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Next week the girls and I will be heading to our first craft show so that they can show off some of the accessories they have been designing for their dolls. We already showed you how to make tutus from old t-shirts. Today we are doing some more upcycling and turning old beaded eyeglass chains into American Girl doll necklaces.
I have a box of my grandmother’s costume jewelry sitting in the closet and it had lots of beaded eyeglass chains in it. These are not something I use myself, but the tiny beads do make them the perfect size for making doll-sized necklaces. We used what we had on hand and materials that would make this accessory easy for Penny, who is five, to put the necklace on the dolls herself once it was finished.
To make American Girl doll (or any other 18″ doll) necklaces you need:
- An eyeglass chain. Like this one, or similar.
- A paperclip or Christmas ornament hook
- needle-nose pliers
- Wire snips
- Adult supervision. Only a grown-up should use the wire snips. They are much stronger than scissors and can be dangerous. Kids can help with the rest!
First, use scissors or your snips to remove the rubber fishtail pieces from each end of your chain.
Then insert the small end of your ornament hook through one end.
Next, use your fingers to twist the hook so that it is wrapped around and closed. Use your pliers to squeeze it shut and make sure there are no sharp ends.
The hook will be too long. Bend the opposite end and then cut off the excess.
Shape the hook, leaving a small space, and then inset the other end of the chain. This is how you will open and close your necklace.
You’re done!
When you put the necklace on your doll, unhook the clasp and wrap the chain around her neck twice before you close it again.
If you liked this craft, we always appreciate your pins and shares. Let us know if you make one!
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