Easy DIY Initial Necklace

I feel like this is almost a cheat to call this jewelry project a “tutorial”, because it’s as simple as stringing a few alphabet beads and adding a clasp to a fine chain!  But, I always like to show you guys the new and hot ways to make your own accessories, and I had a lot of fun with this DIY initial necklace.

Fine chains and small charms are hot right now, and this is a great easy way to personalize a necklace for yourself or as a gift!  You can spell out whatever you like – names, a special word – and even add hearts or hashtags.

You’ll need a couple basic tools, some fine chain, and alphabet beads to make your necklace.  I’ll leave affiliate links below for the exact supplies that I used to make my necklace to make shopping easy, if you’re as smitten with this style as I am.

• 16 inches of 1mm rollo chain or ball chain
• 2 – 5mm crimp-on end caps
• 2 – 6mm jump rings
• 10mm lobster clasp
• crimp pliers
• chain nose pliers
• 6mm alphabet beads – (from this collection)

First, cut your chain to the length you want.  1mm chain is quite fine, so while I recommend using wire cutters, a pair of scissors can handle the job.  Then, crimp an end cap onto the end of one side of the chain.  I had much more success with this using actual crimp pliers – I rounded each side of the fold-over end clasp, and then once I got it closed, I flattened the claps down really well to secure it with my chain nose pliers.

Then, string your message on, and then finish off the other end with an end clasp.  Attach a jump ring to each end, and a lobster clasp to one side.  Tip: if you’re right-handed, add the clasp the the right side, with the letters facing out!  :)

I love all the options that these letter beads give!  You can spell your own name, or the name of someone important to you, or an inspirational or fun word.  There are also hearts and hashtags, so I couldn’t resist making up a necklace to wear this week for Grand Rapids’ ArtPrize!

Might as well have some fun with it, am I right??  But in all seriousness – this week kicks off ArtPrize, so I’ll be spending a lot more time out of the studio, and at the event.  My artwork, Bloom, is on display in the Heartside district, if you happen to be local and you want to check it out.  Feel free to tweet me @HappyHrProjects if you’re downtown Grand Rapids, too – I’ll be there promoting my art when I can, and I’d love to snap a selfie with you!