copper pipe necklace :: diy

i'm a statement necklace girl. the bigger and brighter, the better! these copper pipe necklaces fit in perfectly with the rest of my statement collection. i love these with a simple white t-shirt and boyfriend jeans. very chic.

here's how i did it:

supplies:

• copper piping (pre-cut, or cut your own)
• parachute cord
• embroidery string
• glue gun & glue
• scissors
• lighter (not pictured)

the DIY details:

1. begin by cutting 2 or 3 lengths of parachute cord. make them extra long (maybe double the length of what you want your finished necklace to be).
2. singe the ends of the cords with a lighter or candle flame. this will keep your cord from fraying
3. group your pieces together and fold in half.
4. loop one of the chord ends through a copper pipe
5. loop the other ends through the copper pipe - this time in the opposite direction
6. continue adding piping using this criss/cross pattern until you come to your last pipe bead
7. use your hot glue and secure the ends inside the last piece of pipe. 
8. you can stop here or wrap embroider string around parts of the necklace to add more color.
9. wear like a rock star. 

what do you think? too big for your taste, or do you love statement pieces like me?

shrinky dink necklace :: diy

remember shrinky dinks?! when i was a kid, i used to make magnets by drawing on the special paper, then popping into the oven to watch them shrink. i was AMAZED!

i guess not much has changed. well, except now i can PRINT on that magical paper! and instead of magnets, i make little pendents of my photography.

you can make these too! just think how adorable a family photo would be as jewelry. what a perfect gift idea!

the DIY details...

you'll need:

• printable shrinky dink paper
• a digital photo or illustration of choice
• a printer
• an oven
• scissors
• hole punch
• sand paper
• jump rings
• chain & clasp

the steps:

1. open your photo or illustration in a photo editor. i use photoshop.
2. resize your photo to about 3.5 inches. once shrinked, your image will be about 1/3 of it's original size, so adjust accordingly. also make sure your resolution is 300 for optimal output
3. you might as well use multiple photos because you will have lots of extra room on your paper. i was able to fit 6 on one page
4. lighten your photo about 50%. this will make your images appear hazy, but no worries the color will come back after they shrink
5. print & cut out
6. use a hole punch in the upper 2 corners for chain attachment later
7. follow your instructions on baking. i baked mine for about 5 minutes at 275 degrees
8. when your shape shrinks, it may be a little asymmetrical. if this is the case, shape up with a course sand paper. i also like to do this to the corners so that they aren't so sharp.
9. hook on a jump ring and attach the chain. if your necklace won't fit over your head, add a clasp.

pretty fun right?!

wonderful wednesday :: featured items

what's that you say?! it's wednesday? yes, it is! time to share some shop goodies:

1. mixed media original ($210)
2. wood heart cut-outs ($20-$40)
3. a very dreamy dreamweaver necklace ($20)
4. vintage valentines, by-golly! ($3 each)
5. will you 'ring' a love for valentine's day? ($8-$14 each)

i do hope to see you soon! xo

watch parts & peter pan :: DIY

i love little bits & pieces of things, don't you? especially watch & clock parts! i have had these, among others, lying around for a while and thought it was time to do something with them.

i'm also loving peter pan collars right now. however, i think they only look appropriate on really innocent, sweet children. i don't think i could pull one off... unless i 'edged' it up a bit and that's exactly what i did!

so, here's the details on my new, edgy, peter-pan-collared watch-part necklace:

you'll need:

• chain of different varieties
• old watch & clock pieces
• jump rings
• jewelry cutters
• clasp

the DIY details:

1. i first glued (e-6000) my pieces together to get a layout that i liked.
2.  cut my different chains into 3 different lengths. then, in 1/2 again.
3. this gave me 6 total pieces
4. i attached one of each chain to the center watch piece using the same jump ring.
5. repeat on other side
6. at the opposite end of the chains gather into one jump ring for each side, also looping a clasp on one side.

would you wear this statement piece? i think it would look fantastic with a strapless lbd! xo

the old hoop & chain :: diy

whatcha gettin' your best girlfriend for the holidays? these might work! a simple DIY and she'll be so moved that you made them yourself...

you'll need:

• necklace chain
• earring hoops
• jewelry clippers
• ruler

the DIY:

1. cut your chain at varying lengths. for the earrings pictured above, i cut..
1. (2) 3 inch
2. (4) 2 inch 
3. (4) 1 inch pieces
2. simply string onto the hoop

easy peasy!

knotted earrings :: diy

today, i'm sharing a very easy DIY gift idea. these simple earrings are understated and cheerful, which make them the perfect present for any girl!

here's what you need:

• string. the thicker your string, the larger your knot will be so keep this in mind.
• blank earring posts & backs
• tacky glue
• scissors

the DIY steps:

1. cut your string in 4 equal lengths. you will use two pieces for each earring.
2. fold two lengths in half and tie a semi-loose loop knot.
3. then, tie another loop knot on top of that. by double tying, you are able to get a symmetrical shape.
4. cut ends off as close to know as possible.
5. add a bit of glue to ends so that the knot has no chance of coming undone.
6. glue to blank earring post.
7. repeat steps 1-6 for your other earring.

this technique can be used with yarn, hemp, and string of any color! it could also be fun to tie numerous knots on top of each other to see how large you can make it. another option would be using more than two pieces of string to add more dimension.

good luck! and if you try making these, be sure to post a picture for us to enjoy!