DIY: Mixed Media Collar Necklace

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DIY:  Mixed Media Collar Necklace

Today’s DIY is a little different than usual, in that we are taking a perfectly fine necklace and transforming it into something new and different.  If you are anything like me, you probably have a crystal collar or two laying around.  I probably have at least five of them, and have been feeling a bit bored with ’em.  My problem is that I keep buying them, and then finding a new favorite.  The one I used for this tutorial came from Forever 21, so it wasn’t a big deal to cut it up… but I had no idea how much I’d love the end results… this is hands down, my favorite necklace right now.

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You’ll Need:  Crystal Necklace (Forever 21 always has great options, as does Etsy.  Here, here (colored!) and here are some good options) // Rope // Fishbone Chain (I buy mine at New York Beads in the garment district of NYC but you can also buy it online here). // Clasp (love these magnetic crystal clasps) // 4 small Jump Rings // Scissors // Two Barrel End Caps // (not pictured) Embroidery Floss, pliers, E6000 Glue

necklace2Start by trimming the chain part off of your necklace.  (You may need wire nippers to do this).

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Lay your rope out, centering the crystal portion.

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Tie on a piece of embroidery floss.

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Slowly and carefully wrap the crystal necklace to the rope.

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Wrap twice around each piece of crystal.

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When you get to the end, make a loop and knot it off.  I double/triple knot just to be safe.

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Take your fishbone chain and weave it through the center of the crystal part of your necklace.

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Finish off the sides by using a jump ring to link the end fo the chain to the crystal part of the necklace.

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Using a bit of glue, pop each side of your rope into an end cap.

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Allow to dry.

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Hook your clasp onto the endcaps using jump rings + pliers.

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First, Second, and Last photos by Lydia Hudgens

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Leave a Comment

42 Comments

  1. Alyssa:

    LOVE this, Grace! So gorg. I want one!

    4.30.13 Reply
  2. Quinn Cooper:

    Really awesome DIY! Such a great way to modernize a classic rhinestone necklace. WIll have to try this one of my many necklaces like this. Thanks for the inspiration!
    xo Quinn

    Quinn Cooper Style

    4.30.13 Reply
  3. Rachelle:

    That is so awesome Grace, I love it.

    xo
    http://pinksole.com

    4.30.13 Reply
  4. isabel:

    Cute and easy! The best ingredient for a successful DIY.
    I just came across your blog the other day going through the craft directory at bloglovin’.

    Also great guide to NY – will keep this in mind for my next visit.

    Welcome to come by and have a look at my Style/DIY blog from Hong Kong
    http://www.shoebox-living.com

    Ciao/ Isabel

    4.30.13 Reply
  5. Jayme:

    Grace, this is beautiful and I cannot wait to doctor up my own creation! I only wish I still had my huge case of embroidery floss circa 1990. I had every color under the sun!

    4.30.13 Reply
  6. Alyssa:

    This is my favorite yet! I love mixed metals, and I’ve been looking for fun things to do with those crystal Forever21 necklaces. They’re just begging for a DIY!

    4.30.13 Reply
  7. Lauren:

    so cute- love this idea, grace! xo

    4.30.13 Reply
  8. Lia ~ Smart n Snazzy:

    LOVE this! The fishbone chain is such a perfect finishing touch!
    xo
    Lia
    Smart n Snazzy

    4.30.13 Reply
  9. Rachel:

    I wish I had the patience to make pieces like this! It looks so pretty!

    4.30.13 Reply
  10. Robin:

    This is brilliant! (As usual!)

    4.30.13 Reply
  11. Ana:

    Hard to believe something that gorgeous can be that easy to make. I love it!

    4.30.13 Reply
  12. Liz Schneider:

    So amazing, Grace! I am completely jealous of your creative eye.

    4.30.13 Reply
  13. Diva by D-sign:

    This diyis is Awesome!!!

    4.30.13 Reply
  14. Mckenzie:

    Love the mixing of the materials. It all turned out great!

    4.30.13 Reply
  15. Charmaine-All in a Soiree:

    I have been wanting to know how to make these! Thanks so much for sharing:)
    All in a soiree has officially joined Facebook
    https://www.facebook.com/AllInASoiree?ref=hl
    Sparkles of everything event planning and design!!

    4.30.13 Reply
  16. chelsie | chelsie, darling:

    Very creative, Grace! I think rope detailing is perfect for spring/summer!

    4.30.13 Reply
  17. Erin @ Thanks, I Made It:

    fun! I always love a great combination of textures and metals

    4.30.13 Reply
  18. Jessica Wallace:

    OH. MY. GOSH. I love this so much. That takes some talent to come up with that. Great job!

    4.30.13 Reply
  19. Dana:

    Love this! Question, do you have a favorite place in NYC to get jewelry repaired? I have a necklace I love that broke recently and I don’t have the tools or the knowledge to fix it myself. Thanks!

    4.30.13 Reply
  20. Chelsea:

    This necklace is stunning Grace! I’m so impressed that you made it yourself.

    xoxo,
    Chelsea & The City

    4.30.13 Reply
  21. ALISON:

    I love this idea – making that exists even prettier, great job!

    4.30.13 Reply
  22. Erin @ Pocket Stylist:

    Such a great DIY I love how this turned out. YOu are so stinkin creative

    4.30.13 Reply
  23. Sarah:

    This is amazing! It looks so professional! I wish I had an old necklace laying around that I could do this with.

    4.30.13 Reply
  24. Jordan - Queen of LA:

    i literally own 12 jewel color necklaces. i should SERIOUSLY do this. great job!

    4.30.13 Reply
  25. Kristina:

    This turned out so cool!! I love the fishbone chain you added in.

    Kristina does the Internets

    4.30.13 Reply
  26. Chelsea:

    AHH!! SO great! I love that fishbone chain. xo

    4.30.13 Reply
  27. Adventures in Fashion:

    This is beyond amazing, you little diy mastermind, you! Definitely trying this one out… Thanks for the inspiration! xx

    5.1.13 Reply
  28. LeeLee:

    Wow, fabulous DIY necklace.

    5.1.13 Reply
  29. Jonelle @ Design Thrift:

    This turned out great! I love that you used a magnetic clasp also. They are so much easier to put on and off and they don’t get tangled in your hair.

    5.1.13 Reply
  30. michaela:

    Goodness, Grace! This is so pretty. You’re so good!

    5.1.13 Reply
  31. Amber - Real Girl Glam:

    Such a gorgeous piece! Definitely doesn’t look DIY!

    5.2.13 Reply
  32. Sara:

    This looks SO good. I’m not sure I have the patience to do this, but I really, really want to!

    5.2.13 Reply
  33. Emily | Sparkle Meets Pop:

    What a great project! I am inspired to jazz up some jewelery that I’m not wearing much anymore.

    5.3.13 Reply
  34. megan, tfdiaries:

    chic and glam, as per usual grace!
    Xo, Megan, http://www.TfDiaries.com

    5.20.13 Reply
  35. rhiena:

    That’s really nice! Love this!

    4.21.15 Reply
  36. Jeanna Valentino:

    What a great idea and so easy!! I love it!!!

    6.15.16 Reply