Here's a super easy DIY of a $200 necklace you can do for a buck.
Below is the inspiration necklace from J. Crew that sold for $228 and is now sold out. Photo on left is from J. Crew. Photo on the right is from J. Crew Is My Fav Store.
Below is my DIY version, made from brooches, buttons and chain I had on hand.
I did a similar J. Crew DIY a few months ago with multicolored brooches, using metallic elastic thread. But my crystal version was not coming out stable enough. Then I discovered a modern miracle - plastic canvas mesh - a product I normally associate with unattractive crafts involving yarn. But it is also the perfect backing for DIY jewelry that does not harm your brooches.
To make this J. Crew DIY necklace, you'll need:
- 9 crystal brooches, buttons or earrings, 3 large, 3 medium and 3 small
- jewelry wire
- 2-4 jump rings
- chain
- 1 sheet clear 7 mesh plastic canvas
- free necklace template.
Three of my brooches were my grandmothers, two were Styled by Tori Spelling, and one was a gift. The remaining pieces are vintage rhinestone buttons of various sizes.
Print out the template and arrange your pins to fit.
Starting with the largest center brooch, pin the brooch to the mesh.
Pin the other larger brooches to the mesh. Slide the template under your mesh to help you keep everything lined up. Fill in with the medium and small brooches.
For buttons or wiggly pins, use a little jewelry wire to secure. Tuck ends of the wire away from the back of the mesh so your necklace won't snag your tops.
After the bottom seven brooches are attached to the mesh, cut out the mesh along the shape of the necklace. Trim the mesh so it is not visible from the front.
Above you see the top part of the necklace with mesh trimmed and the bottom part not cut out yet.
Attach the last two brooches to the top with jump rings. Attach chain to the last two brooches. The finished product is sturdy and the mesh, being clear and trimmed, is invisible.
Cool! clever using the plastic canvas so you don't have to glue.
ReplyDeleteToo pretty! I wonder if the plastic canvas would work for an assemblage of watch parts?
ReplyDeleteI remember your colored one version, but this is spectacular!! the idea of plastic mesh is genius, usually for backing most people use felt, but I don't like it, it's itchy!! uh-oh... I want to make one hunting for brooches!! xox, d.
ReplyDeleteThanks much. I've tried felt in the past, too. It's not bad but a bit floppy.
DeleteSuch a good idea! I've been trying to figure out how to make something similar with my brooches. Plastic canvas - who knew?! Thanks for the tutorial.
ReplyDeleteGenius! I love this so much! I never thought about using plastic mesh backing either. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGenius! I love this so much. I never thought about using plastic mesh backing either. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully done! I'm bookmarking this and can't wait to try! Chees!
ReplyDeleteloving the mesh idea! and it looks so much like the real thing.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! This is gorgeous! Are the last 2 brooches that are attached at the top with jump rings not backed with the plastic mesh? Just how do you attach the last 2? Also, where did you find your chain?
ReplyDeleteHi Kelly? Thanks. The last two brooches do not have mesh. The chain is a brand calledvStyled by Tori Spelling.
DeleteThis is absolutely incredible, I love it!!!
ReplyDeleteso pretty and creative!
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