Made By Lex

Hardware Store Necklace Tutorial

I 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!

Kristen’s Custom Creations Necklace Giveaway-CLOSED!

I am so excited to tell you about today’s special giveaway! Kristen, from Kristen’s Custom Creations is a work at home mom who stamps such beautiful, elegant jewelry.

I had SUCH  a hard time picking some of my favorites, but here are a few out of the 100′s she has…

She has a piece for EVERY walk of life, trust me!! And if she doesn’t have what you’re looking for, you can custom order it in her etsy shop. And check out her amazing blog, too!

Now for the exciting part. One of you will get this amazing necklace, perfectly suited for Made by Lex readers!

It reads, “Keep Calm and Sew On” and has a little vintage sewing machine charm on it. I got one and I L-O-V-E it! It is soooo well made and is so simple and charming.

You have THREE chances to enter:

1. Leave a comment.

2. Become a fan of Kristen’s Facebook Page.

3. Create a link to this page on your blog.

If you do more than one, leave it in your comment so I know you’ve entered more than one way.

The winner will be randomly chosen this Friday!

If you’re interested in hosting a giveaway on Made by Lex, email me for more information!

Tags: giveaway, necklace, sponsor
Posted in children's clothes, etsy, other | 105 Comments »

Jewelry Love

So a couple weeks ago I got really inspired by Anthropologies jewelry and decided to try to make some stuff. I made this first necklace with fabric, pearls, rhinestones and a vintage crown piece I had gotten.
I really liked the way it came out.

And this extravagant turquoise and gold one.

And let me tell you- they were all under $7!!!!!!!!!!! I got a lot but spent so little and I’ve been wearing them every day. And now I say forget making jewelry and thank you Forever 21!!