I don't know about you, but I had a bit of an un-healthy obsession with the bubble necklace when it first came on the scene. I had quite a few (many more than necessary), and I wore the heck out of them. The statement necklace lives on, but the bubble necklace trend has definitely died down. So what to do with all these little lovelies I've got lying around?
A makeover of course! I decided to put my jewelry skills to use, and up-cycle my old bubble necklace into something new, and you can do it too. Come on, you know you've got one lying around somewhere :)
Here's a few things you'll need for this project. A bubble necklace of course. Also beads (pick as many colors, shapes and sizes as you like), and I decided to use my mini tassels for this project too.
On the tool side you'll need:
- mini needle nose pliers and wire cutters. You can buy both in the jewelry/bead section at any craft store.
Jewelry findings. This is the term used for the metal, non bead pieces used to put together jewelry. I used gold findings for my project, but you can buy them in in silver as well.
- One pack head pins
- One pack eye pins
- One pack jump rings
- Chain. I'd recommend about 1-2 feet for this project.
The design of your necklace is totally open for your interpretation. Experiment with different beads until you get the look you want!
I started by removing a few of the dangling beads from my necklace, and replace them with tassels.
Next I wanted to make some bead clusters to hang down in between the bubbles on the necklace. To do this take either your head pin or eye pin. Add some beads, but make sure you have at least 1/2 inch of wire at the opposite end. If you have more, cut the wire down to size.
Using your needle nose or round nose pliers bend the wire into a loop.
Now begin hooking your beaded elements to each other and then adding them to your necklace. I also hooked some of my beads together and then added a separate chain to my necklace (with pom poms of course), to make it even more of a statement piece.
Ah, so much color, I love it! Now I'm excited to wear it again all season long, it's like having a brand new necklace, and so perfect for the spring and summer. I hope you'll give this fun DIY a try. I'd love to see your creations too. Just tag it #handmakerofthings or @emmyray.
Happy handmaking ~ Emily
