30 Handmade Necklaces That Make a Stunning First Impression

Bigger is better when it comes to this standout accessory with its jolly jumble of silver-painted and sequin-wrapped beads strung on a 36-inch length of silken cord.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned knitter, this is the perfect project for you. All it takes is 15 minutes and voila, you've got yourself a statement necklace.

A quick dye gives unfinished beads a beachy, weathered look. These monochromatic necklaces, strung on leather cord, can be worn solo or piled on for effect.

Dupioni silk in sherbet shades has a lovely luster. When you tear the fabric into strips, it frays, giving this braided necklace a soft, fringed look.

The combinations you can make with this necklace are endless. Start by choosing any color of beads and ribbon, and create one or more to wear together or on their own.

This versatile necklace adjusts to your outfit and your mood: Wear it long and lean, double it to accentuate a plunging neckline (shown here), or turn it into a ribbon-tied collar.

By using our basic stringing technique, you can make this sophisticated and modern necklace with wooden beads.

Treat your sisters and girlfriends (and yourself) to jewelry that shimmers with style. Start with a handful of inexpensive costume pieces -- brooches and earrings with openwork designs -- and give them a new-old coppery patina using spray paint. Then link them together and add pretty pink ribbon. No one will guess you didn't break the bank.

Turn an old shirt into a piece of wearable art that's quite grown-up.

Who says you're too old for candy? For these edible works of art, all you need are three things: a sturdy long needle, monofilament for stringing (dental floss and waxed twine are also both great for this), and gumballs in any size and color you like.

Of course, the color green is stylish any time of year. This beaded necklace is made with a few easy-to-find materials.

Combine sea glass and ceramic shards and shells to form this beachy necklace.

Teach your kids the simple technique for linking flowers, and watch their creativity bloom: They can make a long bohemian strand, a demure choker, or anything in between.

Let it snow in style! When paired with the Snowflake Earrings, this matching jewelry set also makes a charming handmade gift for the holidays.

The unlikeliest of materials — pantyhose and rubber "bouncy" balls — are transformed into a stylish statement necklace. Mix balls of different colors and sizes with a variety of sheer textured stockings to achieve countless looks.

Group together one type of chain (or several different ones) to create a very chic accessory.

These sparkly necklaces are delicately detailed, and they're neither difficult nor time-consuming to construct. Beads and the thin ribbon or silk beading cord on which to string them come in about any color imaginable, so you can tailor the jewelry to suit the specific tastes of your giftees.