This post isn’t as much of a DIY as it is a reminder to stop and look at ordinary objects in front of you every once in a while for hidden potential. I was recently in the plumbing area at the hardware store (over near the copper pipes) when I saw the usual bins of nuts and bolts. But wait a minute—there were some really cool looking bits of tubing and other items I thought would make some interesting beads when put together. After digging through the bins for a good 15 minutes, I thought the compression nuts, hose barb splicers, and compression sleeves would be my favorite items to use for a necklace (although you could definitely use them on a bracelet as well!). There are different sizes of each type, which lets you have variation of scale for your finished piece as well.
I used a leather cord for my chain and finished the ends with cord crimps and a lobster claw closure. If you’re wondering if this necklace is heavy, it’s actually not any heavier than other statement necklaces I have. I think because all the pieces are hollow (and the compression sleeves are super lightweight), it’s not nearly as heavy as it looks. Overall, you can really play around with the pieces to create a modern looking design at a fraction of what it would cost you in a retail boutique. So remember, don’t forget to keep your eyes open wherever you are. You never know what you’ll find! xo. Laura
Credits// Author: Laura Gummerman. Photography: Laura Gummerman and Janae Hardy. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess Actions.
I love the statement necklace!! And I love that you made this!! So creative!
http://uniquelysamikay.com/necklaces-that-make-statements
8110 Sunburstlove love!!!
LOVE this! Looks original and beautiful 🙂
I love the idea of repurposing things! It’s so unique!
www.PreciousS2Photo.com
Hi Michelle! Here’s one of our hand-stamping tutorials: https://abeautifulmess.com/2014/04/make-your-own-hand-stamped-necklace.html Once you buy the initial supplies ( jeweler’s bench block and punch stamps) it’s a fairly inexpensive project. 🙂 -Jacki
Hi there,
I am fascinated by your ideas. You make it look simple and easy.
I would like to ask what is the expected initial investment for starting making stamp jewelry. I am in love with stamped bracelet, and as we know the starting price at a retail store is around $29 each. So I am thinking about doing my own. But I am not very artistic, so I am afraid of investing a lot.
Any advice?!
Thanks
Michelle.
Love this masculine spark, gold or steel!
Juju Sprinkles
http://www.jujusprinkles.com
this is actually such a pretty necklace! I think i’ll have a rummage around in my dads toolbox and see what i can create, i love this idea! xx
http://katiemelissa-x.blogspot.co.uk/
This is so trendy http://www.hannamarielei.com
That necklace is adorable!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
I love this! The look is great!! -momo
http://www.bluebangle.com
It’s amazing the things you can make with ordinary objects.
-M
www.violetroots.com
Such a cute idea!
LEXI LIKES
Wow, this is so cute! Great idea 🙂
tonixox.blogspot.com
This is amazing, such a quirky idea.
www.thestylecheck.com
Love this, chunky jewellery is the way forward
Lauren
livinginaboxx
Ooo! This so so cool 🙂 Creative thinking!!
Wow! This looks so awesome! An amazing piece of jewelry and so cool!
A really nice idea. It has been a trend here (Denmark) for a while. Please remember though, that hardware supply is not approved for skin contact and can contain nickel and/or other substances that can cause allergy.
I love this idea, the necklace looks really cool!
xx
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