DIY: Blue Double Strand Statement Necklace

1. Start with jewelry (stringing) wire, jump ring, and crimp bead. You'll also need your pliers.

(I usually cut about 24" of wire... It's better to have it too long, than too short)

2. String crimp bead, and then the jump ring. Loop wire over jump ring and back through the crimp bead.

3. Gently but firmly squeeze the crimp bead using the pliers.

4. Cut off the extra jewelry wire. 

5. String beads and close off the strand the same way you started it. 

6. Make a second strand the same way, attaching it to the first set of jump rings.

 

7. Cut jewelry chain to desired length. 

I usually put a piece around my neck until I like the length, then cut the piece in half to attach the clasp. 

I also chose to use two pieces of chain on each side instead of just one.

8. Open jump ring and attach the two pieces of chain.

9. To finish off the necklace attach jewelry chain to jump rings on each side, as well as attaching a clasp.

If you've never made a necklace before, this might be a little confusing.. 

 Here are my other statement necklace tutorials: 1 2 

They're a lot more detailed, and there are more pictures of each step :)

Inspiration: Banana Republic

DIY Mondays: Geometric Polymer Clay Earrings

My little sister's birthday is tomorrow, and I wanted to make her something she would like, but something small enough to mail easily. These earrings were the perfect thing!  And they were pretty simple to make :) 

I just guessed on the size, I figured it would be easier to have extra than to not have enough. 

This step is totally optional, and you could completely skip it.

I just found it easier to start with a cube shape. 

They were all a little different, I tried to keep the size of my earring back in mind while I was making them smaller. I didn't want to make them too small. 

I let them cool down for about 10 minutes. 

And there you have it :)

Inspiration: hunryhappened.com and etsy,com

Easy Statement Necklace Tutorial

You will need: 

- Beads 

- Spacer beads (optional)

- Jump Rings

- Crimp Beads

- Lobster Claw Clasp

- Jewelry Stringing Wire

- Wire Cutters

- Pliers (I used two, but that's totally optional)

- Ruler

If you want more information on the packaging of the beads and necklace materials click here. 

This is just approximate, I always cut more wire than I know I'll need.   Better to have to cut off extra at the end, instead of starting over because the wire was too short ;) 

I stopped beading around 9 inches, but it's totally up to you, or how many beads you have. I usually try to end with a necklace that measures a total of 22" - 23".

As I said before, I like my necklaces to be around 22 - 23 inches end to end when finished. So since my beading was around 9 inches long, I cut 13 inches of chain total. 

This is where I use two pairs of pliers, it makes it a lot easier when opening the jump ring, but you'll be fine with one. I only use one pair of pliers to close it though. 

And there you have it :) Your necklace is done! 

Still a little confused? You can check out my other tutorial, here.

The next two necklaces were made the same way :) 

My little collection of statement necklaces so far :) I'm pretty proud of them ;) 

The green necklace was my first ever, and this tutorial was my second time making one, it's something you kind of just have to get the materials and go for it. You won't regret it :) 

DIY: Statement Necklace

You will need:

- Jade colored beads (I used two sizes)

- Red spacer beads (totally optional)

I got two of each size beads, and one of the red spacer beads.

- "Jewelry Findings" all purpose pack (whatever finish you choose)

- mono-filament jewelry stringing wire (looks like fishing wire)

- package of jewelry chain (whatever finish you choose)

- scissors

- needle nose pliers

- wire cutters (I was fine without these, but it will probably make your life easier)

All of these things cost me just under $30, I got everything at Michaels. The mono-filament wire was the most costly thing, but I used a 40% off coupon that I had.  

I like to put everything out in front of me, it's just easier for me. I didn't use "scissors" but I used precision cutters, same thing :P And the jump rings, clasp, and crimp beads are all apart of the jewelry findings pack. You can also buy these separately from each other, but it was easier for me just to get them in a combined pack :) 

18 inches is just an approximate measurement, it just depends on how long you want your necklace.

You really don't have to apply a lot of pressure to push the crimp bead. 

My first finished strand was about 14 inches. 

Repeat step 2 & 3 to close the strand.

 Note: you don't have to be exact with the measurement of the strands, being slightly different in length will help the necklace lay better :) 

After two strands.

After three strands. This part is now complete :)

Okay, now if you have wire cutters, use them. I didn't, so I just used my pliers to take out a link in the chain to separate the piece from the rest of the chain.

You'll be left with three inches, one for each side of the necklace.

I know it's kind of confusing, but I promise, just take a deep breath, and you'll be okay. 

I tried to help with this picture as much as I could, I hope it helps!

Your necklace is finished now! Yay :) It took me around an hour, stringing the beads is what took the longest. The finished necklace ended up being about 22 inches end to end. 

Now step back, and admire your work! :) 

I used what I had lying around the display my necklaces, a bulletin board and push pins will work for now ;)

Happy Monday everyone :) 

Inspiration: makingitlovely.com