Update + New Projects

It's been awhile since I've last posted, it's been a busy couple of weeks. I have been slack on my DIY projects, however I am working to change that and I do have a couple of fun things I'll be adding shortly.  My focus at the moment is not as much DIY but more along the lines of jewelry - particularly wire.  I will have those pictures up soon which is exciting!

For now, a look at creating washer necklaces:

Using washers is a cheap and easy way to have fun with your jewelry.  The hardware adds an edgy feel to the pieces, yet they are still feminine and unique to your own tastes.

Ribbon Necklace

What you'll need:

Double sided ribbon

Seventeen 7/16" diam. washers

Two 3/8" diam. washers

Two 1/4" diam. washers

Depending on how long you want your necklace, start with three or four feet of double sided ribbon, the color of your choice.  I chose a beige satin ribbon.  You will need two 1/4" and 3/8" washers, and seventeen 7/16" washers.  I found them for $1.66 a pack at Lowes and they're available individually as well.

Step 1:  Thread the smallest (1/4") washer onto your ribbon, about 9" from the end.  Then thread the 3/8" washer onto the ribbon beside it.  NOTE:  washers are one sided; when threading the washers, make sure you keep the matte sides and shiny sides in the same direction.

Step 2:  Thread the ribbon back through the first washer and pull tight.  Lay the washers flat against each other.

Step 3:  Thread the ribbon back up through the second washer.

Step 4:  Adding a third washer:  thread the ribbon through a third washer, and back down through the second washer.  When you pull it tight they should lie flat.  Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you have the desired necklace length.  Thread the second 3/8" and 1/4" washers at the end.

Tie the ends of the ribbon and voilá!

Chandelier Necklace

What you'll need:

Ten 3/8" diam. washers

Fingernail polish or paint

0.39" jump rings

14" chain

Necklace clasp

Pliers

You're going to need ten 3/8" diam. washers (you can use bigger or smaller if you'd like), and twelve 0.39" jump rings--either silver or gold depending on your preference.  I used red fingernail polish because I had it at home, but craft paint will work just as well.

Start by painting both sides and edges of the washers your desired color.  Make sure to wait until each side is completely dry so that it doesn't get messed up when you flip over your washers.

Next, use jump rings to join your chain to the washers.  NOTE:  if your chain is in one piece, use pliers to open the middle chain link and split the chain in two.  Add the necklace clasps to each end of the chain.

Now you have a cool piece of custom jewelry!

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