This DIY tutorial has likely been done already hundreds of times in the aftermath of Tom Binns releasing his neon cameo collection in Spring 2012 – but what’s once more? I love the juxtaposition of elegant, old-world cameos harkening back to the times of daguerrotypes and intaglio portraits…rendered in full-on neon for the modern age. You can make your own easily, with some paint, rhinestone chain, and a soft embossing metal as backing – with no one the wiser as to how your unique creation came about. Here’s how:

Materials:

1 cameo (and this place has the best selection!)  /  rhinestone cup chain  /  gold embossing metal  /  scissors  /  jump ring  /  pliers  /  wire-cutting pliers  /  jewelry glue (not pictured)  /  pin or awl (not pictured) /  paint in 2 neon colors  /  primer or white paint  /  pen  /  paintbrush  /   matte sealant (optional, not pictured)

How To: 1. Since cameo colors are usually fairly opaque, you may want to prime your cameo first with a coat of primer, or just a coat of white paint. Allow to dry.

2. Paint the cameo. Usually it’s easiest to paint the lighter color first, than the brighter or darker color next. You may have to do a couple coats of each color to fully hide the color of the original cameo.

3. (optional) Paint a coat of sealant on he cameo to hide brushstrokes and prevent paint chipping. Allow to dry.

4. Glue the cameo onto a small piece of embossing metal.
5. Place the rhinestone chain around the cameo, and cut to desired length.
6. Spread glue on the back of the rhinestone chain, and glue to the metal backing around the cameo.

7. When dry, poke a hole in the embossing metal with a pin or awl.

8. Trim the metal close around the chain, and use the side of the scissors to fold it to cup the chain so no sharp edges stick out.
9. Thread a jumping through the hole you made, onto a necklace.

And you’re done!

Wear with something dark and modern for contrast, or pair with a pastel frilly corset for your best Marie Antoinette impression!

Happy DIY’ing!
xo
Carly

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