Anthro-Inspired Necklace DIY

I wrote in my last actual post about how I went to the mall on a shorts-hunt, and that I was sorely disappointed by all the stores, one of which was Anthropologie. While perusing the store, however, I did happen to notice a necklace that I liked. My DIY-senses started tingling. I CAN MAKE THIS, I thought.

screenshot  of "Garden Party" necklace from antrhopologie.com

Of course, my version is a bit less prim and proper and a lot more trippy/psychedelic/neon/generally excessive. I kind of like this better though? It serves a different purpose in my wardrobe, I suppose. And just in case you also want to try and make your own anthropologie-inspired "Garden Party" necklace... here are the steps (with pictures, in case you are a visual learner. We like all kinds here.).

1. Pick out some thread/cord in colors you like. (More colors = trippier. Less colors = more refined. Also less fun. Don't be a pussy.) I went with a shiny kind of cord that melts when burned, but I think Anthro used some kind of thick floss.  Either will work.

2. Cut three lengths of cord (all the same length... obviously). The longer these are, the larger the radius of your "flower" will be.

3. If you used cord like I did, burn the ends until they are melty and then stick them together. If you used floss, make a small knot. 

4. Braid it.

5. Glue it. I used a teeny binder clip (you know, the black ones with the two little metal pieces?) to clamp down on the end of the plait and keep it in spiral formation as it was drying. Also, tacky glue works better than Elmer's because it's thicker, holds better, and dries faster.

6. Trim the ends. If you did it right, you should have something resembling these babies.

7. Use little metal rings (available at any craft/bead store) to attach your adorable creations to a length of chain (refer to prior parentheses or use an old/broken chain you already have). Space to your aesthetic.

Hopefully you succeeded and have now created a great piece for summer. I know I'll be wearing mine tomorrow... pictures to come!