Firecracker

In honor of the Fourth, I’ve got here a chic update on the classic red, white and blue Americana attire. Why not take sleek silver components, shimmering crystals and a bit of bohemian glam to create a statement necklace set?

As seen on Katie (below), this dynamic duo of chunky choker and even chunkier tassel necklace shimmers just like a firecracker (minus the fear-inducing noise, possibility of mishaps and headache-like strobe lights — I’m not a fan of ’em)…..

I found those great 2-hole connectors on Ebay, which is definitely one of my top places to find beads of all sorts. I do 99% of my bead shopping online - free shipping seals the deal.

It couldn’t be easier to make the choker - simply string on 5mm milky blue roundelles to 2 18″ pieces of monofilament or beading wire, alternating the 2-hole connectors, and finish off with a clasp and extender chain for comfort. You can use any 2-hole connectors you’d like, but the bigger and chunkier, the better. The finished choker should be about 14.5″ at the smallest (about the normal size of a choker, but measure your own neck in case).

To make a similar tassel necklace, create bead links out of various crystals. Connect to circle components with jump rings, and then connect the circle components together as a “chain” of sorts. Mix with larger 4-hole components or other focal components with more jump rings, and finish off the bottom with a chain tassel.

I love any piece that can be mixed and matched, like this one - wear just the choker or the necklace by itself, or wear ’em together for a definite statement. I always opt for that bold look - keep the rest of the look a bit simple though, so the focus stays on your DIY jewels!!

Happy B-day, ‘Merica! ??????

Model credit: Katie O’Leary