I Missed the Boat Again! (OR I Finally Made My Anthro-inspired Bib Necklace)

April 19, 2011


Okay, so a few weeks ago I was wasting time doing some research and googled Anthropolgie ~ the store, of course.  I sometimes just like to drool over their jewelry.  And their shoes.  And their clothes.  And their, well, you get the picture.   Anyway, I came across a necklace that I thought was just beautiful ~ romantic, feminine and retro in a boho chic sort of way.  I downloaded a picture or two of the necklace for my "archives" (better known as Somewhere-On-My-Computer-Hopefully-I'll-Find-It-Later-When-I-Need-It archives).  And there it sat.  Oh, I thought about making one for myself, numerous times, even.  But it never got done.  Sigh.


Don't you just love this?
Now I'm kicking myself because I've seen two (count 'em, two!) knock-off posts for the same necklace elsewhere over the past two weeks.  So THAT was the kick that I needed to finally make my own.



 It's really quite easy.  All you need are a few crocheted doilies, a necklace chain, 3-5 7mm jump rings, two flat nosed pliers, a needle and thread, some tulle and perhaps some glue and a few embellishments if you prefer.  I chose to use a vintage pearl cluster earring as my embellishment.  



These are the doilies I had on hand.  All but the one on the left are vintage, scored at a church barn sale last summer.  Guess where the one on the left is from?

It's actually from the Dollar Store!  Right now my local Dollar Store carries these in two sizes.  They also come in white or ecru.  I didn't end up using one for this necklace because it was a bit thicker than the other doilies and I wanted some consistency there, but I do believe that they would work just as well for this project. 

I began by placing the medium sized doily inside the larger one, about 3/4 of the way down.

Then I folded them both over together toward me. 

Then I played around with where I wanted the smallest doily to go.  I then ran the chain in between the inner folds to see how it would look before committing to securing it onto both doilies with jump rings.  Just make sure the chain is centered, and attach it right in the middle with one jump ring.  Again, make sure to secure it through both layers of doily.  I used 5 jump rings in all, spread out over the length of the folded doilies.


I also added a touch of tulle by sewing strips to the back of the necklace.  I believe it was about 8 strips of varying widths and lengths.  (I tried to get a decent picture of the tulle strips before sewing them on but, no go.  Sorry!)  And lastly, I managed to sew the vintage pearl earring onto the front.  I just snipped off the metal clip-on part with wire cutters, and laced the needle and thread through the openings between the pearls, and then down and around the earring itself in order to sew it onto both doilies.   


I'm pretty happy with the result.  How about you?  Let me know what you think and how it goes if you try to make one for your very own.  It might just be the perfect Easter outfit fashion accessory you've been waiting for. 

Have a great week!

I'll be linking up here:

Leave a Comment!

Bella @ Bella before and after said...

WOw Kathleen, this is beautiful. Gosh I need to start doing some knock offs, there is such great ideas out there, I could never come up with them myself, lol, and how awesome when you get to save so much money. YAY.

Your necklace turned out lovely, just like you, I can so see how this is just your style :)

I'd love if you linked this up.

Hugs,
Bella :)**AMAZE ME AUGUST** @ Bella Before and After

Also I would LOVE to invite you to check out my new PINTEREST BOARDS let me know what you think!! You might enjoy this better than bookmarking projects, its so much easier, and you can see all your pics right in one place, WITH the links, it's perfect.

Hugs,

Bella :)

Glenda/MidSouth said...

I think you did a great job - very pretty.
Hope you are having a great week.

Privet and Holly said...

I just love it when
two friends think alike : )
You know how much I
admire Anthropology and
all their unique items....
Love that you were able
to figure out one of the
"recipes!". Beautiful, K!
xx Suzanne

Karena said...

Kathleen I love it, how fun -boho chic!! You are so talented. I am never thrilled when I try to make these beauties!

Come and join my Fashionable Giveaway from the French Basketeer!

Xoxo
Karena

Art by Karena

Ido said...

I love doilies no matter how they are displayed or used for, just love them. Love your creation! Do you get those at the dollar tree? here in Utah is the only one we have, it figures.
Have a great day!
XXX Ido

Unknown said...

Gorgeous!! Love this idea - going to dig through my pile of lovelies and try this! Thanks for sharing ~ Heidi

Stephanie Suzanne Designs said...

Hi Kathleen,

Your necklace turned out fabulous! I'm visiting for Whatever You Want Wednesday.

Pink Sparkles for your day,
Stephanie ♥

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

You know what? I like yours better! You inspired me to get out my stash of doilies and try this. I have this idea stored in the back of my mind and now it's front and center again. Thanks for the tutorial.

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