While doing some online shopping, I mean, "research", I came across these multi-strand, beaded necklaces. I love the look of a statement necklace that takes an outfit from ho-hum to wowza! Then I looked at the price tag- close to $500.00 for each of those? Say what?! 

I decided to look up some DIY recipes for statement necklaces instead and stumbled upon these instructions for a multi-stranded, beaded necklace that looked super easy to make. 

I decided to try out this DIY project but tweaked it here and there to make it my own. I wanted a more of a fringed look, compared to the one I found and I also wanted it to be more of a scarf almost. This is what the finished product looks like, modelled by the lovely Jenni. 
 


If you want to try this project out, here is what you will need:
- Scissors 
- Jersey knit, cotton fabric (like an old t-shirt) 
- Beads 
 

First things first, you will want to cut strands of the fabric, about 1-1.5 inches in thickness  (the length is up to you). If you are using an old t-shirt like I did to make my necklace, I suggest first cutting up the middle of the back of the t-shirt vertically. Then open up your tee and cut long strands across horizontally. 

Keep cutting these strands until you have as many as you desire for your necklace. I cut about 15-20. Try cutting varying lengths as well to add more interest. 

Once you have all your strands cut, add on some beads. I used 'pony beads' which are large plastic beads with larger holes. As long as your beads fit over your strands, feel free to use any kind you want!


Next, you need to line up all your ends. If you cut different lengths, this will be a bit harder. Try lining them up all on one side first. Then, using either string or (an easier option) an elastic band, tie all the ends together. Do the same thing on the other side.


This is (hopefully) what your necklace looks like now:


You can tie together each end to create a necklace, but for lazy crafters like myself, try turning and looping it instead. I like my necklace a bit messier so I mixed all the strands and lengths together to get the effect of a web.  

 Et voila- you are finished! What do you think of this DIY project? Would you ever try it?