Saturday, August 29, 2009

Problem Solved!

Quite a while ago, I bought these cool beads from an Etsy seller. I am positive they are handmade, but the seller did not have any info with them (i.e. artist, year made, etc..). They seem to be a clay of some kind, with peacock and other designs imprinted on them. I really loved them, however, the problem was they had such big holes I didn't know how to string them! The holes measure about a half an inch wide. So, they have sat for months and I wished for an idea to come to me.
This week, it came to me. In my love of recycling/upcycling things, I saw an idea to make a necklace out of an old men's tie. The basic idea is, you split open the ends of the tie so you can put beads inside the fabric and tie them off with knots. I used this technique, however, I also added these large holed beads on the outside. I am happy with how it turned out! As chunky as it looks, it is quite light because I used wood beads on the inside. This is quite a statement piece and will look great with simply jeans and a t-shirt. Or for work, dress pants and a blouse. If you'd like to make your own tie necklace, I suggest finding a skinny tie rather than a traditional one. This way, you have less bulky fabric and do not have to deal with the fabric getting larger on one side.

9 comments:

Lorelei Eurto said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

GENIUS! I love the outcome of this, nice work!!! The tie is really cool. I think you should submit this to one of the jewelry magazines!!

SummersStudio said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Clever! Looks great.

Doreen said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

This is so cool! I just love this, Heather.

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

cool necklace! i was able to appreciate their size in the 2nd photo.

Erin Siegel said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

This is so cool, Heather! I have seen other fabric necklaces with the beads inside and I always admired them but I hadn't heard of doing it with a tie! I love it! Love the color and it looks great. It's gorgeous! Great idea!

TesoriTrovati said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

What a clever invention! I love it. You might try silk as it is a finer fabric than the traditional woven men's tie. Thanks for sharing such a unique idea!
Enjoy the day!
Erin

P.S. I agree with Lorelei...submit it to a magazine... now!

Leslie @ Bei Mondi said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

So cool! I will have to check my hubby's closet for goodies. And the color possibilities are endless with ties.

Mari said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

excellent idea and very lovely!!

Beth Hikes said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

too clever!