Sometimes something small can have a big impact. That's definitely the case with statement necklaces. They can turn a basic top into a whole fashion look, which is a big plus for those of us without the time, budget or ability to style ourselves up on the regular. Some days I'm lucky I've run a brush through my hair...
The challenge these days is that I can't wear most necklaces since my
smallest will yank on it with a mini grip of iron AND put it in her mouth. Or my 2 yr old will gross it up with food covered fingers or something else similar. Both reasons have already limited my clothing wardrobe, so throw out the jewelry and things are pretty blah looking most of the time. Enter the perfect solution, this DIY'd Silicone Statement Necklace.
This necklace looks fancy, but is so easy to do. You don't need any real jewelry making expertise. It's a basic design pattern, but the different sized beads in different colors makes it a lot more interesting. Using silicone beads makes a necklace like this ideal for so many reasons:
- Totally safe for kids to touch and put their mouth on
- Great for those with allergies since it's food safe silicone
- Easy to keep clean since you can wash it
- No worries about weird chemicals or alloys like in cheap metals or painted beads
- Inexpensive to make
I saw a photo of a similar necklace when I was doing a search for silicone beads, but there was no tutorial. The photo source was from a foreign handmade craft marketplace where the shop that made them (Jelly Beads) was no longer operating. So I did what any good crafter does, I tried to figure out how to make one myself. And it worked! So now I'm sharing the fun so you can too.
Materials:
- (4) 9mm Grey silicone beads
- (6) 15mm Fuchsia silicone beads
- (4) 15mm Apricot silicone beads
- (4) 12mm Navy silicone beads
- (2) 19mm Navy silicone beads
- (3) 19mm Turquoise silicone beads
- (1) Safety clasp
- 2 yd cuts of matching colored 1.5mm nylon cord
It should go without saying, but I'm gonna say it anyway, this is obviously a necklace for an adult or child over 5yrs. It's safe for a baby to chew on while you're wearing it because the beads are food grade silicone, but obviously it's not meant as a toy or to leave with an unattended baby. Safety first folks!
Now let's get started....
Such a great idea! I have one necklace with that kind of bead and it's great. I love this design! Thanks for sharing the tutorial. Have a great day Cheryl!
ReplyDeleteThanks Marielle. It's become my preferred type of necklace - even when I won't have little ones nibbling on it!
DeleteI really like that you can see the string in some places. It compliments that beautiful beads well.
ReplyDeleteAlexandra
EyeLoveKnots.com
Thank you Alexandra & I think that same thing. It's nice that it makes the cord important to the design, not just the beads.
DeleteDo you get to see the Great British Bake Off at all? Prue Leith, one of the judges, would LOVE this style of necklace. Not because she has small children, she just loves a bright and vibrant necklace!
ReplyDeleteYes - you're totally right this is right up Prue's street!
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