make: a vintage spool necklace

After spotting a basket of old thread spools recently, I've been itching to make some things with them. This pink one was so pretty, I couldn't leave it, and so I started with giving it a photoshoot. Thread deserves to be special, don't you agree?

After that, it was time to make it into necklace, which will allow me to show off this beautiful silk thread all the time!



Here's what you need:
Vintage thread spool
Wire
Buttons
Jump rings
Necklace chain
Pliers (optional, but very helpful)



Start by cutting a piece of wire that, when folded in half, is about 3/4" taller than the spool. Thread it through a button.



Slide the wire through the center of the spool. (I considered using a piece of chain, but because of the size of the spool center, it wobbled. The wire gives it more stability.)



Twist and bend the wires so they make a loop at the top of the spool. (Mine doesn't look as pretty as I would like, but it's okay...it will be fairly hidden.) Use a jump ring and attach a button to the wire loop.



If the jump ring is large enough, you can slide the necklace chain through this. If not, add another ring.



Doesn't it look pretty? I wore this to church on Sunday, and had nearly a dozen compliments on it. The silk thread has such a lovely shine, and I felt special wearing it. And oh, but I have ideas for more things to make with these spools! I can't wait!