Saturday, May 11, 2013

Five Ways To Boy-Proof A Necklace!

So check this out.  A fiercely unique necklace, for a really cool six year old boy.






Some might think it's too complex for a six year old.  But they would be wrong!  Allow me to explain.

Recently, my nephew discovered I make jewelry.  As always when home visiting, I was handing out baubles to various friends and relations, and for some reason Eli suddenly picked up on the fact.  This is what happened next, word for word.




A challenge indeed.  For those of you with personal knowledge of the brain of a six year old, you will understand when I state: if I were to leave out one single thing on this list - one snake, for example, or that all-important red bead - there would be HECK to pay.

It took some thought.  It took some trail and error.  I think I finally got it...let's look at the instant replay, shall we?



For the five ways I built this necklace to be practically boy-proof, read on!



1. Use nylon cord. 


It can get wet, it's super tough and you can melt the ends so they won't fray.

2.  Avoid glass beads. 



Plastic, metal and wooden beads are gonna be the way to go!  Note: if you use painted wooden beads, check for colorfastness, in case they go under a sprinkler or something.

3. Use split rings.  



Like mini versions of keychain rings, they won't come apart like jump rings can.


4.  Sand off any really sharp bits.




Holy Peter Benchley, Batman!  These shark teeth were dangerous!  Use a metal file, sandpaper or an emery board - just to take the edge off.

And finally,

5. Wear with adult supervision.

                             


As with all kid jewelry, it should only be worn when a vigilant adult is present, in case of snags or getting caught around a child's neck.

Consider these tips next time your budding jewelry designer requests a necklace, and let me know how it works out!



An interesting little side note!  One of my early efforts turned out like this:





It didn't say "boy" to me.  Dude, I would totally wear that one!  Dragon Con, Renaissance Faire or moody Goth-flavored coffee shop, anyone?


Anywhoo.  I took it apart and added big chunky wood beads and some blue and green 'pointers.'  And then it looked like what I imagined Eli imagined...


I suuuure hope he likes it.

P.S. I am actively dreading his next commission, which will no doubt include a radio controlled Godzilla, two working Light Sabers and six gold-plated Ewok toenails.
 

16 comments:

  1. How cool! I envy your great imagination and skill. How could Eli not like this awesome creation?

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  2. Ha...it is tough making something for boys..Once my nephew wanted a brown and beige non girly bracelet and was super happy when I made him one

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  3. You are the best aunt EVER!!! I hope you post a follow-up of him wearing it! And...I'll gladly go ewok toenail hunting with you anytime!

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  4. Spot on! The most important part about being a jewelry designer is to make exactly what the "client" wants!

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  5. Mich, Thanks so much for the "heads up"! With a fledgling jewelry business AND a grandson, I'm always looking for ways to make "Boy/Male" -ish jewelry. In my case though, since his Daddy is currently out to sea (military) my grandson would insist on SHIPS in his!

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  6. Oh snap I like Eli's commissioned artwork. Maybe you should do an Eli line in the shop.

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  7. So cool, Auntie Bah!!!! Never enough dragon feet!

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  8. You're sure one cool Auntie to have around. I'm sure Eli will love it...and all of his friends will want one too.

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  9. Michelle!! That is so entirely awesome!! I am sure he will love it...Let us know what the next commission is - I am dying of curiosity to know what it is and how you fulfill it!!

    P.S. I actually requested to see Galaxy Quest two times in the theater too because it made me laugh so hard!! I don't usually see a movie twice in the theater!!

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  10. What a great auntie!! I'm sure he will love it!
    ~Kelsy

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  11. OMG this is so beautiful.. what a lovely post.. and your nephew is a smart buddy! how cute,, well I have to say something.. can I..??

    Aunti Bah, Can you make me one of these??

    Love you Auntie Mich..I remember once you warn me about this word aunti Bah.. hehe..

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  12. Awesome! Just found your blog today and I'm loving it...

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  13. That is just brilliant Mich! Definitely a boy necklace - and I agree - a 6 yr old wouldn't be happy if anything that was requested was forgotten!! You did a fabulous job - I'm sure he'll love it!

    Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
    Hope you have a fabulous week!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

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  14. It is REALLY BOYISH and I do believe he will like it just fine! It does include all the things he likes and the beads does make it not gothish - great job.

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  15. First of all, you would HAVE to give him EXACTLY what he asked for. Look at that face! SO SO SO CUTE! And the necklace is... well... can I even express it? No, I cannot. Let's just say you put the rest of us aunties to shame. Seriously, you win!

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