DIY Gold Pencil Necklace
Gold pencil necklaces have been the stuff of my dreams lately. They used to be a pretty popular accessory for ladies, which I think is so adorable. I came across a couple of vintage ones in an antique store recently, from the 30’s and 40’s. They were mechanical pencils and you could refill them with lead. So you always had a pencil at the ready — and you were super stylish to boot. Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong era! So I dreamed up a way to make a substitute, until I find just the right vintage pencil necklace. This one is super simple and I made it with things I already had around the house!
Materials
- wood pencil
- fine cable chain
- pencil sharpener
- metal file
- drill with 1/8″ drill bit
- liquid gilding
- paintbrush
- jewelry pliers
Make Time: 20 Minutes (plus drying time)
Start by drilling a small hole into the metal portion of the pencil. I used a 1/8″ drill bit, but be sure to use a bit that will make a hole large enough to accommodate your chain. Use the metal file to file down any rough edges. Clear the hole of any debris by blowing through it or inserting a toothpick to clean it out.
Sharpen the pencil until it’s your desired length. I wanted a pretty short pencil; it’s about 3″ long.
In a well-ventilated area, paint the pencil with liquid gilding. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly.
Cut a length of chain about 30″ long by detaching one link with your jewelry pliers. Insert one end of the chain through the hole in the pencil. Use the one open link to connect the two ends of the chain together. Be sure the link is closed tightly and secure.
Slip it over your head and you’re good to go! It won’t write, but it sure does look cute. I think it could be the perfect gift for your schoolteacher friend or an aspiring writer. Have fun! xoxo
These would be cute as part of a wall hanging, too, either in an ensemble of things, or with other pencils of different sizes and colors. Cute!!
Yeah, that’s an awesome idea, elaine costa!
Maybe I’ll try that!!
Love this! Such a unique necklace!
I LOVE this! Did you see the ones Kate Spade had a few years ago? I bought one of the kelly green ones for a friend as a Christmas gift and always regretted not picking one up for me, too. Now I shall just make my own! 😉
YES I remember those! I should have snapped one up too. 😉
chelsea! this is so cute!
Thanks sweet sho!
Good Day!!Thank you for sharing..
What a lovely idea! I definitely want to give this a try 🙂
Cute idea! I have a fifth grade daughter and think these could be hip presents for her girlfriends at school. I don’t see why you couldn’t sharpen it and have it be functional, although it would lose some charm.
This is such a great idea! If you are more of a practical type, and want it to be more functional than decorative, just skip the gild! That’s what I’m doing, anyway! ☺
I really love this idea, though, and it is so easy to make! I will definitely give this a try for an awesome, unique pendant! ☺