Last week I shared a necklace that I made using some brocade and velvet scraps and simple chains. I love this piece, but I made it in a true creative moment with no camera in hand to capture the steps. Today I've finally got a tutorial to put up. I'm not a jewelry maker, and only have simple tools, so there could be better ways to work, but this is how I put it all together. Simple but gorgeous!
Materials
1 clasp
Jump rings
16" large link chain
40" small link chain
1" circles of heavy fabric (2)
Velvet ribbon or scraps
Needlenose pliers
Scissors with a sharp point
Prep the Materials
Step 1: Cut 2 circles from your fabric. Perfect circles can be tricky, so if you like, use the end of a spool as a guide. If your fabric doesn't have enough structure to hold its shape, add more structure to by gluing 2 circles together, or attaching some sort of stiff backing (or even try starch).
Step 2: Cut "petals" from the velvet ribbon. Make as many petals as you like. I had a hard time deciding if less is more, and liked the look of a single piece of velvet, but ultimately I went with 3.
Step 3: Make 1 hole on the side of each circles, and 1 hole in each petal. I pierced the holes with a very sharp pair of scissors. If you like, reinforce the holes with stitching, or even add an eyelet.
Step 4: Cut the large chain in half with the pliers, making two 8" pieces.
Step 5: Prep the jump rings by gently prying them open with the needlenose pliers.
Assemble the Necklace
Step 6: Add the first end of the clasp to the first jump ring. Connect the large chain into the same jump ring, and then pinch the ring closed.
Step 7: Add the first fabric circle to the the next jump ring. Then connect it to the free end of the chain and pinch it closed.
Step 8: Fold the length of the small link chain in half, then in half again, then in half again. Catch each fold of chain by a single link with the jump ring. Then add that jump ring and the ends of the chain to the fabric circle. Pinch the jump ring shut with the pliers.
Step 9: Catch the free ends of the small link chain with the next jump ring. Then connect all the remaining pieces together just as you did before, essentially working backwards through Steps 9, 8, and 7.
Step 10: Add the velvet petals to their jump ring and then connect them to the necklace. Pinch the ring shut. Voila!
I love the necklace - what an innovative idea to use discs of fabric - and the pattern you chose is lovely!
You might find that you get better results with your jump rings by twisting them apart instead of pulling. This can weaken the metal or distort the circle. Here's a link: http://www.wikihow.com/Open-a-Jump-Ring
But I do love the project!
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