DIY Feather and Leather Necklaces!

Before we begin, I feel like I need to address the bangs.

I got them "trimmed" yesterday. Quite, quite trimmed. :o) Poor Paige's are even shorter, but somehow she still looks as cute as anything. Anyway, so before anyone asks me if I trimmed my own bangs: no, I didn't. Maybe I should?

Let's move on.

I made necklaces, guys! I really love how they turned out, so I wanted to share the process for those of you who are inclined to make things of this sort. If you've never made jewelry before then you're probably afraid of it. (Right?) Don't be afraid! You've got this. It's actually easier than sewing.
I am loving the feather thing, so I've been meaning to figure out a way to add one to a necklace. And I love little leathery things, too, so I made a little frayed accent and attached it to a necklace as well. They were both super simple and quick. And also, they rhyme. So that's kinda cool.

Feather. Leather.

It rhymes.

FEATHER:

1. Thread the hollow shaft through a medium sized bead. (Pull off a few of the fluffy after feathers if necessary)

 2. Thread a headpin (don't be scared, it's just wire with a flat end, you can get them almost anywhere that sells beading stuff. Walmart, Joann's...)

 3. Add a decorative little bead for fun and trim headpin to 1'' with wire cutters.

 4. Use round tipped pliers to curl the end of the headpin like so. (Clamp on and turn hand)

 5. Then bend back slightly at the bottom.

 6. Open loop by twisting the end outward.

 7. Attach to the middle of your 16''-18'' chain.

 8. Close by twisting back inward to original position.

Done! Pretty. :o)

LEATHER:

1. Cut three small squares that are each gradually shorter than the last.

 2. Lay them on top of each other, largest to smallest and snip with scissors to create frayed edges.

 3. Thread an accent bead on an eye pin (just like headpins, but with a loop on the end) and glue to the top of the largest leather piece.

 4. Do the same on the other side.

 5. Glue the other pieces on top.

 6. Open the end of each eye pin loop by twisting outward with pliers.

 7. Cut your chain in the middle with wire cutters and loop it onto the eye pins, then close the eye pin loops by twisting back.

All done!

Again, if you've wanted to try making jewelry, but are intimidated, please try! It's not difficult, and making simple necklaces like these is a great place to start. Supplies are available at most craft stores. In fact, if your Walmart has a craft dept. they should carry anything you need, so you can pick it up while buying toilet paper and dog food! :o) Always nice.

Enjoy, dearest friends!

Have a great start to your week!

Love,

Disney