If you've been floating around on Instagram for a while now you may have come across a few monochromatic fashion posts featuring an incredible mosaic of silver chains, coins and gunmetal bling hanging from peoples fashionably pert chests. So what are these delectable heavy pieces of work? None other but a fascinating creation by designer Drew Ginsberg, founder and creator of DylanLex, who customize handmade neck pieces made from antique metals and Swarovski crystals valued at about $600 and up!
But have no fear, we are crafty little chickens, and I'm going to show you how you can have your very own one of a kind DylanLex neck piece for about $50 dollars - or even less if you already have a bunch of silver necklaces you no longer need. Don't be put off by all the metal going on in the pictures, this is incredibly simple to make and just requires a little patience.
What You'll Need:
- 4 to 5 silver (or gold! up to you) necklaces
- Copper Bead Wire
- Pliers, tweezers and scissors or a wire cutter (you can get a set at any craft store)
- Jewellery jump rings
- Ribbon (optional)
1.
Lay your necklaces out on a table first to get an idea of how it will look. I suggest all straight neck wear are placed together, and leave any pieces that have dangling parts to the end. It's much harder to connect parts that are jagged or loose.
2.
Once you have an idea of what order you'd like your pieces to go, you can now clip off the closure chains or undo the links with pliers. You can alternatively keep the closure chains on the first piece, however I choose to use ribbon to secure the piece around my neck to comfortably carry the weight.
3.
With your pliers and tweezers start separating the jump rings and tighten them around the spaces between the chains of the two adjacent necklaces. Aim to add a connecter to every consecutive chain link so its secure.
4.
Once connectors are linked, you can begin to weave the wire through for added stability. I really recommend you don't skip this part as connectors can become loose once the piece is worn. When you are at the end of weaving the wire simply wind it around a chain link as tight as possible and snip off loose ends.
5.
Add ribbon through the eyelets of the top necklace to tie around your neck or secure like normal if you have kept the closure on.
6.
And you're done! You now have your very own one of a kind DylanLex neck piece for $50 or less! It's also just as simple to take apart if you wish to try other combinations. I love this piece against black or white basic tees and can even be worn to edge out a dress
I hope you guys try this one out and and if you do, remember to tag @lifebling on Instagram so I can have a look!
Happy Creating!
x
TIPS:
- You don't have to spend much on the necklaces to begin with. The ones I used were purchased off eBay for under $6 each.
- Once each necklace is secured, regularly lift the piece from the top to see how tightly wound the connectors are and to fix any loose gaps.
- Make sure you tuck in the ends of the wire to face the outside of the necklace so it wont snag any of your clothing or pinch your skin.
- If you decide to use a ribbon, add a little craft glue on the ends and wait to dry to prevent any fraying.
- You can also have a go at creating mixed metal pieces with gold, rose gold and silver. Additionally you can stack bangles and cuffs to add to the look.
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ReplyDeletethank you! I also custom make them if you are interested you can email me at lifeblingblog@gmail.com :)
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