Flipping through this month’s Marie Claire magazine, I spotted this fabulously asymmetrical blue bulky beaded necklace {pg. 112} and was immediately inspired to make one of my own. These dripping beaded statement necklaces called Diorganic Leafy Waterfalls were shown on the Dior Spring/Summer 2014 Runway, but it wasn’t until I saw one lying flat in the magazine that I knew I could DIY one using a headband as a base!
I used pearls because it’s what I had the most of lying around, {and pearls always remind me of Chanel and Madonna, so there’s always love there} but since they’re a bit larger than the beads in the inspiration pieces, it came out even bulkier… though I love it, I’d love to create a few of them in different colors and sizes because they’re just so fun. It’s not a particularly difficult DIY, but it is time consuming and requires a bit of patience. Alternately, you could use glue on a plastic headband, but I don’t think it will have the staying power that a stitch does. {and you know I despise glue ;}
NOTE: This could also be a fun use of all those shimmery Mardi Gras necklaces to create this year’s Mardi Gras costume!
My Inspiration…
* Top photo is from my Marie Claire mag {pg 112}, shot on my table, with snap photos from the Dior S/S 2014 Runway collection below, collage by me.
And my version…
Here’s What You’ll Need…
* Your choice of strung beads. {you’re going to need A LOT, so opt for plastic because they’re lighter in weight than glass}
* Fabric covered headband, preferably to match the color of your beads. I found mine in the wedding section of my local fabric/craft store
* Needle/Thread/Scissors
* Optional: satin, faux fur, or something to line the inside of your band to hide the stitches + glue {I did NOT do this step, but if I were to sell it or offer it as a gift, I would do that last finishing touch}
Steps…
* Cut your pearl strands to have them ready… begin at the end, where your strands will be the longest, then gradually shorten them to achieve the easy gradated/layered effect.
* You will be essentially folding them in half, or with one side longer than the other, and hand-stitching each strand onto your headband. It’s better to start too long then cut away if you want to shorten them, just make sure you have enough bead strands to cover the entire band.
* Begin by threading your needle through the back of the headband to hide the knot, then come up through the top and stitch your pearl strand onto the headband. Stitch it down twice to keep it secure.
* Continue adding strands in varying lengths {on the top and bottom of the band} to create the bulk of the piece at the end.
* To really secure them, in addition to sewing THROUGH the fabric on the front of your headband, wrap your thread around the band and secure it through the ribbon detail in the back.
* And continue around the entire headband. I made the front edges longer than the rest, and one longer than the other, as in the inspiration piece, and consistently shorter in the back.
* The under side will look something like this…. again, you can easily finish {cover} this with a little glue and faux fur or any soft fabric… though you can’t see it at all when it’s around your neck.
And… Voila!
Have Fun!
*Find all my DIYs here
Julita
This is a brilliant idea! 🙂
Kyleigh
Lovely! Such a gorgeous, unique piece. At first I was a little unsure by the whole “asymmetrical” idea but this is amazing. It looks fab with a simple black piece! Thanks for sharing the idea and tutorial Maegan!
JoDi
Beautiful! I think yours is so much prettier than the Dior version. The pearls make it classic and the style makes it fresh and modern. Really, really love it with the black sweater!
Michelle sexton
This is so beautiful. Seriously! I like your version better than those on the runway. I am definitely going to make this 🙂
Always So Sweet
Oh, my goodness gracious!! Fan-tastic! Enough said……….
Olivia Marie
Wow! I love the look of that necklace! Really unique!
New post up!
http://www.visionsofglitter.com
MA
Stunning! The whole combination of white pearls, black sweater, red lipstick and nails is visually striking. Kudos! 🙂
Amanda @ A.Co est. 1984
You. Are. Brilliant. !!
This looks beautiful and SO achievable!! WELL DONE, M!
Lia
Wow! Fantastic & fabulous!
manayer
that looks amazing
would you mind selling them ? i’m interested
Amber
so creative! I never would have thought to use a HEADBAND!
Jurga
How many metres of pearls should I get for this DIY???
Maegan Tintari
Oh wow… I’m not sure in meters {apologies for my horrid American math skills} but I probably used close to three yards, if not more. If your beads or pearls are smaller, you may need even more. 😐 Good luck!
Tiffany Ima
This is beautiful. Genius idea!
Tiffany Ima
Style Honestly
Megan
This is such a gorgeous and elegant look, Maegan. I have been following your DIYs for years and am always blown away by your talent (and your beauty). Have a fantastic week.
Megan // http://www.lepetitverseau.blogspot.com
Mythings&
Wow it looks really good….
http://www.mythingsand.blogspot.com
Amayalady
It’s a lovely necklace, I’m going to share your post on my french blog ! 😉
Natasha
Your necklace is 100 times better than the original. If you ever decide to sell these I would be gladly line up to be a paying customer (I am serious):) Really, simply beautiful!