Showcase Summer Memories with a "Rock"in' Necklace

My kids love to collect "stuff" from every place we visit: We have pressed leaves from particular camping spots, pine cones and sticks from the forest, seashells from the beach, and dirt from other vacation spots...each representing happy memories of summer fun.


We found some wonderful rocks on the beach in Oregon this summer, and my Little Missy just couldn't leave one of the souvenir shops there without purchasing the shiny pink rock you'll see in the photos. Needless to say, it's always fun to find a new way to "showcase" parts of their collections, and I was excited to find the idea for these rock necklaces a few years ago, although we finally created them for the first time this summer!

The idea is from Family Fun, and we added our own flair to them, and went it about it in a slightly different manner. If you have a rock hound at your house, this might be fun for you as well! We decided these necklaces were a perfect way to hold onto those summer memories as everyone returned to school.


Here is what you need to make a "Summer Memories" Rock Necklace of your own:

*A small rock
*20 gauge wire
*leather or suede lace, or ribbon
*Needle-nose pliers

1. Start by making a loop with the wire and wrapping the wire around itself to create a loop for hanging the ribbon or leather through. Use the pliers to squeeze the wire together at the end.


2. Next, position your rock toward the "front" of the loop. Holding the rock in place with one hand, wrap the wire around the rock several times, creating a sturdy "cage" for the rock.


Wrap the end of the wire around the loop area, and tighten or crimp with the pliers to hold the wire secure. Twist and adjust the loop if necessary to help the rock hang straight when the ribbon or lace is threaded through it.


3. Thread with a ribbon or suede lace, tie a knot, and voila! You have a new "rock"in' accessory!


My girls think these necklaces are fabulous, but even my teen and tweener boys thought they were worth making. (That says something!) These necklaces are super easy and fast, and a fun way to remember and showcase some of those summer camp outs and vacation memories!