I’ve seen some of these types of necklaces for sale in Etsy shops and on Ebay, so I thought I’d try my hand in making one.
I gathered some items that I thought would fit well together. Three seemed to be the magic number. Four items looked too busy and two items just looked like I combined two necklaces into one.
I used a skeleton key that I had bought at an antique store – you can find them on Ebay as well. And a locket and cross that I’ve had since I was a little girl.
These are called jump rings and you will need them to attach the items to each other and then to the necklace. You can buy them as a separate item
or in jewelry making kits.
I bought the kit at Walmart and the rings at JoAnn Fabrics. Michael’s and Hobby Lobby have similar items.
I used pliers to squeeze the jump rings together all the way. You can do it with your fingers also since they are pretty bendable.
So I attached the jump rings to each item and then attached the jump rings to
a 24″ length of ribbon. You could make it shorter if you wanted, but I wanted mine on the longer side.
And I probably went overboard on jump rings, but it was part of the look I was going for.
I used a toggle clasp set at the end of the ribbon as a fastener. You could knot the ribbon if you wanted. Or you could forget about the ribbon and use a chain necklace to put the items on.
I just threaded each end of the ribbon through the small hole on the respective part of the toggle clasp. So you will have a circle on one end
and a bar on the other end.
Then you sew the ends of the ribbon to keep the toggle clasp firmly attached.
Disclaimer – I have not sewn mine yet. I am having major issues with my sewing machine, so I’m waiting until my sister visits later this month so she can show me how to use it correctly fix my machine for me.
And the necklace is done.
Other than the skeleton key, I just raided my jewelry box to find things that I had forgotten about.
You could also use items from garage sales or thrift stores. The craft stores also have brand new vintage looking items that you could put on the necklace.
So the combinations are really endless.
Project Breakdown
Jewelry Making Kit $7.99 at Walmart
Extra Jump Rings $3.99 at JoAnn Fabrics*
Ribbon $1.99 at JoAnn Fabrics
Pliers $0.00 from my husband’s toolbox
*The kit had toggle clasps and jump rings in it, I just wanted larger jump rings so I bought the extra pack.
La
Add jewelry maker to your list of talents! It’s beautiful. La
Olive Cooper
Very pretty Pam. I love the use of vintage skelton keys. ♥O
NanaDiana
Pam-That is just darling. And I like the fact that you are using pieces from your youth..it makes it all the more special. Nice job…who says you have to be a perfect sewer too? Hugs- Diana
Vicki
This turned out great! I wear a skeleton key with a heart shaped head. Then I have two heart pendants on jump rings. Three hearts…one for hubby, one for each child…I love it.
Vicki at Rusty Rooster Vintage
Erin@likegrandmas
Love it Pam, you should think about selling(not this one, but others):)
Jeanette
What a cute idea! I was looking for some project to give my SILs for Christmas and that is definitely a consideration! Thanks for sharing!
Cat Nap Inn Primitives
love it!!”>)
Betty
You did a great job, Pam, and it looks like you have lots of supplies to make some more. I see jewelry making in your future.
Country Dreaming
Super job. This would look great with a grey sweater or turtleneck.
Melinda
Gillian Layne
I heart this project SO much, especially the little book. Thanks so much for sharing with us!
Michelle
SO cute! I am obsessed with necklaces lately.
– Michelle @ Bunch of Craft
Debbie~
Some of my fave jewelry I’ve made, is from treasures found around my home!!! Your necklace is just perfect!!! Thanks for sharing! Debbie @ Cottage Hann~Me~Downs
Aly
I know this is an older post but had a quick question! Do you know if most people restore the old skeleton keys before making jewelry with them? Or just use them as they are? Thank you!!! 😉
Pam
Hmm, I normally see them used as is.