STATEMENT necklaces are a hot trend this season; they are big, bold and do exactly that – add a statement to your outfit. They are quite varied in style and include blinging brooches, fabric, ribbons, leather, gemstones, beads, pearls, and the list goes on and on and on. They can also set you back a pretty penny, because in my online search, I’ve found some for as much as US$1500.

Of course there are far less expensive options, but the interesting thing I found was that they are made of fairly accessible items, a few of which I already have, or have seen, so I certainly was up for the challenge of doing it myself and trying to make a few of my own.

I did in fact find supplies to make up a necklace, but at a cost that was the same as some ready-made options. However, it was a trip to Joseph’s that really pushed me towards making my own, because I found a few blouses that had embellishments that could be easily removed to make necklaces, and the best part was…they cost very little with the 25-per-cent off SALE they’re now having.

One blouse I wouldn’t have normally given a second look yielded a fabulous necklace (after the embellishment was removed) plus a really great blouse for only $600, and another blouse that ended up costing me just $825 afforded me a fabulous cluster of fabric flowers that made the perfect bib necklace.

Other found items like $150 leather flower brooches from Silk and Satin, as well as rhinestone brooches, strands of beads and ribbon, came together to make our own statement necklaces.

For this project you really only need:

• Inspiration

• Your creativity

• A good eye for great finds and good

value.

Now have fun creating your own personalised necklaces!