clamshell bead. Knot the 2 ends together securely. I like to do a million little knots right on top of each other to make a large knot. Trim the cord excess close to the knot. Use the pliers to close the clamshell part of the bead over the knot to hide it.

To finish, attach a jump ring to each end of the metal chains. Bend each "arm" of the clamshell beads around a jump ring. Attach each half of the clasp to the jump rings on the other end of the chains. You did it! Wow, what can't you do? 





I bought a ton of these beads - I actually bought them TWICE because I was sure my boyfriend had accidentally thrown them away during a major apartment cleaning. It seemed to be the only explanation. We couldn't find the beads and he was so very apologetic and tried to look through our building's dumpster (which I did not let him do - I'm not a jerk). So I bought a TON more and then I found the original beads exactly where I had left them. Oops. I'm still working on the assumption that the mischievous spirit of a bead enthusiast was playing a cute joke on us because I know that I didn't have a hand in this. Nope. Not possible.

As a result, I have what you might call a "ridiculous" number of beads (for the record I call it "comforting") so I'll be able to make a few more of these neck decorations. I guess I'm calling necklaces "neck decorations" now? It just seems more appropriate when the jewelry you're wearing is more like a Christmas tree ornament than a simple gold pendant or whatever normal people are wearing these days. I might also make a HUGE one with even more teardrop beads because I like to jingle at all times.

xoxo,
Michelle

20 comments:

  1. Wow! This necklace is amazing! great job!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hello! First up than for dropping by my blog and leaving such sweet comment! Love your creativity here, the necklace is just beautiful!

    Fang Ting
    ftashion

    ReplyDelete
  3. I, too, have seen these necklaces everywhere and always with a big price tag attached. Thanks for a tutorial! I think I have some similar beads lying around (also clear, so I'll need to paint them). Next time I'm in the craftin' spirit, I will give this a go! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No problem! You totally should give this a go - pretty stuff doesn't need to be expensive.
      xo

      Delete
  4. I love the idea of painting big ol' crystal beads. The possibilities are endless!
    The necklace turned out so cool!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, it really opens up your options (which were pretty limited for me). Thanks!
      xo

      Delete
  5. I really love your necklace! Your bead and color choice is just absolutely perfect. It looks just the same as a statement necklace you would buy from a store.

    xoxo,
    Laura
    http://lauraisthriftingthroughlife.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  6. how much did it cost to purchase all the supplies?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not much! I make a lot of jewelry, so I had almost everything on hand already. I would always recommend using what you have if possible. I bought the teardrop beads for $1.49/pack of 10 and the paint for $1.00. I would estimate that the total cost of all the supplies I had on hand (which I purchase on sale/with coupon at Joann's) would be less than $5.00 easily. Obviously if you have to buy everything at once you'd spend more for the full packs of beads etc. but still WAY less than the cost of most of these necklaces!
      xo

      Delete
  7. I'm sorry, but there is no such thing as a ridiculous amount of beads. This is a thing that does not exist. I must believe that.

    ReplyDelete
  8. So I know the post is about the necklace, but guh...your sweater is amazing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! That is probably my favorite sweater, even though the sleeves always get snagged on the gems. Like, all the time. Still, a good find from the T.J. Maxx clearance rack! xo

      Delete
  9. It all is wholly right. All of little components were definitely generated thru countless checklist learning. I enjoy your application tons. Boho unique gemstone

    ReplyDelete
  10. You can discover precious stone adornments at very good quality retail chains, enormous retail outlets, and surprisingly in region gems stores. crystal healing stones

    ReplyDelete
  11. This fabulous rolo chain necklace is well known for the understatement-not too thin nor too bold, composed of individually linked oval rings. This top pick comes crafted from polished and textured 18K rose or yellow gold over 0.925 sterling silver.wolf wedding ring

    ReplyDelete
  12. The website is looking bit flashy and it catches the visitors eyes. Design is pretty simple and a good user friendly interface. 캐나다 비자 온라인

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...