jewelry redo :: diy

a few weeks ago, my cousin gave me a piece of chain jewelry and exclaimed: "i don't know what this is, or how to wear it. will you make this into a necklace & bracelet for me?"

"sure thing, of course"

but, my curiosity was peeked... what was this piece of jewelry supposed to be?! i took it to my hip SIL to see what she thought.

at last, she figured it out.

seriously, though, that only looks good in pictures. no one in their right mind would wear this and be able to accomplish ANYTHING. the chains that wrap the fingers slide around constantly. the elastic bracelet piece pinches & pulls arm hair. yikes.

why am i telling you all of this? because you may have a piece or two of jewelry that is uncomfortable or out-of-fashion and i'm here to show you how EASY it is to redo it into something you'll actually wear.

all you need:

• scissors or jewelry clippers
• jump rings
• jewelry pliers

the DIY details:

1. begin by taking apart your current piece of jewelry. using your pliers, split open the jump ring and slide off chains & clasps
2. cut your chain to your desired length for necklace and/or bracelet (i cut several pieces for a layered look)
3. slide everything back onto to a new, strong jump ring and add clasps. voila!