I’m so glad the statement necklace trend has stuck around, because I’m just now getting the courage to move beyond wearing just a simple pendant necklace. I’ve always eyed beautiful chunky statement necklaces at the store but had never found one that felt like me, so I never actually bought one. But recently at the craft store, these wooden beads called out to me and asked me to make them into a necklace. Who was I to refuse?
Materials:
-12 25mm wooden beads
-12 20mm wooden beads
-6 16mm wooden beads
-24 or more 12mm wooden beads
-wood stain (I ended up using this Minwax Early American stain.)
–nylon monofilament
-4 7mm double rings
-2 3-strand end bars
-chain (not shown and not necessary if you use more small beads)
-paper towel, rag, or brush to apply stain
Tools:
-tiny needle nose pliers
-scissors
Step One: Stain or paint the wood to the color of your choice. I wear gloves for this and use a paper towel to apply the stain in a well-ventilated area. Make sure you let the stained beads air out for a couple of days before wearing the necklace.
Step Two: String the beads onto the nylon monofilament in the pattern shown above. You can add more of the small beads if you want more of the beads showing and less of the silver chain.
Step Three: When you’ve strung enough beads for your desired length, tie the monofilament in a knot onto each ring of the 3-strand end bars. Leave about a 2″ overhang of the knotted monofilment to tuck back into the strand of beads.
Step Four: If you aren’t using enough beads to wrap all the way around your neck, you will need to attach a chain to the 3-strand end bars. I used a 7mm double ring to attach the chain and then to attach the toggle clasp to the chain. You can use any kind of clasp you like.
This necklace is so simple, but definitely makes a statement! You can easily change up the style with more beads, different sizes of beads, and different colors. It’s a great gift idea too! –Mandi
Credits // Author and Photography: Mandi Johnson. Photos edited with Stella from the Signature Collection and Pearl from the Fresh Collection.
LOVE THIS SO MUCH!!!! Totally gorgeous.
This is so amazing! I think I may paint the wood, though, because I have to be colorful like that.
Beautiful necklace! My girlfriend and I are getting together this weekend to make it. Did you do one or two coats of stain on your wooden beads?
Thank you kindly,
Kelly
Milwaukee, WI
Wahhh! Such a great idea! I love to make different necklaces by myself. There is someth exciting in making someth nice out of nothing =) Thank you for sharing!
This is lovely!!! You might be able to dip them in color too.
That is a very cool necklace – but I just wanted to say that your hair looks amazing! It’s my dream hair.
I love how this is like the more adult version of the necklaces I used to make for my mom. It looks wonderful!
Awesome necklace! I love the natural effect, definitely will be trying this myself sometime soon.
I’m wearing Revlon’s lipliner in wine (colored all over my lips) and Makeup Forever’s Rouge Artist Natural in N9. -Mandi
If you are worried about cured stain touching your skin, then I would recommend using a different stain, or something like tongue oil. Tongue oil, depending on what kind you get, will not only color the wood, but will seal it too. Or you can spray with a sealant. -Mandi
Neckalce=AWESOME
Even more awesome is that lipstick! Mind sharing what color your lipstick is?
totally totally LOVE!!!
XO.
http://dropsofjupiterBLOG.com
Love this, what a cute idea!
That’s really gorgeous, I love how rich and warm the stain makes the wood.
I’m usually the same about statement necklaces, but this one I think I might have a go at. Thank you!
how pretty and its so simple but with a special and natural touch – adorable
🙂 i loove this …and i think i will make one for myselfe
thanks for the inspiration
This looks really lovely 🙂
http://inspiremeland.com
Emma
Suuuuper cute! I love the choice in wood stain color.
Very cute piece and not too difficult to create! I love this!
– Amanda | The Chic Counsel
I hate to be the party pooper, as it does look super awesome and fun to make, but I cant help but be worried about the dangerously chem filled stained wood against skin all day. is this safe to wear against skin?
this is too cute!
xx nikki
www.dream-in-neon.com