Create a Chameleon Necklace

I received this beautiful dragonfly pin for Mother's Day which I will likely wear as intended, on a lapel or on the front of a dress or blouse. But another way pins can be used is by incorporating them into your needlewoven necklace designs.

When positioned over an unbeaded area of a necklace body, your cherished pin serves the same function as a large ornate bead—it becomes the focal point. And like a chameleon, it's changeable.

Simple shapes and limited color palettes work best for this project. Look over your collection of pins and choose a fiber color that coordinates with several of them. Use this as your background. This is also a good way to use a fancy yarn—a solid block of it will set off your piece of jewelry nicely.

Draw your pattern to accommodate the shape of the largest of your pins, then add about 1/8" more to the outline. I've noticed that finished needlewoven pieces tend to be a bit smaller than the pattern indicates. Usually that wouldn't matter, but if you are attaching a pin rather than incorporating a bead, you'll want to make sure there's plenty of border around it.

Here are some shapes to consider.

Think about what kind of neck straps you'll want to have. If your pins are of different metals, woven straps might be best. If all the pieces are of similar metals you could choose a matching chain for the straps. You might also make one necklace for your silver pieces and another for the gold.

The same goes for any beads you may (or may not) want to use as dangles along the bottom edge. Lay out all the pins you think you might be using so you can choose beads that 'go' with each of them. Remember that sometimes less is more. Beads and woven areas should accent but not compete with the pins that are the focal point of the necklace.

The completed necklace serves as a backdrop for each pin, making your jewelry collection a little more versatile. It's a nice way to dress up a plain T-shirt for example. Just sticking a pin on the front of a T-shirt looks a little out of place, but putting that same pin onto a necklace 'base' works just fine.

Why not give it a try? It's fun to 'mix-and-match' and get more use out of some of your jewelry. Like a chameleon, this necklace can change along with your wardrobe or your mood. Feel free to share photos of your results. I will, as soon as I get my necklace finished.