And in fact, art teacher style is one of my inspirations! I love the messy bun, pair of overalls, chunky jewelry, and some accidental paint on my hands look. To me, it’s the most comfortable and natural style in all the world.
So today I’ll show you how I’ve been making these fun little necklaces. I’ve also bought plenty from awesome Etsy shops, my friends, and stores like Anthropologie. You can’t have too many. They’re a worthy collection.
-leather cord (or jute string)
-wood beads
-scissors
-a Sharpie
-acrylic paint (optional)
If you want to get super specific with your colors, you’ll want to purchase acrylic paint (or craft paint) to re-color your beads. After that, use a Sharpie to add fun patterns quickly and easily!
Make sure your leather cord is long enough that you can just barely slip the necklace over your head. Simply knot the ends of the cord to secure the necklace permanently. It could not be more simple and the necklaces are super cute and wearable. I made one for all the girls in my office!
Also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMMA!!!!
Credits// Author and Photography: Elsie Larson. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess Actions.
40 Comments
CUTE! Question: Where is the signage board from? I love it.
I also wanted to know where the board is from. 🙂
Happy Birthday Emma!
so simple and cute!
xx nikki
http://www.dream-in-neon.com
Such a cute, simple project! I love when you ladies post this kind of thing. I’m also excited to see what the ABM community creates from this inspiration!
xx Kathryn
http://www.throughthethicket.ca
I love making this kind of neclace with my ceramic beads, i love puttin odd beads together, i call them my mismatched beads necklaces
This could not be any easier and cuter. Holy moly, doing this.
http://www.kristajacobs.blogspot.com
Happy Birthday Emma! Can’t wait to make myself one of these!!
So simple and so cute! I love the uses you ladies find for sharpies too. The simple sharpie pattern designs totally add to the overall look. Love it!
Happy Birthday Emma!
Hi Tosha! I’m sorry I can’t remember! Probably Amazon though. 🙂
xx- Elsie
Ohh! Ceramic sounds great!!
-Elsie
ah! I’m an art teacher, so I really appreciate this! Sometimes my “art teacher jewelry” is made by the kids anyway haha
This is so cute! I love it 🙂
That should indeed be the official name of these necklaces, great imagery. And beautiful whimsical necklaces – I love the personalized touches to the beads.
Haha, ‘art teacher necklace’ is such a great name! I always seem to gravitate towards chunkier jewellery, and this design looks perfect for me!
I absolutely love the turquoise bead with the drawn crosses! Very chic!
Connie | Sponsored by Coffee
HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMMA!
I’m an art teacher who has come to the very practical realization that, with my hanging microphone (a luxury that saves my voice during long days of demonstrations and classroom management) and my ID badge lanyard, I just don’t have any more room on my chest for cool necklaces at work. And bracelets and rings get junky with clay, paint, etc., so fun earrings and the occasional well-arranged scarf (lanyard peeking from below, microphone balanced on top) are the only accessories that I go to anymore. These are nice however, and remind me of some of my favorite necklaces my mom had when I was growing up!
So simple and cute!
Simple project for my grand-kids…thanks for sharing!
Cheers!
Lori in Atlanta
These are so artsy! I didn’t know your mom was an art teacher – we can definitely see where you get your artistic influence from!
Monica – Mocha and Moccasins
They’re so cute and good for gift’s x.
http://jeansandmacaroons.blogspot.dk
thats looking adorable. thanks for sharing.
Wow! These beads are incredible! I love the necklaces, so cute!
Soooooo cute!!
I have plenty of this type of necklaces I adore it!!
I’d like to see your collection !!!!
(sorry for my english, I’m french!!!))
Amazing girls! Really creative and makes any outfit looks happier! 🙂
xo, Deborah
http://www.everything713.blogspot.com.br
P.S. You grew up with an art teacher mother?? This explain a lot. 😉
Xo
Wow! i love this!
Definitely gonna make these!!
Yesss, I love this DIY! Really love the look of the chunky, mismatched beads. Happy birthday Emma!
I know you didn’t explicitly say it but great idea using pipe cleaners to help hold the beads. I have a bunch of plain wooden beads I have been wanting to paint but haven’t been able to find a good way to hold them or let them dry. I have A LOT of pipe cleaners or Chenille Sticks. Thanks!
Oh my gosh…this just took me back. I’m on a year long hiatus from teaching art after my husband and I moved. I am now back in school earning an M.Ed. ANYWHO. We did this project in my last art class around Valentine’s Day each year. LOVE! Thanks for sharing! (And awesome to learn your mom was an art teacher!!!)
Adorable, I need to make this with my niece.
Cute! As an English teacher I would love these necklaces as well!
Very amazing post and inspiring blog! Keep up the great work, I’m a fan! 🙂 XO
http://www.officialzalona.com
I love these necklaces. I would really love to see more jewelry DIYs on here.
Absolutely love this necklace…definitely making this soon!!
xo
Hems
agoldentulip.blogspot.com
I love the black board on the 1st picture…
can you tell me where to get it?
Thx
Happy Birthday Emma. these Necklaces are so cute.
I am an art teacher and I have been making these for a few years now! I call them my Eclectic Bead Necklaces
Love the beads…I like to make necklaces similar to this with ceramic beads mixed with found beads! Thanks for sharing!
What a nice idea to add details with a sharpie! Love to try that some time!