Tiered Connector Necklace

I'm back this week with another project featuring our glorious line of connectors. Last week's project was just the tip of the creative iceberg. I was so inspired to use these sweet connectors again that I decided to create a piece that really showcases their beauty and versatility. 

The result? A drop tiered necklace with layers of connectors linked together to create unique strands. My necklace has a nature theme as I chose the long rose, mini bird and branch connectors to work with. A small round pendant tray serves as the centerpiece. Imagine how easy this piece would be to customize for a special recipient. 

Let's get started...

What You'll Need

30" Craft Fantastic Rolo Chains (2) - One serves as my necklace base and the other provides the extra chain I'll need to create my additional strands. I'm sure 2 24" Rolo Chains would work just as well since we are cutting them up.  

Craft Fantastic Long Rose Connectors (4)

Craft Fantastic Mini Bird Connectors (3)

Craft Fantastic Branch Connectors (2)

Craft Fantastic Small Round Pendant Tray

Craft Fantastic Small Glass Round

Craft Fantastic Large Jump Rings

Craft Fantastic Small Jump Rings 

Pliers (2)

Not Pictured:

Fantastic Jeweler's Dot

Fantastic Glaze & Glue

Fantastic Art Images

This project takes more time than last week's simple pendant piece, but the results are dramatic and unique. If you wear this piece out, prepare to be showered with accolades! 

First, hold the chain by the clasp and cut the chain in the center (the opposite end of the clasp) with a pair of scissors. Do not use your fancy schmancy scissors for this endeavor. You can see how beat up the pair I'm using are. These are the dollar store variety and they will end up in the garbage once I have drained them of their usefulness. 

Trim each end to 7 1/2". You're still working on the end opposite from the clasp.

Attached a small jump ring to each of the loose ends of chain.

Attach a large jump ring to each of the small jump rings. 

Now assemble this strand. To the large jump ring add the following...

small jump ring

mini bird connector

small jump ring

1/2" length of chain (4 links)

small jump ring

branch connector

small jump ring

1/2" length of chain (4 links)

small jump ring

mini bird connector

small jump ring

1'2" length of chain (4 links)

small jump ring

branch connector

small jump ring

1/2" length of chain (4 links)

small jump ring 

mini bird connector

small jump ring

Connect this end to the large jump ring. You're almost there! Only 2 more strands to go!

Now assemble the next strand. To the large jump ring attach the following...

small jump ring

3/4" length of chain (6 links)

small jump ring

long rose connector

small jump ring

1/4" length of chain (2 links)

small jump ring

long rose connector

small jump ring

1/4" length of chain (2 links)

small jump ring

long rose connector

small jump ring

1/4" length of chain (2 links)

small jump ring

3/4" length of chain (6 links)

small jump ring

Connect this end to the other large jump ring. Only 1 more strand to go!

The last stand is pretty simple. To the large jump ring attach the following...

small jump ring

1 1/2" length of chain (14 links)

small jump ring

large jump ring

small round pendant tray (with glass)

small jump ring

1 1/2" length of chain (14 links)

small jump rings

Connect this end to the other larger jump ring. Voila! You're finished!

Behold your fabulous creation!

Pretty swanky!

Well, that was fun! Imagine this beautiful piece displayed in the open neckline of a crisp, white shirt with the collar turned up. I may have to run out and buy one to add to my wardrobe!

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See you next week with something new. 

Mixed Metal Necklace!

Mixed metal finishes in jewelry designs are all the rage right now! Layering bangles of gold, bronze, and silver on your wrist feels lush and extravagant. Stacked rings in varied metallic hues exhibit a chic, confident appearance and layered necklaces, well, don't get me started. Plus mixing metals  augments the pieces that can be paired with an ensemble freeing you up to wear all of your favorites in one outing. 

This trend stands in opposition of traditional style guidelines, which dictates only wearing one finish at a time. But, why? We are living in an age where we have the fashion freedom to ditch the stockings, shed the girdle, and don white AFTER Labor Day, so why not mix our metals, too! 

Not sure about this fashion statement? Let me ease you into it with an easy, sophisticated multi-strand necklace project. 

Let's get started...

What You'll Need

30" Craft Fantastic Rolo Chains - 4  chains in the silver finish

30" Craft Fantastic Rolo Chains - 4 chain in the antique brass finish

Craft Fantastic Small Jump Rings - silver finish

Craft Fantastic Small Jump Rings - antique brass finish

Craft Fantastic Large Jump Rings - silver or antique brass finish. I used silver.

Craft Fantastic Lobster Clasp - match the finish to your large jump rings. 

Pliers   

This is going to go quick. My favorite kind of project! 

Using pliers, remove the clasp and small jump rings from each of the antique brass rolo chains. Keep the clasp for future projects, but toss the jump rings. They're just a bit too small for this project and once they've been used, it's difficult to maintain a smooth circular shape if used multiple times. I like to start fresh with new jump rings.

Attach a new small jump ring to each end of the rolo chains.

Do the same using the rolo chains in the silver finish.

String one end of each of the chains onto a large jump ring.

You should end up with this.

Do the same with the other ends and remember to attach the large lobster clasp. As you can see by my photo, I forgot this step and had to do a little last minute adjustment to add it.

Here's a my finished piece! The length is long and elegant and the mixed finishes make the piece eye-catching without the addition of a pendant or additional decorative elements. This would be beautiful draped against a dressy black blouse, or it would elevate the look of a simple basic tee.

I have LOTS of ideas for multi-strand and mixed metal pieces so be sure to check back frequently to see what I'm working on! Remember, you can find ALL of the supplies to complete this project in the Craft Fantastic Online Shop! 

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See you next week with something new!