Painted Wooden Beaded Sports Necklace

I was inspired this past weekend at the Auburn football game. I noticed that people seemed to be very decked out for the ballgame, from head to toe. I was thinking about how I don't really have any Auburn jewelry at all and seeing some of the big and fun things that people were wearing made me want something for myself. I have to give it to my husband for encouraging me to make something on my own. I'm so glad I did!!

This was what I came up with and I thought it turned out cute and yes, I'll be wearing it at the next game. It was super easy and lots of fun. My daughter Caley wants one now so I'm off tomorrow to buy some wooden beads for her. She helped me paint this one a little but she's made it clear she wants to do hers all by herself.

This necklace was really easy to make and all you need is a quick trip to Hobby Lobby.

You will need: 1 piece of floral foam, between 20-24 round wooden beads (they come in a pack of 6, I used 1", 1/8" hole), sand paper, 2 yards of ribbon (I used one of each color, which made it a total of 4 yards), white paint or primer, other paint choices with your team colors, Americana Pearlizing paint ..medium, and a pack of flex straws

Make sure you read all of the instructions before beginning.

If you look closely you'll notice that the wood is a little jagged inside the holes.

2. Roll up a small piece of sand paper and try to twist it inside the hole just to sand down the uneven wood. This will help to make sure the ribbon won't get scratched later.This is what they should look like when you're done.
2. Take your white paint, or primer, and paint the inside of the hole with a small paint brush.

3. When the paint is dry (it doesn't take long at all to dry) stick the straw through the hole of the bead. The flexible part of the straw should hold the bead in place so that it won't move. Now you can paint the sides of the bead.

4. Stick the straw in the foam to let it dry.

5. When the paint is dry, use your colors of choice and paint the rest of the beads. It may take 2 coats.

6. Use your pearlizing paint for the top coat. It gives the beads a shimmery look that I think looks nice.

7. Take your ribbon pull it through one bead and move it to the very center of your 2 yards of ribbon.

8. Tie a knot on each end of the bead.

9. Add beads to each side of your knots.

10. Continue until you have the necklace like you want it. I ended up using 21 beads.

Good luck!! Let us know if you try it!! War Eagle!!!