DIY: Watercolor Petal Necklace

This totally reminds me of spring and warm weather and sunshine - all of which I would love right now! It was inspired by this Lanvin Ribbon & Pearl Drop necklace below; it’s also $450.

(Nordstrom.com)

I instantly thought of the fake flowers I used when I made a hair fascinator and birdcage veil for my friend’s wedding last year (click here for pictures here, under “Weddings”!)…I also happen to love watercolors, so I thought this would be the perfect chance to combine craft and art.

Supplies:

- White faux flower*
- Watercolor paints; student grade is fine
- Paintbrush
- Pearls, or whatever beads you would like
- Headpins, if needed
- Jump rings
- Long piece of chain
- Clasp, if needed
- Jewelry pliers & scissors
- Paper towels

*I took this picture after I plucked away at the first few layers of petals. The bottom/bigger petals can be easily made into a second necklace!

1) Take apart the flower, and decide which petals you want to work with. I ended up using 9 of the top/smaller petals.

2) Paint the petals! Don’t be afraid to mix colors. I love the gradients that can be made with watercolors. TIP: Don’t use too much water. Try painting the entire petal with a light wash of color, then gradually work on adding more saturated color. Your hands WILL get paint on them, so keep those paper towels on hand.

I happen to love all shades of blue - especially turquoise - so I went for a similar shade of the original. Deeper blues on top with some green blended in towards the bottom. I wanted something similar, not exact, so the watercolors are perfect to control the colors and shades I used.

3) Let dry, at least for an hour or two.

4) Carefully pierce holes on top of the petals. I used the blunt end of a sewing needle. Attach the jump rings, then attach to the chain. Add a clasp if needed; I made this one long enough so that it doesn't need a clasp.

5) Instead of pearls, I used connector gems. But it’s totally up to you as to what beads you use.

Just like the last DIY, I spent $0 since I already had all the supplies, but a faux flower will probably cost you about $2-3 at your local craft store.

...In other news, I'll be guest posting DIY's at a few other fashion blogs within the next month or so. I just finished a fun shoe tutorial for the lovely Geneva at A Pair and A Spare and my monthly DIY for We Heart This. I'm also going to be a March sponsor for Malori at Sunday Morning Sugar, so keep an eye out for some fun things her and I are working on.

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xo,
kirsten