Diy - woven studded necklace

I found out about these type of necklaces about a month ago, and they might not be everyone's cup of tea, but they do make a statement. They are quite powerful by themselves, so they are not really a daytime choice in my opinion. What I really like about this style is that it combines thread and chain, so, although it is a statement piece, it is youthful as well.

Materials:
- chain: I did mine double and quite close up to the neck, so you'd need at least double the size you want it
- 4 colours of thread - the one I used is thick one (embroidery thread I think); of course you can make your own design by using different colours and numbers of threads
- studs
- nail polish of the same colour as your chain, if the studs are not already matching
- scissors
- sewing thread
- clear fabric glue
- necklace closure

Steps:

1. Start braiding the thread on the chain by passing one colour through one chain ring from underneath upwards and then pulling it underneath the second colour. Continue the process using the second colour, and so on.. I used red and dark blue as my first 2 colours.
2. Do the exact same thing as step 1, but using the second piece of chain and the second set of colours, which for me were light blue and coral.

Step 1

Step 1

Step 2

3. At this point, I wanted to join the 2 chains together, and had a few ideas on how to do this, including sequins and studs. I decided to go with the studs, as to me they make more of a statement.

Step 3

Step 4

4. Optional - paint the studs to be the same colour as the chain by using nail polish ;) you will have to leave them dry for a safe time interval, just to make sure the necklace won't be ruined.
5. Place the studs alongside the chain, kind of like mock joining the chains, to arrange and position them. Make sure you arrange the necklace in a circular shape before placing the studs. This will ensure that the necklace will be bendable, and not stiff.

Step 5

Step 6

6. On the back of each stud, attach thread to its legs and bend them to hold the thread in place.
7. Pass the thread coming from each leg of the stud through the rings of each chain, in the position established at step 6. Tie at the back. 

8. Using fabric glue make sure the thread is glued to the back of the necklace. This will help ensure that the studs won't come off and also that the back is neat and no loose thread will show on the front.

Step 7

Step 7

Step 8

Step 9

 
9. Wait for the glue to dry and turn transparent.
10. Put on the necklace closure.

11. Rock it!!!

As always, I would really like to hear opinions and read comments! :)

DIY - Stud, Stud, Stud!! Handbag and Top

I like studded things! (that's a great way to start a new post :) ). I mean, I don't like it when people dress head to toe (headband, top, jacket, bag, jeans, shoes) in studs, but I do think a stud here and there can really make something a bit more edgy.
Seeing I had a studded belt from my young years :) I decided to take all of the studs out and keep them for some projects. And two of the came fairly easy to me:
1. A vintage handbag, that was otherwise in great condition, but I thought could do with a bit of a modern twist.
2. A top, which was ok on it's own, but I thought why not add something to it. The top goes well with a belt, as it is flowy, but hope the pics are ok as they are.

Both these projects were fairly easy to complete. The bag studding was a bit time consuming, as the material is a bit thick, so I had to make sure the studs will stay in place.
So the materials are:
1. Studs!!
2. Pliers or, as I used, a nail file (to cling the studs in)
3. Optional: glue - I only used this on the bag material



Now the easy part, steps:
1. Find the place on the items where you want your studs to go. Arrange  them without putting them in, so you'd get a feel of the final design. It's useful to put pins in the places where you'd want the studs to go, so the design doesn't deform half way through.

2. If the material is dense and thick, use the nail file to make tiny (I stress, tiny) holes in the fabric, so the stud legs would go in easily. I only did this on the bag.
3. Place the stud on the material and press it on.
4. On the back, using the pliers/nail file bend the stud legs inwards to make it cling to the fabric.
5. Voilà! Studded anything you can think of!

I used a bit of glue to reinforce the studs on the bag. They hold very well. Wore it many times and they did not fall off! yey
Now, for the before and after pics:

For a cuter element to it I added 3 studs on each side of the shoulder strap.

Hope this is useful, and I would like to hear some opinions on this :) 

I also have something else already done involving studs, but it deserve a post on its own :) x