DIY // Chunky Beaded Necklace

Over the years, I've accumulated quite a collection of beads. Some of them were from bracelets, necklaces and broken jewellery I had as a kid. Other beads came from swapping with my friends. And as you can imagine, most of them were horrendously ugly and mismatched.

I'm sure I'm not the only crafter who hoards beads. Coming up with ways to use your beads in pleasing combinations can be a very hard task, especially when most of them are the cheap plastic ones painted in tacky colours from the dollar store. How, then, do you turn them into something wearable?

Well, I've got the perfect solution!

Here's what you'll need:

• Nail polish of your choice 
• Matching thread + needle
• Assorted round beads (I used several different sizes from small to large) 
• Toothpicks or bobby pins
• A box with a hinged lid or a heavy book (to hold the beads while they dry)

First of all, measure out how long you want your necklace to be and decide on the bead arrangement. You can do this by lining up the beads against another necklace. Keep an extra bead to act as a clasp.

1. Attach your beads to the bobby pins or toothpicks and start painting them in thin, even layers, just like how you would paint your nails.

2. Use the box or book to hold them up while they dry so they won't get smeared. I find a box to be easier to use just because I can just wedge the pin under the lid without having to worry about damaging my books (yep, I actually care... I'm a uni student, after all. Textbooks are expensive!).

4. Let them dry for a couple of hours, and give them another coat if the paint is patchy or you've missed some spots.

5. Once they are completely dry, take a piece of string about 4 times the length of your necklace (to make sure your necklace won't break!). Fold it in half, then thread through your needle until both ends are even (final length should be the length of your necklace).

6. Take your clasp bead and thread it through to the end. Tie a knot to keep it securely in place.

7. Start threading your beads in the order you want them. I put the smaller ones first so the necklace gets bigger towards the middle. You can also tuck the loose end into the beads.

8. When you have finished threading the beads, tie a knot around the last bead to secure the necklace.

9. To make the loop, thread the needle back through the last bead but don't pull it all the way, and make a knot. By keeping the bead in the middle, the loop won't twist around and became a pain in the neck when you try to put it on.

10. Thread the remaining thread back through the necklace.

And your necklace is finished! Pair it with your favourite dress for a vintage look, or layer it with other necklaces for an updated, edgier outfit. What an easy way to use up your stash! What did you guys think of this DIY? Let me know in the comments below!