paperclip statement necklace

I’ve had a pewter-gray jumpsuit stashed away in my closet, in want of a statement accessory.  My parents’ early Christmas party this weekend was the ideal occasion to don the outfit and motivation to make my own crafty diva-on-a-dime jewelry.  I decided on making a statement necklace out of less than $2 worth of paper clips from the dollar store and some leather string I’ve had stored in my craft drawer for years.  Quite timely, my old leather string is a very current, trendy shade of burgundy (wines are making quite a reappearance in the fashion scene, as is every trend from the nineties). 

So there I am, striking a no-nonsense pose in front of my parents’ beautifully adorned tree, boldly wearing my homemade necklace, which no one seemed to guess was fashioned out of paperclips until I pointed it out. 

You will need 280 paperclips and 3 strings or chains of your choice material, each being 2″ shorter than the next.  If you are not using chains with clasps and opting for strings, as I have, make sure they are cut 1″ longer than the preferred final length. 

1. Thread 50 paperclips through your string.  Throughout the project, make sure to thread through the end of the paperclip that has the smaller hole.  This prevents the paperclips from being misaligned.

2. Arrange your strings into tiers.  Use the shortest as a top string,  then a middle string, and the longest being a bottom string.  Thread 30 paperclips through both the upper and middle strings.  The 50 paperclips threaded in step 1 will be the bottom-most tier.

3. On the left side, alternate threading paperclips through the top and middle strings, one at a time, until each tier has 10 paperclips.  Repeat on the right side.

4. On the left side, thread 20 paperclips through both the middle and bottom strings.  Repeat on the right side.

5.  On the left side, thread 20 paperclips through both the top and middle strings.  Repeat on the right side.

6. On the left side, thread 10 paperclips through both the middle and bottom strings.  Repeat on the right side.

7. On the left side, thread 10 paperclips through the top and middle strings.  Repeat on the right side.

8. Tie the strings together in a knot.

 Of course, there are endless patterns to create using as many tiers as preferred.  There is a wide variety of strings and chains to use, as well as different lengths.  I think I’m ready to start a daring paperclip jewelry collection just for fun!