DIY: Vinyl Collar Necklace

I know detachable collars have been around for a while now, but I've neglected to share a way that I make them that is SO easy it's kind of unfair to keep it to myself. I like to sew them or just cut out collars from old shirts, but when I need to whip up a quick necklace (what, you don't?) I use this method. Vinyl is one of those fabrics, along with other wonders like felt and tulle, that is near and dear to me for one reason: NO HEM NEEDED. You cut the fabric and it's not going to fray or beg to be cleanly sewed. This kind of thing gives me way more pleasure that it likely should, but here we are.

Vinyl can be pricey, but I always check the remnants bin at the craft store (which is where I scored this stuff). Pair that with one of those 40% off coupons Joann's can't seem to give me enough of, and we're talking huge mounds of vinyl for chump change (bringing that phrase back, you're welcome). The only downside is that, to me, vinyl sometimes smells overwhelmingly like band-aids. Just me? Sometimes I am convinced that I have a weirdly strong sense of smell. Like, I've smelled dinners on other floors in my apartment building before. Moving on.

WHAT YOU NEED

 Vinyl  //  Paper & Pencil  //  Metal Studs  //  Chain  //  Scissors  //  Jewelry Pliers  //  Chain Cutters  //  Clasp  //  3 Jump Rings  //  Puncturing Tool 

HOW TO MAKE IT

First, draw the shape you want for your collar on the piece of paper. I freehanded this (hard to believe by this picture, I KNOW) but you can also trace a collar/necklace that you already have. Cut out the paper shape.

Trace it once on the back side of the vinyl. Cut that shape out.

To get the other side of the collar you need to re-trace the paper shape on the back of the vinyl, but first flip the paper shape over horizontally. I think this is obvious, but if you were to cut two of the same shape they would not fit together like a collar when you flip them right side up - you'd have two shapes swooping to the left (or right). You need each shape to swoop to the middle (see second picture below this). I only stress this because even though I knew this going in, I traced the wrong way a seriously embarrassing amount of times. Sometimes your brain betrays you!

Opposite shapes swoop TOWARD each other! Ah, this world is full of wonder!

Line your metal studs up in the position you'd like them. This will give you an idea of how many you need and about where to put them. You can definitely make a mark for each one or get really neat with it, but I just went with a freehanded outline. It's not perfect, but neither am I so we'll be a great fit!

I'm using studs from an old belt, but Ebay has really good deals!

Start poking your studs through the vinyl where you want them. If you have trouble use something sharp like your puncturing tool to poke a little hole where the prongs will go.

The prongs will poke through the back of the vinyl and you'll need to flatten them down with either your hand (you little badass!) or a tool.

Use your puncturing tool (or a pin or something) to poke a hole in the pointy tip of each collar piece. Use the jewelry pliers to open a jump ring, loop it through each hole, and close it.

Poke a hole at the other end of the pieces, too, and add an open jump ring. Cut two equal lengths of chain (depending on how long you want the necklace) and attach one to each jump ring and close the ring. Attach a clasp at the other end of the chain and call it a day, 'cause you just made some jewelry, baby!

THE FINISHED NECKLACE

There you have it - a super quick vinyl collar necklace! Do you like collar necklaces or detachable collars? Are you as fond of vinyl as I am? How can I use my super smell for good instead of evil?

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