Punk Rock Magpie

I love older craft books, especially ones from the sixties and early seventies when the d.i.y. movement was part of the hippie ethos. All those macramé plant hangers and quilted pot holders…hilarious! I adapted this idea (initially for a belt) from one of the many books I found at the Salvation Army, into an eclectic necklace. And I have to tell you, I’ve been stopped on the street more than once by people who want a closer look. Who can resist this blend of anarchy and color? So, if you don’t mind compliments or strangers, then let’s get to work.

example

What you’ll need:

*46 safety pins	(I get mine from the dollar store—$1/200)
*30 beads	(Scavenged from the side of the road, under couch cushions, or from dismantled flea market necklaces—$3 max. Purchased retail, they can go upwards of $10+)
*2 beads for spacing	(optional; see above)
*1 jump ring	(Can be scavenged from dismantled flea market jewelry or buy a pack at most major craft retailers—$2.99/20 pieces max.)
*Needle nose pliers Or a steady hand	(borrow a pair or you can buy the pliers at the dollar store— $1 Purchased at most major craft retailers—$6).
*1 jewelry closure	(clasps common; can reuse from dismantled jewelry or buy at most major craft retailers—$2.99 for 18 max )
*Super glue	(can get nearly any where—$1-$2 max)
	Min Cost: $5 Max Cost: $21

*Max reflects the cost of purchasing everything, including optional equipment, brand new from a major craft retailer. Min reflects the cost of purchasing the essentials at the lowest know rates. Depending on where equipment is bought and/or if some equipment is already in your possession, costs may vary. Cost does not include sales tax.

How to do it:

Step 1: Start with three safety pins. Hold one vertical and two horizontal. Open the vertical safety pin and slide the hinge of one of the horizontal safety pins over the open portion.
Step 2: Slide optional bead for spacing and the hinge of the other horizontal safety pin over the open portion. Close the safety pin.
Step 3: Make sure the horizontal safety pins are facing the same direction. Open the first horizontal safety pin. Slide a bead on to the open portion. Close the safety pin. Do the same with the second horizontal safety pin.
Step 4: Take out three more safety pins. Hold one vertical and two horizontal Open the second vertical safety pin. Slide the head of the bottom most horizontal safety pin from the first set over the open portion. Then, slide the hinge of the new horizontal safety pin over the open portion. Repeat this with the head and hinge of the other two horizontal pins. Close the second vertical pin.
Step 5: Open the two new horizontal safety pins. Slide a bead on the open portion of each. Close each pin.
Step 6: Continue this pattern of linking vertical and horizontal safety pins till you have used all of the safety pins. When you reach the last vertical pin, slide the head of the horizontal pin over the open portion, then the optional spacing bead, then the head of the second horizontal pin. Close the last vertical pin.
Step 7: Now that you have everything the way you want it, you may want to glue each safety pin closed. Open each safety pin, put a dab of glue on the tip, and close it. Read the product directions for drying time.
Step 8: Once your necklace has dried, open your jump ring by locating the break in the ring. Use the needle nose pliers and your fingers to pull one side of the ring toward you and one side away from you. Put your clasp on the jump ring. Step 9: Put the jump ring around one of the end vertical safety pins. Close the jump ring by bringing the two sides back together again. Pinch the sides together to minimize the break in the jump ring. If your clasp requires a second piece, do the same for the other end of the necklace.
And now you’re ready to rock the Kasbah! PR