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DIY: Ombrè Necklace From Pistachio Shells


This week's DIY project is inspired by my favorite midnight snack: pistachios! After creating a pile of shells on my plate, I couldn't help but notice what a pretty shape they had. Now it's time to put them to use!

By adding some paint, pistachio shells turn into such beautiful ornaments for creating jewelry. I decided to go with the ombrè gradient look, because of my recent obsession, but get creative and explore different colors. And if you love your pistachio shell necklace, take it a step further and make a matching bracelet, earrings or anklet. 

I've worn my necklace quite a few times and absolutely love it! It's especially great for summer. Follow the steps below to make your very own.


Materials:
• Pistachio shells (I used 34)
• Small piece of thin cardboard
• Glue gun or tacky glue
• Acrylic paint
Mod Podge (not pictured)
• Brush
• Chain
• Jump rings and lobster clasp
• Needle nose pliers
• Scissors




Steps:
•  Cut the cardboard into a semi-circle to serve as the base of the necklace.
• Attach jump rings to the corners of the cardboard and attach the chain.
• Paint pistachio shells the colors of your choice. To create lighter shades of any color, simply add white paint until you have your desired shade. Let dry and add 2-3 additional coats so that the shell is completely covered. 
• Once dry, add a thin coat of decoupage medium to seal in the paint and add shine.
• Let dry and start gluing the shells onto the cardboard, starting with the bottom layer and working your way in.

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30 comments:

  1. What a fantastic idea; if only I liked pistachios..!

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  2. This is so fantastic. I was *just* complaining to my friend about the lack of original ideas out there right now, and then this project popped up in my reader - so fun! Really well done - I absolutely love it.

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  3. Anonymous7/03/2012

    Thanks Grace for sharing this on twitter!

    I loved your blog and of course this project, how fun and creative it is! You have a new fan :D

    xoxo Julieta
    www.vjuliet.com

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  4. Your photos are so pretty.... apart from this idea itself (awesome), the pic really make the project stand out!
    I love pistachios too, maybe I can invent something similar :)
    Cecilia

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  5. Anonymous7/03/2012

    That's really the coolest idea! Must try and I love pistachios, so it would be wonderful to crack the nuts!

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  6. Anonymous7/04/2012

    Love it!

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  7. Anonymous7/04/2012

    Hi! I Like your blog! I'm a DIY addict too!
    I follow you

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  8. love this idea!
    therunwayoflife.blogspot.mx

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  9. Queda precioso.
    http://raqueljimenezbisuteria.blogspot.com.es/

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  10. I love it! I'm collecting pistachio shells now for a project also! My husband thinks I'm crazy :D but I'm going to make a summer wreath of sunflowers out of painted water bottles & I'm going to use painted pistachio shells on cardboard as the centers. I was tickled when I saw your pistachio necklace pop up on my Facebook feed as I sit here cutting up painted water bottles :D :D :D

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  11. Anonymous7/07/2012

    You could even use you favorite nail polish.

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  12. This is so original and looks so great!

    Nora

    http://notenora.blogspot.com

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  13. This is so funny! I have to try it! :D

    tarafrasahara.blogspot.com

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  14. omg! lovely! they don't look like pistachos! you got great ideas! keep it up!

    http://www.pearlsndenim.blogspot.com

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  15. This is really incredible, I really love the colors you chose as well!

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  16. Anonymous9/17/2012

    very cool... but kind of looks like fake fingernails? could do an interesting twist on this for halloween!

    love this blog!!!!

    :)

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  17. I bet nail polish would work (Use all those old nail polishs' lol) Love it

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  18. Oh my goodness, that's crazy! How ingenious - and beautiful the result:-)
    xo
    Carly

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  19. Oh my goodness, that's crazy! How ingenious - and beautiful the result:-)
    xo
    Carly

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  20. I was at a craft fair once, and met a gentleman who did pistachio shell art. But it was more cartoony and fun. This is gorgeous!!! I will definitely be trying this. Thanks for sharing!

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  21. I was at a craft fair once, and met a gentleman who did pistachio shell art. But it was more cartoony and fun. This is gorgeous!!! I will definitely be trying this. Thanks for sharing!

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  22. Anonymous8/30/2013

    This is INCREDIBLY smart!! I just love it!!

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  23. Anonymous9/07/2013

    I think ur copy this DIY but its ok.
    U can see the real video is from a latin girl

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8stVQ6febA

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi There - I actually posted my tutorial months before this video (as you can see from the date). It's unfortunate that not everyone gives the appropriate credit when they get inspiration from another blogger :)

      Delete
  24. Anonymous1/31/2014

    Someone has taken all of your images and posted them on their blog as if the post were theirs…without any form of credit to you. http://www.bestoutofwaste.net/easy-to-make-gorgeous-looking-necklace-with-pistachio-shells/

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  25. its such a gud idea.i want to follow it.....:-)

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  26. thank you sharing very original love pistachio!!!!

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  27. Absolutely brilliant idea. Thank you for sharing.

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