{inside necklace by me; outer necklace by Alicia}
I have been lusting after all of the gorgeous lucite jewelry that’s out on the market this season. Too much amazing sparkle. There was Shourouk’s Iryana necklace (and Geneva’s incredible DIY rendition.) At BaubleBar, we stocked Adia Kibur’s Lucite Necklace for a bit – only to have it continually sell out. Somewhat by chance, I found myself buying shrinky dink plastic sheets (Remember those? Please don’t make me feel old!) at the craft store and the wheels went started to turn. LUCITE JEWELRY! My first mission was to attempt to make something similar to Adia Kibur’s. Alicia (who has become my partner in crafty crime) came over and we had fun making these necklaces… they turned out pretty well, no?
You will need: Assorted Rhinestones (ideally in their settings, like these sew-on ones) // Brass Jump Rings // Clasp // Brass Chain (not pictured… but I used this exact chain.) // Sharp Scissors // Polyshrink Sheets // Marker (not pictured) // Oven // Baking Sheet // Two pieces of cardboard to sandwich the Polyshrink between // Hole Punch (not pictured… just the office variety will suffice!)
Now, before we dive in… a word about the polyshrink sheets! It is actually pretty easy to use. That’s why we played with shrinky dinks as children. (Try to remember that if you feel at all intimidated by this project.) But before you get started, here are the things you need to know.
1. The polyshrink sheets will shrink to about 50% of your original size. Baking time varies, but is usually under 5 minutes. Monitor it closely and just take it out of the oven when you are happy with how it looks.
2. It has a tendency to curl, which is why it is important to sandwich it between two sheets of cardboard. I also placed some glasses on top of mine, just for good measure.
3. Be sure to punch your holes in the polyshrink BEFORE baking, not after.
4. The polyshrink will about double in thickness once cooked. It starts out very pliable and is easy to cut with scissors / punch with a standard office hole punch.
5. Be sure to buy the stay clear variety. Some versions tend to cloud, and won’t look like lucite!
Add a jump ring to one side and a jump ring + clasp to the other side, and you are done!
Top photo by Lydia Hudgens; all other photos by Stripes & Sequins
This is stunning! amazing job, Grace!
So pretty! I had made a geometric bib necklace over the summer on my blog (http://twoboroughs.blogspot.com) using shrinky dink film too 🙂
Gorgeous and genius! So cool.
I remember Shrinky Dink! Too funny…this is of course genius and came out so pretty. I love the “lucite” look!
Can you make me a shrinky dink dino necklace? I think Stefan would like one for solidarity also.
This is incredible! Is it a sin to say I think I like YOUR version more?! 🙂 I am going to run out and get some shrinky dink plastic, that stuff is so fun! Whats next? A lucite clutch? That would be incredible.
I am such a fan!
xo, Danielle
aw, thanks Danielle, that is so sweet! I actually did a lucite clutch a while back.. here’s the link! http://bit.ly/Tm3ltt
Wow, amazing! I remember that, and SO cool how it transforms into this. I love anything lucite these days. Can this make a table? 🙂
Absolutely gorgeous piece, Grace! this is freaky (in a good way)….I literally just left my fav bead store 2 mins ago where I saw the Polyshrink sheets and was thinking about making a necklace with it! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
Shrinky Dinks are amazing- I miss playing with them! Gorgeous necklaces.
This is awesome! I definitely want to try this. I love lucite, but don’t know why it’s so expensive. Isn’t it just like plastic?
I love being inspired by you lady! You’re so crafty!
Off Kelly’s Hanger
Beautiful – Lucite is all the rage right now! I must try this!
XO, Stefanie
Life on the Squares
This is so beautiful, I had no idea they still made shrinky dink plastic! The possibilities are now endless… Such an amazing job and it really looks like lucite!
xx
Lia
This might be my favorite DIY yet! Especially after lusting over the Adia Kibur necklaces all season! Shrinky Dink brings back so many fun crafting memories with my mom, I had noidea it was still around 🙂
I love this DIY, Grace! You are so talented. Anything lucite I pretty much love 🙂
xo Julia
oh my goodness this is amazing! I never knew there was an “adult” shrinky dink = aka the raw materials, but I never thought about it either lol
Soooo beautiful! Great DIY! Love it soooo much!
I love this! So fab!