Monday, March 26, 2012

Necklace Display Tutorial...

 Yesterday I worked on making some displays for my jewelry and I thought I would share a little tutorial on how you can make you own fancy necklace display.

 1. Draw a design for your display on a sheet of 8"x10" paper. Fold the paper in half to cut out your design (just like you would a paper heart) so that both sides match.
 *If you want to design your own, consider putting in notches or dips on the "shoulders" so that the necklaces don't slide off. Or you can print the pattern below to fit a single sheet of paper.
2. Trace design onto thin 1/4" cabinet grade plywood or any material you have on hand. (it could even be thick cardboard) and cut out using a scroll saw or jig saw. (be sure to follow all safety precautions for your machinery)

 3. Paint your pieces, starting with the edges, then the front and let dry.

 4. After the paint has dried, lightly sand with fine grit sandpaper, I used 200 grit.

 5. Paint a second coat and let dry.
(I'm using Behr porch and floor paint, just because I already had it on hand and I want everything to match my studio, but you can use any paint you like)

6. Glue on purchased wood appliques. Use wood glue if you like, (I used Beacon 3-in-1 craft glue and it worked just fine and dries super fast) Then paint over them. Let dry.

 7. Okay, deep breath, some of you are going to cry out NOOOOO, but it's a necessary evil. LOL. I've had this old spool for a long time, got it at a yard sale years ago and it's just been sitting and sitting, so I decided to use it in a project. Hold your breath....

 7a. Cut the top off of the spool, either with a hand saw or power saw. It's important to cut the top off horizontally first so that you can get your angle cut next.
 I held the display board up next to the spool to decide how far I wanted it angled and marked the spool with a pencil on the side.
7b. Then I cut the angle with a hand saw.

8. Checking to make sure the angle is correct before proceeding. A dry run.

9. Prop the bottom of the spool so that the angle lies flush with the display board and glue with
E-6000 or wood glue. Make sure you measure side to side to make sure it's in the middle. Look at it from different angles to be sure it is straight and so you won't have a tilted board when it's done. If you feel you need to you can tape it with masking tape to prevent it from sliding around.
(once the glue is dry you can paint the back if you wish, just wait till after you glue your pieces together so they get a tight bond.)

10. I don't have a picture of the next steps but I will explain...
10a. dry brush white acrylic paint over the appliques and the edges of the board and let dry.
10b. Mix dark brown acrylic paint with water and brush on then quickly wipe away with a damp rag to create an antiqued effect. Let dry.

Now hang your necklaces and get ready to sell in style or just display your favorites at home.
This and 3 more only took me a few hours total time not including drying time.

I hope you like it.
Have fun!


21 comments:

PeggyR said...

That is lovely!

Suztats said...

Good idea. I did cringe, though, when you cut the old spindle, but, at least now it's being put to use.

Marsha @ Tattered Chick said...

Beautiful!!!! As I don't do power tools . . . I'll just have to admire yours!!!!

xoxo

Marsha @ Tattered Chick said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Elly said...

What a cool display. Thanks for showing and the template, of course.

Karen B. said...

Thank you so much for this neat tutorial!!! Love it!!

hugs
Karen B. ~ Todolwen

debi said...

Wow! Thespa, I could not believe you cut that beautiful spool, but OH! what an elegant end result, very much worth it. I love, love it!!!!

Thank you for the wonderful tutorial, I must try this.

Your necklaces are gorgeous too!!

deb christensen said...

these are fabulous! so much better than the generic black displays i've been avoiding for my necklaces...thank you for sharing your tutorial!
i did gasp at the cut...but you did a great job preparing us for it...! i don't have any old spools, but i'm thinking driftwood logs would work well.
just want you to know i love all your work, so glad to have discovered you via (i hate to say it) pinterest, and then again in studios! i'm a fan!

Unknown said...

Gorgeous! I did cry a little bit about the wooden spool but I can see that it was a necessary evil. Great job!

Unknown said...

I love this!!! How clever you are:) And so generous to share! This project will be high on my list of projects to do:)

Anonymous said...

Oh this is the most darling necklace display piece!! THank you so much for sharing how it is made. I hope you don't mind if I pin it for future reference.

Unknown said...

Absolutely beautiful....I just found your blog and I'm enjoying it a lot.
Tx for the tutorial I'm thinking of making one out of chipboard and making a photo display out of it...hugs Noel

Susanne said...

These are beautiful! I've been wanting to make some bust displays that are a little more fun than ones you can just buy. Great inspiration here!
Susanne.

Deborah@Green Willow Pond said...

What a beautiful and unique necklace stand! I too have one of those spools that are tucked away somewhere and has been for years. I'm not sure I could bring myself to cut it, but it would be better than hidden in a box!

I found you on Pinterest and am going to have a peak around.


Have a great week!
Deborah

sandys7118 said...

Ok...I admit it...I had tears in my eyes at the sight of that spool being beheaded. But I think I have worked through the trauma and feel sometimes sacrafices must be made for the greater good. And GIRL...that is an awesome necklace display!!!! I am going to make a few for my craft shows and fairs....however I think I will just make bases and use a 1 inch dowel for mine. I just can't cut my spools :) Thank you for such an awesome tutorial and sharing your pattern. Sandy

Angi in hana said...

I love this i have been looking for so long for a nice necklace display, they always look so poorly made and they are not cheap to buy! This is so perfect thanks so much for sharing! Aloha! Angi in hana

Beetique said...

This is gorgeous. I love the wood applique touch.

Lana Manis said...

Thanks for sharing! I saw something similar to this at an art fair using spindles... but yours is so much prettier!

Cindy said...

What a beautiful idea! I've never seen anything like this and it is especially nice to display vintage-inspired jewelry designs. :-)

naj said...

How absolutely lovely! I can't wait to get out my jigsaw!

Barbara said...

Love this idea for a pretty display. I have several old thread spools and while it would be difficult to cut them it might be easier if the spool ends could be attached to a piece of wood and used in a hallway as a coat rack, or in a bathroom for towels. Or maybe a rack to hang clothes on ... at least they would be useful. Win/win.

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