Hey, guys! I have been meaning to post this for quite some time now. Over the last few years, jewelry trends have gravitated toward bigger, chunkier, and sometimes homemade looking jewelry. I LOVE this trend! Emma and I call these necklaces “Art Teacher Necklaces” because they remind us of our mother, who was an art teacher when we were growing up!
And in fact, art teacher style is one of my inspirations! I love the messy bun, pair of overalls, chunky jewelry, and some accidental paint on my hands look. To me, it’s the most comfortable and natural style in all the world.
So today I’ll show you how I’ve been making these fun little necklaces. I’ve also bought plenty from awesome Etsy shops, my friends, and stores like Anthropologie. You can’t have too many. They’re a worthy collection.
Supplies:
-leather cord (or jute string)
-wood beads
-scissors
-a Sharpie
-acrylic paint (optional)
I have bought my beads all over. Some are from craft stores. I like to buy plain wood beads as well as beads that are already colored. I also found some cute geometric shape beads from Wish Supplies on Etsy.
If you want to get super specific with your colors, you’ll want to purchase acrylic paint (or craft paint) to re-color your beads. After that, use a Sharpie to add fun patterns quickly and easily!
Make sure your leather cord is long enough that you can just barely slip the necklace over your head. Simply knot the ends of the cord to secure the necklace permanently. It could not be more simple and the necklaces are super cute and wearable. I made one for all the girls in my office!
Well, what are you waiting for? Grab some supplies and make this your next weekend project. If you guys have any questions, ask me in the comments! xo. Elsie
Also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMMA!!!!
Credits// Author and Photography: Elsie Larson. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess Actions.
What a nice idea to add details with a sharpie! Love to try that some time!
Love the beads…I like to make necklaces similar to this with ceramic beads mixed with found beads! Thanks for sharing!
I am an art teacher and I have been making these for a few years now! I call them my Eclectic Bead Necklaces
Happy Birthday Emma. these Necklaces are so cute.
I love the black board on the 1st picture…
can you tell me where to get it?
Thx
Absolutely love this necklace…definitely making this soon!!
xo
Hems
agoldentulip.blogspot.com
I love these necklaces. I would really love to see more jewelry DIYs on here.
Very amazing post and inspiring blog! Keep up the great work, I’m a fan! 🙂 XO
www.officialzalona.com
Cute! As an English teacher I would love these necklaces as well!
Adorable, I need to make this with my niece.
Oh my gosh…this just took me back. I’m on a year long hiatus from teaching art after my husband and I moved. I am now back in school earning an M.Ed. ANYWHO. We did this project in my last art class around Valentine’s Day each year. LOVE! Thanks for sharing! (And awesome to learn your mom was an art teacher!!!)
I know you didn’t explicitly say it but great idea using pipe cleaners to help hold the beads. I have a bunch of plain wooden beads I have been wanting to paint but haven’t been able to find a good way to hold them or let them dry. I have A LOT of pipe cleaners or Chenille Sticks. Thanks!
Yesss, I love this DIY! Really love the look of the chunky, mismatched beads. Happy birthday Emma!
Wow! i love this!
Definitely gonna make these!!
P.S. You grew up with an art teacher mother?? This explain a lot. 😉
Xo
Amazing girls! Really creative and makes any outfit looks happier! 🙂
xo, Deborah
http://www.everything713.blogspot.com.br
Soooooo cute!!
I have plenty of this type of necklaces I adore it!!
I’d like to see your collection !!!!
(sorry for my english, I’m french!!!))
Wow! These beads are incredible! I love the necklaces, so cute!
thats looking adorable. thanks for sharing.
They’re so cute and good for gift’s x.
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