My AR Necklace

I don't know if you have seen, but there have been quite a few state-inspired necklaces floating around the internet. such as these...

found here, here, and here.

Now, when I stumbled across this tutorial, I just had to try it! 

30 minutes later (literally!) here's what I had

The tutorial shows great step-by-step instructions, but here is my highlight reel :)

Google search the shape you want. For me, it was Arkansas.

Since I was feeling too lazy to print it out, I just grabbed a piece of scrap paper and traced it straight off the screen.

 

Create a loop out of wire...

...and start outlining the shape. 

Tape as you go to keep it in place.

It was at the above step that I noticed, "oh poo, my arkansas shape is about three inches tall. that's HUGE for a necklace."

So I untapped, smoothed out the wire, retraced my AR shape after sizing it down a little and started over. Yep, still done in about 35 minutes even with the start-over part.  

Why do I share my mess up with you? Well, maybe you needed a good laugh and I'm okay if it's at my expense. Or maybe you're going to attempt this project and it wouldn't have crossed your mind either until this step. Either way, there ya go!

Finishing outlining your now-smaller shape and loop the wire around at the top to secure it.

Then I hammered mine a little. This step wasn't in the tutorial but I do it to all my wire jewelry. It helps freeze the shape and make the wire less pliable. Basically, my lovely creation is far less likely to bend and pull now. I also kind of like the hammered look as opposed to completely smooth wire. To each his own...

Slide it on a jump ring and some chain. Lovely.

So, what do you think?? Want one??