Necklaces, necklaces, necklaces… oh how I love mine. The bigger, the brighter, the bolder, the better. I’m always on the hunt for new ones. During a routine inspiration trip to the hardware store (yes, the hardware store,) I was struck by how pretty these little red valve handles were… and how they had a bit of a nautical (sterring wheel, anyone?) feel to them. I picked up a handful of them – all I could think about was how fun they would be as a necklace.
The little knobs are just over $2.00 a piece… (and also available in stainless steel and brass finishes.) I really adore how the final product looks!
What you will need:
- 5 Red Valve Handles (Home Depot has several varieties and carries the red in store.)
- 14″ Gold Chain
- 12 Large 15mm Jump Rings
- Flat Nose Pliers
Start by laying out your little wheels, and figuring out what you want your pattern to be. To properly attach your wheels, you will need to ensure that you can link your design together via the thinner parts of the wheel. Get creative! I went with a bib type of pattern, but you could string a strand of wheels (vertical or horizontal,) come up with a more circular design, and use fewer pieces for something more simple. (I wouldn’t recommend using more than 5 wheels, as they do get heavy.)
To begin, use your pliers to open up a jump ring and thread on one of your wheels.
Thread on an additional wheel, and use your pliers to close the jump ring.
Your two wheels will now look like the below.
Continue the process, hooking your wheels together using the jump rings. Use two jump rings each time, for extra reinforcement.
Before you know it, you’ll be done.
Use an additional jump ring to secure your chain to the top of your newly formed bib.
Finish things of by attaching a clasp…
And you are done! The results are very Kate Spade, if I do say so, myself.
For extra credit, wear with stripes.
Love this! What a creative use of those valves… the red against the stripes is perfect!
This is so creative + clearly love this look with stripes! Perfection.
what a clever idea! and so cute!
Grace, this is perfect with the striped top! Love the red splash this could make:)
This is AMAZING – you seriously could have your own DIY show…love the creativity!!
Ive been looking for a big bauble necklace and this is a great solution. The pop of red is perfect! Would look so great with black, white or blush too!
How adorable is this nautical necklace! Love it.
How creative! I love this!
This is too adorable. And the red is more than amazing! When do you find the time to be so creative!?
This looks amazing, such a cute DIY!
you are SO clever!!!
This is so great, Grace! I wish I had your inherent creativity. Awesome DIY!
Very cute! I love this look.
I like how detailed your instructions are, it makes it possible for a newbie like me to follow along. Normally I’ll run into a DIY on a blog and love it, get excited, re-visit the post and realize I’m not too clear on all of the steps so I can’t move forward. I do have a question though, where do you get your materials for these types of jewelry DIYs, do you go to a craft store or a place that specializes in jewelry hardware?
Hi Bettina! I always link within my posts to where to buy the items featured… in this case, I bought the red knobs at Home Depot and the chain and jump rings online from a few different jewelry shops. I hope that is helpful, and I’m so happy to hear that you like the level of detail in my tutorials!
Oh wow, even better, thanks Grace! I’ll have to make sure I go back and click through on the other DIYs of yours I’ve been wanting to recreate so I can get all the materials at once!
Yay! And if you ever find that the instructions / links are not specific enough, just ask! I hope you give this one a try… I’m wearing the necklace today and a little obsessed with it!
I’m for sure going to try this one and a few other ones that you’ve posted. There are some that Christine has put up as well that I’m hoping to create as well. I’ll be tallying up my list of supplies this week!
OK, you’ve outdone yourself now! This is so creative and awesome – and the perfect POC (pop of color)!
Nautical perfection! Gorgeous necklace 🙂
Laura xo
ummm are you secretly a genius or something?! This is awesome! Looks like I know what I’ll be doing Sunday!
Aw, thanks Megan! Please be sure to tweet / send a photo if you do!! xx
this is brilliant!! And loving the mini makeover to the site! xo
http://www.frankieheartsfashion.com
This is ridiculously awesome! The nautical look is also very you, especially with the stripes!
OBSESSED! I know they have the little blue wheels at my neighborhood home depot. I’m stealing your idea and then sending you a pic of the finished product. Thanks for the awesome idea 🙂
Blue!? Wow. Can not wait to see it!!!
Love love love this! can’t wait to give it a go!
so fun, i love this.
You always have the best DIY Projects. I plan to make this one. Its second in my queue. Love it!
http://www.pearlsandpeacocks.com
Ingenious!
eh eh the hardware store!
great job with this necklace, so nautical!
Soooooo cute!
http://www.living-thesuite-living.blogspot.com
yah, this would totally be handy esp of parties with sailor themes. i’m excited to make my own.