A few weeks ago I decided that I want more necklaces, like everyday fun necklaces. I have a nice collection of pearls, but I don't have opportunities to wear them often in our laid back, wish we were California surf culture. Aside from the pearls I own exactly two necklaces - one that gets worn often and another that I try on and take off repeatedly. I like it, but it's not me; it's too bulky and heavy. And with five (!) strands, it ought to be.

So Friday night (around 11pm, since that seems to be when the best creative ideas come to me) I got out my wire cutters and started taking it apart, strand by strand.

(I apologize in advance for the poor lighting in the pictures. That's what you get when you take photos in a dark room at midnight.)

(I remembered to take a "before" shot just after I cut off the clip that held them together.)

This was the easiest. Used the wire cutters again and clipped off the excess chain hanging below the last pearls on either end of the strand. Just knot the chain loosely over itself, no clip or fastener required. 

I like to think this is New England preppy meets west coast surf. 

The black pendant was something I've had in my craft box for a while. I liked it, but could never find the right chain. Look what found its match. 

The links in this chain aren't solid so I used two pair of pliers to gently pull one apart and connect it with the link on the other end of the strand. Close it up and it's good as new. 

This one can be worn doubled up so it's short or worn long as a single strand. 

I have three more chains to play with - one is exactly like the second with the black pendant and two others are chunkier. I have an idea for one of the chunkier chains, but I might have to buy a couple things to execute the plan. We'll see. Pictures of the finished product will be up, I'm sure.