Look good all summer without breaking a sweat.
Statement necklaces look great with simple dresses and minimal T-shirt styles but they're always so bulky and heavy, the summer heat can feel especially merciless.
However, there are some jewelry styles out there that complement your look without making your uncomfortable -- and you can make them yourself.
Authors Janet Crowther and Katie Covington's DIY jewelry making book, Make a Statement, inspired us to try out one of their summer friendly necklace styles.
Make A Statement, which includes several jewelry making tutorials by Crowther and Covington, is available for purchase.
Materials Needed:
1-3 packages of 2-ounce polymer clay
1 yard strip of 2 inch wide fabric in a print you love
10 inches of soft cotton rope, 10 mm
2 end caps that fit the rope
About 1/2 yard beading wire
2 crimp beads
4 hollow brass beads, one style*
1 hollow brass bead, diff. style*
1 wood bead*
2 large jump rings
1 large spring ring clasp
1 medium jump ring
Flat bottom drinking glass or other flat surface
Plastic drinking straw
Cookie sheet
Wax paper
Ruler
Oven
Scissors
E-6000
2 pairs of chain nose pliers
Clippers
*Styles and colors of these supplies are dependent on your personal tastes.
Part One:
First, make some custom clay beads. Form the beads in any shape you wish, but authors Crowther and Covington offer suggestions on how to make some simple shapes.
1. To create donut-shaped beads, roll the clay into balls and flatten slightly with a glass.
2. To create 1 large barrel bead, roll out a log of clay, flatten slightly.
3. To create 2 disc-shaped beads, roll clay into balls while simultaneously edges out and pinching the center in.
4. Smooth beads with your finger and a bit of water.
5. Insert and remove the straw into the center of each bead to create a hole.
6. Place the beads on wax paper and cookie sheet. Bake in preheated oven at 275 degrees for 40 minutes. Bake in extra 15-minute increments if not fully done.
7. Allow to cool one hour. Paint if desired.
Part Two:
Wrap the fabric strip around the rope diagonally until you’ve covered about 8 inches. Cut each end of the rope and wrap the fabric so it covers both ends. Add glue to the ends of each cap and twist on to the ends of your rope. Allow to dry 15 minutes.
Part Three:
Loop the flexible beading wire through a crimp bead, through the loop on one of the end caps. You can either flatten your crimp bead with chain nose pliers or tie it off with a simple knot. Assemble beads in your desired order.