DIY: Embellished Breastplate Necklace

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By Roseann

I recently became quite excited about this multi chain and chainmail combo and decided to incorporate it into this week’s project.  Inspired by Fiona Paxton’s jewelry this project is a bit more involved than some of my earlier posts, but with a little patience the result is stunning.  A lot of hand work is involved, but don’t let this intimidate you.  If you are really not interested in taking that plunge a similar look can be achieved by sewing together some embellished appliqués to mimic the breastplate.

Materials:

  • 1 to1 ¼ yards multi chain, to purchase call 1-800-9-mjtrim
  • Metal sequins
  • Glass sew on jewels
  • Piallettes
  • Beading thread
  • Tulle, preferably a heavy one such as crinoline net
  • Scissors, hand needle, and needle nose pliers
  • Multi strand jewelry clasp
  • Jump rings, amount needed depends on your jewelry clasp

Directions:

    1. Cut a piece of tulle 9”x 7”.
    1. Fold the tulle in thirds so that your piece now measures 3”x 7”.  If you are using cotton tulle you can use an iron to create firm creases, if you are working with nylon spray starch is best.
    2. Begin to embellish. I started with the glass sew on jewels and sort of placed them randomly.  Be sure you leave a ¼” around the sides of your soon to be breastplate.  I made the mistake of not doing so and attaching the chain was a little messy.
    3. I next added the large piallettes and then used the metal sequins to fill in.
    4. Decide where you would like the plate to sit.  Take a measurement around the neck and add 26” to accommodate the additional length of the breastplate and hanging ends.
    5. Divide this measurement in half and cut two pieces of the multi chain.
    6. Attach one side of the plate to the chain beginning 6” from the bottom.  I attached the chain by stitching it to the tulle through the chainmail pieces only.
    7. Attach your multi strand jewelry clasp to the chain using jump rings.
    8. Wear and enjoy

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