Chakra P. Tutorial 3: Best Friends Necklace

by Chakra Pennywhistle



Did you ever share a best-friends necklace with your favorite childhood pal? I remember sharing a couple in the past and seeing new ones always brings a smile to my face. For this installment I wanted to share a different take on that idea by making a bf necklace cut from a vintage doily. I have a collection of handmade doilies that I picked up from local thrifts and antique shops. I love the crochet work and like to spot different patterns in each piece. I find that not only can you spot certain patterns, but you can also look at the whole piece in a different way. For example, lots of edges of doilies resemble hearts.


That brings me to this tutorial. Make your best pal a heart-shaped best-friends necklace cut from a vintage doily... It is a lovely shared gift that will make a unique handmade statement.

Supplies:

Vintage doily
2 necklace chains
non-stick surface
Scissors
Toothpicks
Glue (school or craft)
Bowl
Water

Step 1: Cutting
Cut a heart shape out of the doily. You can use the original pattern as a guide. I have included photos of two different patterns. The styles are completely different even by the way they are worn on the chain.


Style 1


Style 2Note: For style 2, you will need to remove a piece of the thread so that the necklace will string through the original loops. See photo below...


Step 2: Stiffening
Mix equal parts glue and water in a mixing bowl. I actually like to use a bit more glue then water. I read that you can also use liquid starch but I prefer glue because it is permanent. Also, I used school glue just because that is what I had on hand. Crafters glue might be even more durable.


Dip your heart in the mixture. Completely submerse it. Once it is soaked, lay it on the nonstick surface and squeeze as much water out as you can without losing the shape.
Tip: I found that if I place the heart on the inner side of the bowl and press, the mixture drips back into the bowl and the heart stays intact.


For style #2 you will need to use a tooth pick to open the loops and clear the glue out of them. This will allow your chain to pass through easily after the heart has dried. Do not leave the toothpicks in while drying. Just use them to clear the glue. Also note that my hearts are cut. Disregard that. You will cut the hearts after they are dry.


Step 3: Drying
Lay the heart on your nonstick surface and let dry for 3 to 4 hours.



Step 4: Cutting
Once the heart is completely dry, cut it in half.


Step 5: Stringing
I have included photos of both styles.

Style 1: Simply string the necklace through one of the holes in the heart.


Style 2: String the chain through the loops of the original pattern.


Step 6: Giving
I made my necklace for my best friend, Ursula. I think that she is pretty wonderful! I am in Tucson, AZ wearing my necklace while Ursula is in Norfolk, Virginia wearing hers.



Chakra Pennywhistle
I hope that you enjoyed this version of a best friends necklace. They are really simple to make and very sweet to give!

Jan Halvarson

25 comments:

Donna said...

Love this, so sweet!

Chloe said...

This is such an awesome tutorial :o)

I remember having best friends necklaces when i was younger.. I'm going to make some of my own now, thankyou! :o)

there's a little something on my blog for you too!

http://littlegreenshoot.blogspot.com/2010/01/sunshine-blog-award-thankyou.html

Take care,
Chloe x

Ursula said...

I've been wearing mine almost nonstop and have gotten so many compliments wherever I go! It is so dear to my heart; thank you, Rikkianne!

Raven's Rest Studio, Jennifer Conway said...

These are so, so pretty! I'm definitely going to give this a try! Now the hunt is on to find a pink doily......
*smiles* ~Jen

Anonymous said...

What a GRRRRREAT tute!!!

So timely for Valentine's Day!

Thanks Rikkianne.

Helena - A Diary of Lovely said...

didnt realise it was a DIY at the beginning, so cute!! thanks!!! great idea!

soisses-dasleben said...

broken hearts - nice idea!

nice-etc.com / caitlin said...

cute idea!

We Blog Artists said...

SO cool...I really will try this.
Thanks for sharing.
Char

Lauren Haupt Estes said...

so lovely - thank you for sharing!

Unknown said...

what a beautiful post, for your continued inspiration I have awarded you my Sunshine Blog Award.
See here for information http://uniquelysnowflake.blogspot.com
Amanda.x.

alexkeller said...

i love it :)

lana said...

way too cute!

xo
lana

the rikrak studio said...

love it.
love that cpw!

Luttrell Studio said...

What an amazing idea! I have so many old doilies that I don't use.

So fun!

captain lola said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ola Silvera said...

Aw this makes me miss my best friend when I was a child.

Unknown said...

oh my, what a lovely idea! i've wondered how doilies are stiffened and now i know :) thanks for the tutorial!

Alexia said...

Oh, my goodness! I love this idea! Who didn't love those little necklaces when we were younger? What a fresh take on those little necklaces.

Rachel@oneprettything.com said...

Whoa... This is WAY creative! I love it! How perfect for a crafty friend. Thanks so much for the how-to, I'll be linking.

Xenotees said...

You're so amazing Rikkianne! Wonderful idea! Congrats on the this tutorial making it to the ReadyMade website too!

Chakra Pennywhistle said...

Thank you Noelle! I think the exact same of you :)

Lynn McGinnis said...

Beautiful Beautiful, Thank you for the amazing tutorial also. Here's wishing you lot's of happiness coming your way.

Veterinaire Agenda - Hiskia said...

So simple & o! so! pretty!! Thanks!
I posted a link to your wonderfull tutorial on my blog, hope you don't mind (or better: like it :))

Cintia Santos said...

Nice idea!
I loved!