Hardware Store Necklace Tutorial
April 27, 2011 7:52 amI was really inspired by a couple of these necklaces that I had seen on the runways this year.
After taking a closer look at them I knew I could make something similar.
Here’s what you’ll need from your local hardware store:
-varying sized washers
-bike chain
-gold metal wire
I also needed extra gold chain. You can use anything you have laying around or get some at the craft store. Also, some ribbon.
First, tie a ribbon to make your bike chain connect.
This will be the strong base of your necklace. Next, get your washers.
Spray them gold on both sides.
Now, attach a piece of your chain to the bike chain and begin stringing the washers by wrapping around them once. Do different spacings, different lengths, all the while attaching the chain back and forth with your gold wire. I just would basically tie it to the bike chain then trim off the excess. You can also use jewelry closures if you prefer.
Keep stringing them until you get the heaviness you want for your look.
Look how great the completed project looks!
(my sister, Francesca was here from Arizona so I got a fresh faced model!)
This entire project cost me about $7 and took me about 20 minutes. I think if I did another I would use a satin ribbon and make the tie a bow on the back so you could var the length of the necklace. I’ve already worn this twice because it’s so versatile.
Who knew bike chains and washers could be so chic?
This tutorial is also over at MODE Bay Area today along with some other great articles!
And, just a tip- the amazing Harts Fabric is having a home dec sale. Go check it out!
Tags: DIY, hardware store, jewelry, necklace, refashion, tutorial
Posted in jewelry, refashions | 13 Comments »
By Alida@IMakeStuff on Apr 27, 2011 | Reply
You. Rock. That is all.
By Katie on Apr 27, 2011 | Reply
Your necklace is almost as fabulous as your sister’s cheekbones. I reeeaaally want to make my own now!
By Inge on Apr 27, 2011 | Reply
That is awesome! Going to the hardware store now. Thanks
By Maria on Apr 28, 2011 | Reply
This looks great! And I would never guess it was made with hardware store items.
Thanks for sharing!
By nicole on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
Oh I love that! Very creative.
By Hannah on May 1, 2011 | Reply
LOVE IT!!! i would’ve nvr guessed it was made from hardware store items!!! I personally like your’s better than the “expensive” ones
great job!!! i recently found ur blog and am LOVING it!!! I will hopefully be attempting to make one of your signature ruffle shirts soon 
By Rachel on May 6, 2011 | Reply
That is really stunning. I love, love, love your version and can’t wait to make this! I’ll be linking as well.
By Lisa on May 14, 2011 | Reply
Love this look! Thanks for sharing
By Amanda on Jul 18, 2011 | Reply
What a great knock off! I’ve featured this post on Copy Cat Crafts today, you can view it here
http://www.copycatcrafts.com/runway-inspired-hardware-store-necklace/
We’d love it if you’d like to display a featured button! You can grab your button on the right hand side of your post. Thanks!
By Carrie on Jul 23, 2011 | Reply
Yours is way better than the originals.
By Gloria on Oct 1, 2011 | Reply
Amazing! Looks wonderful and I agree that yours looks better than the original one. You have such great ideas. Thanks for taking the time to put these tuts together and sharing them with us. My adult DD would just LOVE something like this and I can actually afford to make it for her too.
By steph on Nov 22, 2011 | Reply
I think it might be a different kind of chain rather than bike chain but i will definately be going to the homedepot this weekend!
By Michele C. on Jan 31, 2012 | Reply
Think I’ll grab some washers out of my husbands toolbox and make this! Looks great!