how to: copper pipe necklace…

i’ve seen something similar to this before but wanted to try my own version… & i thought that a fun, simple project would be perfect for my first official post. rose gold is everywhere & it’s an easy change out of your ordinary gold & silver. it’s quite simply a blend of yellow gold & copper {which is why i went with copper pieces none the less.} this project requires no sewing, costs less than $20 & should take less than an hour.

what you’ll need: copper coupling {find it at your local hardware store & get as much or as little as you’d like…} a tee-shirt {i chose one of Gil’s that had gotten ruined in the laundry. it’s the perfect shade of mint green & i’m still trying to convince him i didn’t ruin it on purpose just for this project} a flat surface {the floor will work} & really sharp fabric scissors.

first lay your coupling out in the design you’d like to see it on the necklace {i did have to use a little warm water and goo gone to get the sticky glue from the labels off the copper} then cut the back of the tee-shirt into 6-8 long 1 & 1/2 inch wide strips…

i tried various knotting, braiding and tying techniques but this way seemed to work best. i doubled up the tee-shirt strips, laced the copper on & worked my way up the sides, first by keeping things centered & knotting where necessary to hold the necklace together. do this with both rows if you’re layering…

keep tying strips on as you see fit. i decided i wanted a bow at the back so that i could adjust the length of the necklace, but you could have a piece that goes around the back of your neck is attatched to the rest of the necklace on the sides as well… then trim the scattered & untamed pieces so it’s all neat & clean…

& voila, you’re done! i also love the options with this project! use different colors &/or fabrics to dress it up or down… i kind of wanted that “anthropologie statement necklace, but wear it with a tank top” look & it’s perfect! hope you love it… -hg