A couple of weeks ago, we turned some vintage earrings into a pair of shoe clips. Inspired by Jolita‘s Mourning Necklace, we’re transforming vintage chains into pretty statement necklaces for spring this week. Sometimes antique rhinestone necklaces are just a tad too short and a bit too dainty so adding a bit of texture and color is the perfect way to add some much needed oomph.
You’ll need:
- a rhinestone necklace (I found mine here)
- 4 skeins of embroidery floss
- darning needle
- wire clippers
- scissors
- lobster clasp
- jump ring
- chain & crimp ends (optional)
Start by cutting approximately 16-19 strands of embroidery floss at about 2.5 times the length of the rhinestone necklace. Gather all 15-18 strands and tie a knot, leaving 3 inches of slack. Reserve the extra strand for later.
Separate into 3 equal parts and braid. Tie a knot at the end, leaving another 3 inches of slack.
Most vintage rhinestone necklaces are really short in length so to extend it, the clasp will need to be removed with a pair of wire clippers. If the rhinestone necklace is long enough, then you can skip this step. Thread the darning needle with the extra strand of floss.
Tie the end of the floss into a double knot around the end of the necklace. Thread the darning needle into the middle of the braid. I like to use darning needles since the tips are not very sharp and won’t snag.
Bring the floss around the necklace and back under the braid. For this particular necklace, I stitched on one rhinestone link per braid.
Continue stitching. Finish with a double knot and trim the ends.
Take about 10 inches of embroidery floss (of either the same color or contrasting color) and tie a double knot around the top of the braided knot. Wind the floss around the bunch of strands, wrapping the contrasting floss as well. Thread on a lobster clasp and continue winding. You can add on a crimp end and extra rhinestone chain for added length. Click here for a tutorial on how to use crimp ends.
Tie the ends of the contrasting floss into a double knot and trim the ends. Repeat the same step on the other end with a jump ring. Trim the ends of the braided bunch of strands.
And the necklace is complete!
I promise you won’t be able to stop at just one . . .
Layer and sparkle!
(Ariel Gordon Dinosaur Necklace available here, Jolita Braided Rhinestone Necklaces available here; images by HonestlyWTF)
What a awesome DIY! Love the way you layered two of them in the last photos. Makes both necklaces look super modern and eye-catching. Its a great way to really transform and already cool necklace into something even better. Thanks for the inspiration!
xo Quinn
Quinn Cooper Style
gorgeous!
Awesome diy!!! Looks totally beautiful <3
xx
glamdevils
seems really easy….and it is so beautiful! xo, Alma
http://www.soulofashopper.com
Super cool! Absolutely love this way of adding a pop of color to old rhinestones. Really an awesome idea.
http://www.nomadicd.com
That looks great. Perfect DIY.
http://www.fashiondenis.com
Wow, this is so simple an stunning!
Awesome work! 🙂
xoxo
Fashion Agony blog
Wowww, i LOVE it! Love the color! It´s perfect for summer!
http://www.justreptilia.com
xx
I love this fantastic DIY!! You have a very nice neckless with this simple transformations
http://www.thestelstyle.com
Love it!!
xxx
Naomi
http://www.bonnieclydemarni.com
This is so clever and pretty! I now just need to hunt down a rhinestone necklace and I can make one x
Wow love it !!
New post:http://www.thestilettoholic.com/
Love from Paris
Love this. Thanks, I Made It made something very similar that I posted in 2011 – the Jolita Inspired Mourning Necklace here: http://www.thanksimadeitblog.com/2011/09/odd-couple-diy-sparkly-embroidery.html
Hi! Yours came out beautifully. I made something incredibly similar back in 2011: http://www.thanksimadeitblog.com/2011/09/odd-couple-diy-sparkly-embroidery.html
LOVE these types of DIY projects, so pretty!
Amazing. So on trend and love the pop of color! ~ ashleigh
My jewelry blog: http://www.joliejouel.com
I really like the way you ended the necklace! Must try!
http://lasaloperie.blogspot.com
So cool! I love the way you have been updating vintage pieces.
xoxo
Juliette Laura
juliettelaura.blogspot.com
damn crafty, girl!
What a cool way to colour up your vintage necklaces! I have to try that myself!
Cool! I want one!! 😉
xx
Awesome diy and i have everything to do it already.
xo
http://pinksole.com
LOVE!!!
Love it! Where do you get all your great ideas?! This is awesome!
This is so lovely. I really like evrything.
xoxo, Style Diaries and Lifestyle Blog & Yum Diaries a Food Blog
BLOGLOVIN / TWITTER / FACEBOOK
So cool! I love braids!
Lovely DIY post. Love the colours and layering of the two necklaces in the last picture. Very happy to hear my brother’s pieces are inspirational xx
This is beautiful!! We are doing this ASAP!
Chek out what we did with similar to this DIY http://lilasirena.blogspot.mx/2012/11/diy-statement-necklace.html
Greetings from Mexico,
Lila&Sirena
lilasirena.blogspot.com
gorgeous!
monkeyshines
http://monkeyshines-monkeyshines.blogspot.com/
Love this idea! I’ll have to try this for sure!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/EarthChildArt?ref=si_shop
You have out done yourselves again girls. I have a couple of these pieces but I haven’t worn them because they seen too fancy for every day. This makes them work for more casual outfits too. Thanks!
Vintagehoneybee.blogspot.com
Gorgeous DIY!
http://aurelieandangelo.com/
Cool, cool, cool!
i love this idea, such a perfect way to update an old rhinestone necklace!!
xo,aiyanajane
http://www.citystylecountrysmile.com
It’s official, you’re my favorite.
alyxtheprincess.blogspot.com
AH! I LOVE that! So neat!!
Kayla
http://www.lovelucygirl.com
THIS LOOKS REALLY LOVELY AND NOT TO DIFFICULT!
http://whatkrissydidnext.wordpress.com/
http://whatkrissydidnext.wordpress.com/
I LOVE these necklaces! But I don’t think I’m this handy 😉
♥ Paula Shoe Fiend.
http://shoe-fiend.blogspot.co.uk/
You have the best DIY tutorials and ideas! Just wanted to thank you and beg that you keep up the good work!!!!
Brilliant –
Cecile In L.A.
WOW what an amazing DIY! So easy and creative. How come I didn’t come up with that 😛
xx Jocelina
http://www.pinkchocolatebreak.com
Your D.I.Y. s are always so inspiring and beautiful! Can’t wait to try this one!! Thanks for the idea 😉
just a geat idea!! i love, they ‘re so beautiful!
xx
http://dearines.blogspot.com
Great tutorial, it always seems so easy as you present it!
http://www.afterout.com/
color me totally impressed this was amazing…I’m just starting to enjoy the brilliance of DIY and this is pretty wicked!
Perfect DIY!! I love it 🙂
xoxoxoxo
Elisa My Fantabulous World
Love these! Now I just hope mine turn out as pretty as yours. 🙂
Lovely! The braiding adds so much to the necklace!
How pretty are these, love the bright colours with the diamontes.
Lauren
livinginaboxx
really lovely!
wanderingsofalittlesoul.blogspot.de
whaat! it looks too easy 😀
http://thevulgariangirl.blogspot.com/
rhinestone and braids are perfect together i really love that idea!!
So lovely and elegant!
I love it so much 😉
WE SUPER SUPER SUPER LOVE THEM!
Perfect for summer!
And they match perfectly with the white shirt!
Giu&Si
Awesome !
Definitely gonna try it!
They’re so beautiful, great colors!
http://www.webelieveinstyle.net
Wow, stunning ! Thank you for buying these rhinestone necklaces from me and turning them into art!
I am so impressed, I’m going to try it myself:)
JeanMc
Brilliant idea! Love the purple!
There are awesome!
really neat and stylish necklaces! Great DIY! 🙂
I love checking out all the great DIYs on here!
http://lexiluthor.blogspot.com/
http://lexiluthor.blogspot.com/
This website is indeed inspirational… You have helped me a lot.. Thanks 🙂
Love this necklace!!! great combination of materials and colors! I love your blog and I’m a super fan! 🙂
If you will like to see more DIY inspiration visit my blog at:
planb.annaevers.com
this is perfect! love it! <3
http://www.miouprincesslovespink.blogspot.gr
Great idea and an amazing DIY 🙂
omg, where did that dinosaur necklace come from??!!!!!!!
(great diy! i’m just having brontosaurus tunnel vision!)
@Tracie, the dinosaur necklace is from Ariel Gordan and it’s available here: http://www.arielgordonjewelry.com/mebr.html
Amazing DIY 🙂 So stylish!
http://socoroco.blogspot.com/
Awesome:)
http://www.ccchinachic.com/products/electronics/cellphone-accessories/cases/vintage-design-diary-pattern-geniune-oil-wax-leather-protective-case-with-card-slot-stand-for-samsung-galaxy-s4-3949.html
simply superb and yeah great idea… vamos!!!
Modern Jewellery
Nice project. Can definitely make one for my wife. I found a really good glue for rhinestones from GemMii. It’s called Deco Princess Glue. It is excellent for bonding rhinestones, charms and cabochons to plastics, fabrics, metal, leather, wood and more! This glue is water based and dries clear for a beautiful finish.
The link to the glue is http://www.gemmii.com/collections/tools/products/deco-princess-glue if anyone is interested.
Brigth teal looks amazing when paired with some bling, I love it
Love this!!!!
http://www.theexpatchick.blogspot.sg
Wonderfull necklace
Love it, going to give it a try. thank you.
well ain’t that some thing,….I will have to go threw all the old stuff to make this. One of the ezest I’ve seen yet 🙂 thank you for posting this gem! <3 it!
whoah this blog is great i like studying your posts.
Stay up the good work! You already know, many individuals are looking round for this information, you could help
them greatly.
Hi i was wondering whether there were any of the same rhinestone necklaces avaliable from the store u bought it. Thanks xx
By the way i love this!!
Great necklace! Awesome skills!
Love the design and color!
my web page: Costume jewellery
macrame Heart – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2EtuXynbys
That is absolutely gorgeous!
Love this DIY!!! Great idea! 🙂
Sugar Crabs:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/SugarCrabs?ref=si_shop
Thank you!
Nice! Especially the one in purple/pink 🙂 Love how you style all your DIYS! 🙂
Its really cool..i will try this at home too with american diamond and see if i can make similar kind of fashion jewellery at home!!! and also i will try some more Jewellery designs with this technique 🙂
Honestly thee greatest looking jewelry diy I have seen ever … Very very clever!
Great Tutorial – we at http://www.beadsjar.co.uk sell all the jewellery making accessories to fulfil all your DIY jewellery needs. Please visit us. Thanks
Great idea it is Awesome love it
Wonderfull necklace. i love, they ‘re so beautiful!
http://kreasitangan.com/
I Love this necklace and your creative idea of making it…Thanks for sharing with us
Cool stuff !! Love it
Amazing Stuff Erica! Loved it! How much time did it take to finish?
Amazing idea!
Sups gorge just my color.Perfect for any special accasion
This is gorgeous, perfect colors.
That’s simply amazing!
Superb
Awesome https://www.kuberlo.com/
very nice
very attractive
Loved it! Such a pretty necklace. Thanks For sharing
This is so different. i loved it!
This is such a beautiful necklace.
Thanks
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Great article!
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I liked the idea you shared – I love the creativity and unique designs by some of the small jewellery houses. One of my friend mentioned about a good brand Tarinika, which has a wide range of stunning jewelry and have really good reviews across platforms. I don’t know why we don’t get to know much about such brands – damn these algorithms. Really love them, you should also check them out. https://www.tarinika.in/
I liked the ideas you shared – I love the creativity and unique designs by some of the small jewellery houses. One of my friend mentioned about a good brand Tarinika, which has a wide range of stunning jewelry and have really good reviews across platforms. I don’t know why we don’t get to know much about such brands – damn these algorithms. Really love them, you should also check them out.
https://www.tarinika.in/
Beautiful neckpieces
Find statement jewelry also at http://www.saj.world
Beautiful
Find statement jewelry also at http://www.saj.world