Neon jewelry is all over Pinterest lately, and when I received a box of Tulip neon paints from iLoveToCreate, that’s the first thing I thought of for this DIY project. My upcycled neon necklace is made out of bottlecaps, a thrifted necklace, and a great helping of Poppin’ Purple paint. Read on to learn how to make your own neon necklace.
The package of Tulip Slick Dimensional Fabric Paint I received came in 6 different colors. For this project I played with the Poppin’ Purple and Fluorescent Orange, but you can mix and match and choose any color–or make a necklace in every color!
The main supplies you’ll need include:
- Your Tulip fabric paint of choice
- Bottlecaps (I used five)
- A spare or thrifted necklace chain
- Medium-sized jump rings (you can find these in the jewelry-making section at the craft store)
- Some jewelry or needle-nose pliers
- A drill with a 1/16″ drill bit
You’ll probably also want:
- Some safety goggles
- A permanent marker
- A piece of scrap wood (to use as a drilling surface)
To begin, arrange your bottlecaps so that they’ll fit nice and neatly for your finished piece.
Mark each point where the bottle caps meet, and make two extra marks on either side of the piece where you want to attach your necklace chain. These marks are where you’ll drill holes to connect the bottle caps with your jump rings.
Next, get out your drill, scrap wood, goggles, and pliers.
To begin drilling, hold each bottle cap with the pliers, with the marked point sitting against the block. Drill each mark (while wearing your goggles of course).
With your bottle caps prepped, take your paint (making sure to tap it upside down to eliminate air bubbles). Circle around and fill each bottle cap generously with paint. Don’t worry about blocking the drilled holes, and if you get any air bubbles just fill them in.
Let the paint dry overnight on a flat surface out of the reach of pets and little ones.
Once dry, arrange your bottle caps back into their original placement (line up all the holes you drilled). Use your jewelry pliers to open each jump ring, insert them into the matching bottle caps and close the jump ring back up. Repeat this until you have all the bottle caps attached.
Now here’s where I pull my cooking-show trick and bring out a set of bottle caps I had ready for the photo shoot. These are the Poppin’ Purple painted bottle caps ready to attach to my necklace chain.
To attach the necklace you first want to determine how low you want your cluster to hang. To do this, put your necklace on in front of the mirror, hold up the bottle caps at the length you want, and mark each side evenly with tape.
Next, attach your chain and bottle caps with a jump ring on either side–don’t cut your chain!
Try your necklace on to make sure it hangs evenly, and then get ready to cut the leftover chain. My jewelry pliers came with a handy metal cutter. Cut just below each jump ring and you have your necklace!
What do you think? Are you up for some neon jewelry this fall? What Tulip paint color would you choose? I’d love to hear if you make one!
For more info about iLoveToCreate and Tulip products find them online at these locations:
Web: http://www.ilovetocreate.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovetocreate
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ilovetocreate
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/ilovetocreate/
And for even more great ideas, check out these projects from some of my fellow crafty bloggers:
Disclosure: I wrote this post as part of a paid campaign with iLoveToCreate and Blueprint Social. The opinions and ideas in this post are 100% my own.
Cool idea, Amy! I would never have thought to use fabric paint for that… it totally works!
Why can't I pin this???
I accidently had the photos on private still–should be all fixed now!
such a crafty friend you are! love seeing all the things you are creating and making each week
Thanks so much Stacy! And I miss you–you need to come craft with me some night soon!
LOVE! And I have a TON of bottlecaps I've been collecting for crafts, too!!
How trendy of you!!! Neon seems to be in full swing, so these are sure to be a chic accessory!
Awesome Lisa! Hope you have fun making one!
Thanks Kassi! I just couldn't help jumping on the neon train!
Those are so cute. I love dreaming about being crafty 🙂
How much fun, i'm loving it!
I love, love, love, love this necklace! ADORABLE! And I bet it would coast a boatload at a gallery. I can't wait to try this. Any chance you want to do a giveaway for one of the necklaces?! 😉
I was just looking for a cute gift idea for a friend! I love this <3 Great Job!
What a cool look! Totally unexpected way to use the paints – you are one clever mama!
Jessica you don't have to dream, you can totally do this one! Go for it!
Thanks Erica!
I just might have to think about making more of these, and maybe even doing a little giveaway too–I've had such a great response to this one! Thanks for the idea Carrie!
It would make an awesome gift, thanks Christine!
Thanks so much Michelle, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
How cute! I'll always tune in to your site. I hope you can make DIY star accessories too! I love stars 🙂
Thank you!