PROJECT: BEADED CHAIN NECKLACES
i’m going full on gen Z here !! it makes me laugh how much teens these days love the early 2000’s era. don’t get me wrong, i’m a fan of the iconic decade too, but some things are better to leave in the past, haha! however, one current trend that’s being fueled by gen Z is these chunky, fun, beaded chain necklaces, bracelets, + phone charms + i’m all in. one free afternoon in early summer, my bffs + i made our way to joann’s to search for the supplies to make them ourselves, in classic diy fashion. [i have an inability to purchase things i know i can make myself…. it’s a blessing + a curse]. keep scrollin’ for the full diy, or head over to instagram or youtube for the video version!!
SUPPLIES for the necklaces
funky, colorful, joyful beads
chunky gold chain
clear elastic, with a dimeter compatible with your beads
connector rings
jewelry cutters/pliers
bar or claw clasp
DIRECTIONS for the necklaces
measure your elastic to the desired length + string on your beads! go crazy + get creative here. cut your gold chain to the length you want, too.
leave some space on the ends of the elastics so you can attach them to the connector rings, then use the pliers to open up the connector ring, attaching it to the gold chain the re-clasping. you can tie the elastic right onto the ring or create a loop to make a loop knot.
use two more connector rings to attach the ends of the gold chain to the bar or claw clasp — + that’s literally it!! so easy, so cute.
our local craft store was running low on colorful, fun beads so we actually used these perler beads instead! i fell in love with all the brights neon colors, + when we added them into the necklaces, they acted as the perfect pop alongside the gold chain + pearls. we also picked up some flower beads, butterflies, hearts, + my personal favorite, the watermelon slices!! i LOVE them — aren’t they perfect for summer?
i love my necklace + cannot wait to make more! it was seriously way too easy to make ourselves, + is definitely cost effective. it’s the perfect summer wardrobe staple that’ll have you competing with all the gen Z’ers :) pair your new gems with a claw clip + you’ve reached peak 2000’s nostalgia. go forth + be trendy, my friends! be sure to check out the video version of this project on instagram reels — happy creating!
post + images by molly garvin