February 24, 2015

DIY: Gold Spike Necklace Tutorial

Sometimes projects are born from unprecedented levels of snowed-in boredom. Well, maybe not boredom, per se, because I rarely get truly bored (my mind would need to stop racing for that to ever happen - thanks brain!), but after four days without so much as opening your front door, you learn that there are only so many Netflix documentaries, internet k-holes and weird drink concoctions available to occupy the mind.

When in need of an activity, I often turn to jewelry making, and since I couldn't drive out of my parking spot, let alone to a store, I was left with just my own craft stash to make this little guy. I would've maybe done some things differently if given the option, but I think my little golden Frankenstein necklace, made from random bits and beads, is charming in its own thrown-together way. Here's how I made it, and may you never have another snowed in weekend in which to try this.



WHAT YOU NEED
Gold Stud or Spike Beads (these are from Joann's)
Gold Tube Beads
Gold Round Beads
Beading Wire
Jewelry Pliers
Wire Cutter
Jump Rings & Clasp
Crimping Beads & Crimping Tool {not pictured}
Small Length of Chain {optional}


HOW TO MAKE IT
First, cut a length of beading wire (I like to cut it WAY too long just in case, because I'm paranoid). Start stringing the spike beads on the wire, placing a round bead in between each spike. Don't skip the round bead - it adds just enough space to allow the spikes to fit flush next to each other (otherwise the spikes with splay up and down, like in the supplies photo above).


Continue stringing in this pattern until you're pleased (with the length of the necklace, not just pleased in general...we've already established this is a snowed-in project so that is not possible).


Use the gold tube beads to fill in the space on either side of the spikes along the beading wire. If you use gold wire (which you should if you have it, I was just working with odds and ends in my supplies) you could skip this step and let the wire show for a more minimal look.


To finish off the ends of the wire, I created some loops that can attach right to jump rings. To do this, I trimmed the wire, looped it back over itself so that the end tucked into the last gold tube bead in the row [below top]. Then I slid on a crimp bead over the loop, which I first squished a little to make the bead fit [below middle]. Then I reopened the squished loop [below bottom].   


Next, use a bead crimping tool to secure the crimp bead. Repeat this process on the other end of the necklace. {If you're new to crimp beads, read this post where I talk more about them}


I finished my necklace by attaching a small length of chain with a jump ring to those newly formed loops, before adding more jump rings and a clasp to the free ends of the chain. This is all optional, and you can simply attach jump rings and a clasp right to the wire loops.
You can wear this spiked necklace in a neat and orderly way (above) or jostle it for a wilder look (I mean, it is a metal spike necklace, right?). Just don't let it poke you in the throat. Not that I did that or anything. You know what? Maybe make yours longer than mine.

I typed 'the wire' so many times here that now I want to watch The Wire. You're in my head, Omar!


Are you into spiked and studded jewelry? How many days has the snow kept you inside against your will? Or are you into all this snow?


36 comments:

  1. Beautiful! We just had two ice days in North Texas, but all I managed to do was drink wine and take naps.

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    Replies
    1. That sounds like a perfectly fine way to spend a day off! xo

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  2. I love it! Such a gorgeous necklace and it seems easy enough to make. Thank you for the idea and the how-to. I rarely ever wear necklaces but would like that to change. Perhaps I can get to work making some statement jewelry for myself!

    Much Love,
    -Stephanie Eva

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! Yes, I would suggest making your own jewelry if you want to get more into wearing it, both because it is WAY cheaper (usually) and because you can customize it. Once you get the hang of it and some basic supplies, you'll have more necklaces than you know what to do with - trust me! xo

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  3. This came out really well! I'd probably wear it tidily just to avoid the throat-poking. Not a big fan of throat-poking.

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    1. Thanks! Yeah, that's my plan too, haha. It's pretty easy to avoid to throat poking by making it longer too! xo

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  4. Oh this is really cool necklace, you don't even really notice that they are spikes. I think they are kind of a fun idea, I might have to look for some spike beads of my own. I've never seen snow before but I see how bad it is in some places of the world, I'll send you some positive weather vibes from California! :)

    Nina
    http://curvymod.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your positive weather vibes! :) I can't imagine never having seen snow before, since it's a pretty big part of New England life, but I bet it would be fun for you the first time and then you'd be right back to California haha! xo

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  5. So awesome! I love spike necklaces! I wish I had the patience to make my own. I really like how it's worn in the last photo! Gives it more of an edge.

    xo,
    Mindy | Blonde Nouveau

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! I like to wear it both ways (although sometimes the necklace has a mind of its own and ends up messy no matter what!). I promise it only takes 15-20 minutes to make something like this! xo

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  6. cooolllll!!! love diy post!
    xx

    isa

    www.un-likely.com

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  7. Such a cool DIY! The necklace looks great!

    Love, L

    THESTYLECIRCUS.net

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  8. This is so intresting! Thanks for sharing! kisses

    https://voxofvanity.wordpress.com/

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  9. I love this tutorial! So fun and it would go well with any outfit! I'm all into golds these days.

    Circus & Bloom
    ♥♥♥

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    Replies
    1. Me too! I'm typically more of a silver girl, but sometimes a mood just calls for gold. Thanks! xo

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  10. This necklace is so well made, it looks professional! Great tutorial, too :)

    XxMO
    madame-ostrich.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for the kind words! Jewelry making is definitely a passion for me! xo

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  11. This necklace is very nice! Love the tutorial!

    XX

    http://www.floortjeloves.com
    http://www.facebook.com/floortjeloves

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! Hope I showed just how easy it is to make your own stuff! xo

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  12. What a gorgeous necklace! It seriously looks like something you would find in a trendy boutique!

    Rebecca
    www.winnipegstyle.ca

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    Replies
    1. Awww, thank you! I'm pretty happy with it for a spur of the moment snow day project. :) xo

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  13. What a great tutorial! You are so crafty! So nice how much money you can save by creating your own jewelry, I wish I were that crafty! Great post, thanks for sharing!
    -Tatiana
    We Shop in Heels

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    Replies
    1. It's true - the money saving is ridiculous! I still buy jewelry too sometimes, but investing in some basic tools and picking up fun beads and gems when you find good deals can save tons of $$$! xo

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  14. What a great project! The necklace looks fantastic :)

    -Jen

    www.vibrantbeautyblog.com

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  15. Insanely comprehensive :)

    Thank you so much,
    Now I have something to read during the holidays. This will take a while but well worth it like always
    You can read another one here DiYsBest

    ReplyDelete
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