I am completely obsessed with Pinterest, more than ever these days (PS – you can follow me here)! I realize this obsession isn’t exactly news-worthy, but it’s the truth.
A big reason I’ve been loving Pinterest so much is because I’ve been recreating many of my pins, and using the tips and tricks that I’ve picked up. I realize there’s (almost) too much inspiration out there, and it can be tough to prioritize what to try and what to leave as an idea.
Though we may forget this, inspiration can also come from offline, and that’s exactly what happened with my recent DIY project.
I had the idea to create my own costume jewelry, because of a supplier I met at work a few weeks ago. This trendy, young woman came into our office to show our team their range of product and decoration offerings and to chat about a working with our company. It was a very productive meeting and we learned a lot…and I couldn’t help but notice her gorgeous necklace!
When the meeting ended, I complimented her necklace and asked her where she bought it. She laughed, and told me that she made the necklace! Apparently, all she did was go to her local hardware store, pick up a few nuts and bolts, and strung them on a long chain.
So, that’s exactly what I did!
I’ll be honest, when I first ventured into the hardware store, I was a bit lost. Some people told me to shop on places like Aluminium Warehouse for metal supplies but I decided to go into a local hardware store instead. Eventually, I ventured into the plumbing section, and it was a gold mine! They had all different shapes and sizes of nuts, bolts, pipes, and other metallic goodies. It was so much fun to dig through all of the bins, almost like a treasure hunt. If you’re not after going around hunting for bits and bobs to make your necklace, but you’re still wanting something personal to you, something like a name necklace could be up your street.
As far as chains are concerned, you can buy inexpensive chains at beading or craft stores, but I didn’t think of that at the time. Instead, I bought a couple of costume necklaces from Brandy Melville so I could use the chains. Worked like a charm.
How to Make a DIY Hardware Necklace:
It’s so simple, I promise! The hardest part is getting the inspiration to create something. But, if you’re reading this post, I suspect you’re already feeling inspired.
Step 1:
Go to the hardware store and pick out a bunch of different screws, washers – anything that you can string onto a necklace. They’re often very inexpensive, so don’t be afraid to buy more than you need. You can always make more than one masterpiece 😉
Step 2:
Open any packages and lay out all of your hardware store supplies. It helps to see everything that you’re working with.
Step 3:
Start mixing and matching until you come up with an idea that you love. Then, take your chain and string the materials onto it. There’s really no science. It comes down to trial and error and personal preference.
Voila!
Let me know if you give this a try, or if you have any questions!
Rach says
Omg Amazing job Jackie! These are super cute necklaces!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Jackie says
Yay, thanks Rach!!
Alecz says
I absolutely LOVE this idea! I’m going to give it a try!
https://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com
Jackie says
I’m so glad! Keep me posted 🙂
Head to Toe Chic says
oh my goodness, I need to try thsi!! I LOVE how it turned out!
xo,
Angela
Jackie says
Thank you! It was seriously one of the easiest things to make. Let me know if you try making one!
Becky says
How pretty and unique are these! Love this DIY girl!
http://www.madeintheshadeblog.com
Jackie says
Thank you so much!
Ashley says
Oh my goodness – this is amazing! So inexpensive, creative and cute! I have a friend that I think would love this – maybe I’ll do this for her birthday present 🙂
Jackie says
That’s such a nice idea for your friend. Hand made gifts are always the best.
Let me know how it goes 🙂
Oh to Be a Muse says
Man, it’s been too long since I’ve done a DIY. I love the first necklace. And it looks really great on you in the previous post.
Mili says
This is such an ingenious idea! I honestly would have never known that those were hardware pieces. It just looks like a beautiful and lux set of necklaces 🙂
Mili
Meghan says
The longer one is my favorite. Those hardware pieces are so unique. I don’t think i’ve ever seen anything like them.
Jackie says
That’s my favourite too. I hadn’t seen anything like these before either, which is part of what I love about making your own necklaces.
Shannon says
This is seriously so cute and easy! I must try this!!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
Jackie says
Let me know – I’d be so curious to see what other people come up with!
Melissa says
such a cute idea! I never thought that hardware pieces as jewelry would look so pretty! <3 my favorite is that second necklace. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Jackie says
I never thought so either, but it all depends on how you look at them.
andy says
is very pretty 🙂
http://sbr-fashion-fashion.blogspot.com/
Jackie says
Thank you!
Ashley says
Love these! Pretty but with an edge. 🙂
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Jackie says
Thanks 🙂
Amy Ann says
Pinterest is dangerous! Love how this turned out, especially the longer all gold one.
Amy Ann
The Real Arnolds
Jackie says
That’s my favourite of the two also. Simple is best 🙂
Red Tag Chic Los Angeles says
Wow what a great DIY – thanks for sharing would love to do this asap!!!
Much love!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
Jackie says
Thank you! If you try it – let me know. I’d love to see what you create!
Jennifer Oke says
Wow Jackie… you are creative! I wish this post could be reblogged on WordPress.
Jackie says
Thank you so much! Well, I did share on my Twitter, which you can retweet…but maybe someday WordPress will have such a feature.
Velvet & Vino says
Wow, I’m incredibly impressed! Great job Lovely!
VelvetandVino.com
Jackie says
Thanks, lady!! 🙂
Deborah says
What a great idea for a DIY!! The necklace looks so cute!
Jackie says
Thank you so much!!
Bernadeth says
love everything! great photos 😀
Visit my blog? xx Miss Beatrix (http://missbeatrix.com)
beth says
gorgeous necklace. such a great diy and would love to try these.
xoxo…beth
http://www.fashiondotnow.com
Jackie says
Thanks, I hope you give it a try!
Bree says
I have always thought of doing this. So unique to have a nice necklace and wear it knowing you made it yourself!
Tanya says
Lovely idea. A handmade piece becomes a superb gift option. Will surely try it.
http://www.letsexpresso.com/fashion/types-of-high-heels-for-women/