Mini Moo Necklaces, Upcycled From A Light String

Hi again!  Meet my new favorite necklaces.

You know those funky strings of novelty lights?  The ones with plastic bulb covers shaped like animals, chili peppers, flamingos, lanterns or anything kitsch-worthy?  That's where I got my little moo cows.

My light string was a yard sale find.   If you go looking, you can find the cutest iterations, both new and vintage.

I know this necklace is not for everybody, but it is most definitely for me.  And perhaps, if you find a light string with something that catches your personality, it could be for you, too.

Want to try?  It's easy!  The trick is finding one bead that's just the right size to fill the opening where the light bulb used to go.   Once you've located such a bead, here's the DIY.

Poke a tiny hole opposite the pre-existing opening.  Try pointy scissors or a pushpin.  (If your plastic is really tough, you could use a Dremel tool or melt a hole with a hot poker.)

Add a headpin.

If you don't have a headpin long enough to go all the way through your critter, use craft wire to make a faux headpin, like this:

Add a bead to fill in the opening.  Fold the wire over and trim to about 3/4 inch.

Make a loop.

Heavens to Besty - that right there is your finished pendant!!!

String it just as you would any pendant.

I liked the look of pearls with my mini moo.  On this casual one, I used some vintage pearl trim.

Going a little more schmancy, I strung another li'l cow with big freshwater pearls and a sterling silver clasp.

Hee hee.   I love them!


From here on out, I'm going to keep these light strings on my shopping list when I go thrifting.  What about you?