DIY Gatsby-Inspired Statement Necklace
8 May 2013
Years and years ago, I bought some loose beads and findings from the Depot, and I finally made a necklace with them! I knew I wanted to use a red and black color scheme, and I love how it came out.
This is what it looked like before: sad and broken, but with lots of potential.
The beads are plastic, but they’re shiny, so they make the cut for Cameron bling.
But these little guys are actually my favorite. They look so elegant and 20s, and they make it so easy to work with multiple strands.
I wanted to use ribbon for the top, and I had just enough to pull it off.
Even though I’m a novice at jewelry-making, this necklace was super easy to put together, and I’m so happy to have given new life to an old strand of beads. And now, if anyone wants to invite me to a Gatsby party, I am ready to go!

May 08, 2013 @ 04:58:37
Mmmm! Highly shiny! But… how did you do it? Some of us need literal instructions.!
May 09, 2013 @ 17:11:44
Oh! Well, not at all in a professional way! I just strung the beads and tied them off on the connecter, and then added the ribbons:) I didn’t really take many action shots. But I think this is very do-able! 🙂
May 08, 2013 @ 05:09:31
very lovely! Clever you 🙂
May 09, 2013 @ 17:12:05
Thank you! I have been enjoying the swinging and clicking beads while being around town today:)
May 10, 2013 @ 07:03:19
Stunning!! I love these beads, the gorgeous boldness of the necklace, and those two colors to which I am perpetually drawn (I’ve learned not to fight it). This is so lovely; I can’t wait to see you wearing it in a future post. And you’ve inspired me to open up my bead supplies once again… Thank you!
May 14, 2013 @ 17:10:20
Thank you so much, Moriah! It definitely means a lot coming from you! I love red and black, and I have for ages–I don’t fight it anymore either! Can’t wait to see what beautiful things you’ll make next! 😉
May 10, 2013 @ 07:06:15
P.S. Also, your photos are incredible!
For me, the materials for jewelry making are 99% color, size and shape. If that means plastic, bring it on! 🙂 I’d rather have a bold, bright plastic bead than a colorless diamond any day… (But no need to keep them mutually exclusive, right?)
May 14, 2013 @ 17:11:28
Hahaha, I so agree! There’s a place for both of them, but major props to either if they are bright and shiny!
May 10, 2013 @ 14:41:30
Oh, I love the ribbon tie!!! Very elegant!!
May 14, 2013 @ 17:17:11
Thank you! They are the easiest kind of ties to do! 🙂
May 12, 2013 @ 14:38:10
I took the Greek’s mother to the Depot and she fell in love with it. I also found several Gourmet magazines–one from 1972!–and had myself a merry old time.
In other news, your necklace is lovely. It’s definitely in Cameron colors. 🙂
May 14, 2013 @ 17:30:46
Oh my gosh, that’s awesome! They had so many Martha Stewarts there last time I went, but I was demoralized to find that they were marked up to a dollar! It’s a good price for the really big ones, but not the little ones. Maybe they would have bargained with me, but one only has so much for Martha Stewart in one’s suitcase anyway! I shall return! 😉