DIY Anthro-Inspired Necklace

Man, I’m on a DIY necklace roll lately…. I guess that’s what happens when I get a week off from subbing. Yay for Spring Breaks!

Anyways, I have always loved this necklace that Kendi occasionally sports with her cute outfits, but it is no longer for sale at Anthropologie. Which is fine with me, because I’m pretty sure my $20 DIY version is a lot more affordable than what they sold it for!

Source: midwesterncliche.com via Samantha on Pinterest

Source: kendieveryday.com via Samantha on Pinterest

I used the same process for this necklace as I did with my last DIY statement necklace, nail polish and acrylic crystals!

Here are the supplies you will need (from Michaels and Hobby Lobby). I painted the crystals before taking pictures because my other tutorial walks you through those steps. I used the smaller crystals for the top layer and the larger crystals for the bottom.

The first thing you need to do is attach a ring to each crystal. Make sure they are secure and tight because you will be using a thinner thread to make the bulk of the necklace.

Then without cutting off your string, start threading on the bottom layer of your necklace. I used two small, one large, then two small beads again between each crystal to space them out.

Here is what it should look like when you finish the bottom layer.

Then you will want to cut four strands of your cord that ties the necklace around your neck. Two strands will go on each side. (See the inspiration necklace image above to see what I’m talking about.)

The following steps can get confusing… so here is a close up of the process.

1. Add a large bead to the end of the thread. Fold the two cords in half and wrap around your thread.

2. Loop the thread back through the large bead.

3. Start stringing on your beads and crystals for the top layer. (I used five small beads between each crystal.)

4. Tie the cord in a knot. For a chunkier knot, tie again.

5. Finish stringing on the top layer.

6. Now you can cut your thread. Make sure to leave about six inches of thread on each end so you have enough room to tie it off. String both pieces of your thread through a large bead.

7. Tie a knot to hold your bead in place. I tied it three times just to make sure it was secure.

8. Make a loose loop with your two ends.

9. Fold the other two pieces of cord in half and put through the middle of your loop.

10. Tie the thread in a few knots to secure it around the cord. I applied clear nail polish to the thread knot to keep it from loosening up. Cut the ends of your thread, leaving about a centimeter or two.

11. Tie the cord in a knot (or two, depending on how you did the other side). Tuck the ends of the thread into the knot so they are hidden.

You’re almost done! Now, pull the four ends of the cord up and tie them together in a knot. You can always adjust the length of the necklace by retying the knot at the back later! And you’re finished!

You have a gorgeous, Anthro-inspired statement necklace that probably cost a fifth of what you would spend in the store!

What do you think? I am loving my new DIY necklaces and colored denim!

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Centsational Girl