Hardware Jewelry: Wrapped Washer Necklaces

As programming librarians with a focus on serving patrons in their 20s and 30s (http://altlibrary.com), we are ever challenged to create enticing programs. Especially without spending too much money! Which is why these embroidery floss wrapped washers are a perfect craft. Very adaptable to individual taste, super cheap to make and very fun.

Step 1: Materials and getting started

Rummaging through our stockpile of crafting materials, I manage to fish out:


* variegated embroidery floss (more fun than single color!)

* a variety of washers  

* a ribbon for stringing

Comments

[cairparavel]

These are super cool! I love the concept! But one question, being that it is made from washers; is it heavy on the neck?

[Wicken]

I'd almost forgotten about this craft-- haven't done it in ages. This can also be done with wire and beads, both of which can be come by cheaply if you're willing to scrounge around for them or try the dollar store. This is a lot of fun as a recycling exercise. If you just want to do the beads and the floss, it can look quite pretty, too.

You can weave ribbon through the finished disks if you like, to make bracelets.

[piratecupcake]

This is so fun! I think when I try it I will try connecting the washers to each other creating a necklace that way and possibly a broach for my mother.

[silverchakra]

This looks great! I'm going to do this in the kids art class I teach. Like an above poster, I like it better without the top washers and I would put them on a black cord. I love the choice of variegated floss; it does add interest. It would also be cool to use only metallic floss and have some in copper, silver, gold, pewter, etc. Lot's of ways to go with this one! Thanks so much for sharing this idea!

[SwimmingRox]

SUPER CUTE! =)

[saehn]

This is pretty and I could see it being done in a variety of colors. Suggestion: from a design perspective, the top washers seem unnecessary. Not including them would save time and effort as well. I'm imagining the colored washers tied to a black cord, spaced out evenly. Like this:

[skittledork167]

This will be the perfect gift for my sisters upcoming birthday

[JohnJY]

Very nice work, rather tedious if you ask me, but a cheap, enjoyable, and time consuming. Do you plan on making a series of hardware jewerly?

[alt+library]

We're considering it! This craft will probably be featured at our teen "Accessorize" series, done throughout the Sacramento public library system. Librarians have the coolest jobs!

[Lithium Rain]

Pretty! Making!

[Sunbanks]

That is really cool!