DIY CHAIN EARRINGS

9th May 2013

Ever since Celine introduced me to their oversized version of the ID necklace, I’ve been drawn to flat, heavy looking curb chain. Naturally my first thought was to wear it around my neck, and then I decided that my ears were as perfect place as any to adorn with a bit of chain action. I whipped up these simple chain earring in the space of a few hours and thought I would share them with you – I like how the finished product add a touch of luxe grunge look to a simple outfit.

You need:

• Two small pieces of light curb chain
• Flat fronted stud earring fixtures
• Earrings backs
• Beading plyers
• Cutting plyers or very sharp scissors (optional)
• E6000 glue
• A skewer

1. First check how the earring fixture is going to sit on the chain, if you need to, use some chain cutters or very shape scissors to trim the back so it is less round and will lie flat again the chain without being too obvious from the front side.

2. Put a dollop of glue on a folded up piece of paper.

3. Add some glue to the earring front.

4. Press the fixture onto one of the top edges of the chain, making sure to place it in a way that the chain will hang down straight once the earrings are on.

5. Leave to dry overnight.

Ta da! I’ve worn these twice all night and haven’t had any trouble with them, look for light chain if you are worried about weight on the glue.

Photographs thanks by the lovely Lauren Engel – we’ve got some fun collabs planned for you!

DIY DYLANLEX STACKED NECKPIECE

2nd May 2013

Many of you will think a stacked neck is merely about putting loads of jewelry on and leaving the house, but that’s only about a tenth of it – Drew (aka Dylanlex)  has taken it to another level (read:artform) and I couldn’t be happier to share her secrets with you today. In the last year or so Drew and her sister have built a loyal following, inspiring stacked necks and perfect minimalist/logo tee/sport luxe outfits all over the world.  Drew and I recently got chatting about our love of craftiness and neck jewels in particular, and it wasn’t long before we were feverishly planning her cameo here on A Pair & A Spare. Read on for a pro’s guide to the stacked neck.

You’ll Need:

• 5 or 6 necklaces that you are willing to break up, hit your local flea market to find bulk deals
• Pliers
• Scissors
• Jump Rings
• Stringing Wire (Metal or Rope)
• Extra Chain (in case length alteration is needed)

How to:

1. Pick the base necklace. The base necklace needs to hold the weight of the rest of the pieces, so make sure it is sturdy, the clasp is strong, and it has loops or holes where knots can be tied.

2. Take the second piece and center it on the base necklace. You will have to cut the excess on either sides of the necklace and attach Jump Rings. Cut 4” of stringing wire and tie the second piece to the base. The jump rings will help keep the conjoining parts secure, yet flexible so they don’t snap while wearing.

3. Select the third necklace and do the same as the second – center it. Cut the excess on either side if there is any and attach jump rings.

4. Attach on the other side with jump rings.

5. Work your way down the necklace, using jewelry wire to secure and making sure to use various types of necklace to create interesting textures.

6. Some necklaces you will have to cut to size and others, like chokers and other short necklaces, won’t need to be cut. Keep the leftovers for your next project!

7. Finally, attach large and eye catching pieces necklace to the bottom of the necklace to finish it off.

Voilà  – a unique statement dylanlexneck is made!

To stay up to date with what Drew is wearing/making follow her on instagram @dylanlex, you can also tag your own stacked neck with #dylanlexneck to share your own creation with her!

DIY INSPO: SCRIBBLED JEWELS

29th April 2013

I briefly spotted these Vika Gazinskaya scribbled jewels a while ago, but only recently stumbled upon her collection in its entirety. Although a few years old now, in my mind true inspiration never dates. And although I love the tactile quality of rhinestones, I have to say a cartoon style drawn on collar like this comes in a close second. And what better way to practice your illustration?

Images via: Here