Tuesday, March 17, 2015

scrap statement necklace

I rarely, if ever throw away my scraps. In fact I have boxes of scraps (organized by color) of painted canvas, piles of altered paper (lots of Lucy's drawings) and a ton of fabric. From time to time I like to sit down and use my scraps to create handmade beads. Handmade beads are nothing new but I think it is so important to be reminded of just how far you can take things that typically get tossed out. Recently, I grabbed my beads and turned them into a big colorful statement necklace- it's not for everyone but I love textural and funky jewelry.

Typically I started by pulling out my favorite scraps- I like color so I tend to grab the most colorful scraps. Keep in mind that anything that can be rolled up can be used to create a beads- canvas, fabric, paper, etc.

Next I cut them into strips. You can have fun with creating different shapes of beads by cutting those strips into different shaped beads.

I use a toothpick (my personal favorite for rolling beads) to roll the fabric strips up into a bead. I add dabs of glue as I roll. 

It typically takes days or weeks to create a big stash of scrap beads- it's something I like to do here and there while I watch t.v. When my stash is big enough to create a necklace, I pull out my entire bead collection and string everything together. 

I like to use stretchy cord to create different length necklaces.

For my statement necklace I created six different strands and them piled them all together!


It isn't a diamond necklace but it sure is fun finding a way transform scraps into something fun and colorful!

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

That necklace is absolutely fabulous! Thank you for sharing!
Christina

Kristina said...

Fantastic idea! Love how it turned out and love the colors!

sumo said...

Gorgeous!

Stephanie said...

Stunning!

Studio Susanne said...

Your necklace and beads look gorgeous and are perfect to welcome in the springtime. Thank you for sharing your lovely photos.

Deanna said...

Love this! Thanks for sharing! May be a perfect activity to use that scrap paper I have piling up!

Val said...

Oooo, I've done this with paper, but not with fabric. It looks great!

BitsofMoxy said...

Beautiful! So colorful - perfect for any tee and light weight enough I am sure to be comfortable during the summer!

Anonymous said...

So inspiring, and you wear it so well, too. Your pose in the first pic reminds me so much of a screen printed poster I made in high school for the play Sweet Charity. I'll take a picture and send it to you. = )

Sue @ A Colourful Canvas said...

Cute! Cute! Cute! Just the thing for my scraps of fabric!

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! This post is really interesting! Great job!
I’ll be happy to see you in my blog!)

Diana Cloudlet
http://www.dianacloudlet.com/

Jo Murray said...

That's a fabulous project!

Elisabetta Brustio said...

Wow!!! I love this!!!!Thank you for sharing your great idea!!! Eli

Author said...

This is such a great idea. Why didn't I think of it? Thanks for sharing!! Love this!!

Unknown said...

Gorgeous! Never thought of using fabric.

Anonymous said...

Its better than a diamond necklace!

Anonymous said...

Fantastic flair.

Ivana said...

I'll take this necklace over a diamond one any day! You are such an inspiration, thanks for sharing :)

studioGypsy said...

gorgeous! gorgeous!

studioGypsy said...

gorgeous! gorgeous!

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