DIY: Geometric Triangle Ladder Necklace

I am loving ladder necklaces right now - they're trendy, unique and just plain cool looking. I've seen so many designs around the interwebs, and frankly, I love them all. So while I'm building up my collection of those, why not DIY some, right? Today I've whipped up an electric blue ladder necklace, and if you read more, you'll find out how I did it. 

My main material today? Popsicle sticks of course (with a bit of trial and LOTS of errors, lol). I love making jewelry out of popsicle sticks - they're so affordable and very easy to cut. Well, not so easy, but easier than 1/4" thick wood. :D 

What do you need to make your own, you say? Well, here are what I used:

Jumbo-sized popsicle sticks

X-acto knife

Nail polish (I used Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri in Freeze)

Cutting mat

Drill 

3/32" drill bit

Jump rings

Chain

Lobster clasp

Measure 3" across your popsicle stick, mark the middle as shown.

Now, measure a 1 cm drop on a common side and mark them.

Draw a line from the 1 cm point to the middle point. Connect the other point to the middle as well, forming a triangle with a 'drop'. 

Before cutting out our shapes, mark and drill two holes on each end of the triangle. I suggest you work with the smallest bit (1/16") before moving up to the 3/32" bit - makes it less likely to crack and will save you a ton of frustration. Sand each side of the popsicle stick prior to cutting.

Now, cut your shapes up with an x-acto knife. Be careful and patient, it cracks easily near the drilled holes. I actually had to make one triangle 6 times because it kept cracking :S

I love using the Insta-Dri line from Sally Hansen because they dry faster than normal nail polish and are super pigmented, so it will only take 1-2 coats each side. Anyway, paint with nail polish (or spray paint, but that takes longer to dry). I suggest painting the edges first before filling in the front space. Wait for it to dry, then fill in the back. 

After drying, assemble as shown. 

There, you are done! Isn't that pretty? I attached a long chain on it so that I could wear it:

Short and simple - excuse the blurriness and please ignore the visible bra strap, lol. I could also wear it like so:

Long and layered with other necklace pieces. I love wearing necklaces this way. 

What are your thoughts on ladder necklaces - loving it or hating it? Leave your lovely comments down there and have a good weekend! :)

Hey! I'm linking up again:
Just Us Four
Tatertots & Jello
Whipperberry
Cheerios and Lattes

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