DIY Reversible Arrow Necklace

I often get asked "how do I paint suede?" While trying to write a halfway acceptable post on how to paint suede, I somehow came up with this tutorial. A reversible painted suede necklace. Oh and the answer is YES, you can paint suede, this tutorial will show you how...kinda and soon I will come up with a better tutorial on painting suede.

DIY arrow necklace 

 I love all the arrow and leather jewelry that is in style right now. I combined those two ideas in creating this this easy DIY necklace tutorial. 

DIY arrow Necklace

When I made this project painted suede bracelet I had a lot of leather left over.  So I want to make some projects using the smaller scraps. I hope this will inspire you to upcycle any leather you might have laying around. 

Reversible Arrow Necklace

OK, gather your materials 

Pictures of what I used to make my painted suede necklace

I was going to use the chain photographed but I switched to a sterling silver chain and jump rings

                                                                Step 1 

Make a Stencil
I just drew an arrow free hand on a thick piece of paper(thats why its all ghetto looking). Then I carefully cut it out with scissors. If you are not comfortable drawing an arrow then you can also use a normal stencil or print one out for free from the internet.



Step 2
Trace Your Stencil
Trace the arrow on the leather. Try and do this on the edge so you save as much leather as you can for another project.


Step 3
Cut Out Your Arrow
Cut the arrow out of the leather  I just used sewing scissors for the arrow. Then I used an X-Acto knife to cut out the thin details in the back.

Step 4 

Prime the leather
You don't have to prime the leather.Suede leather sucks up paint. If you prime it before you put your color on less of it will be sucked up and it will glide on better. I primed mine with plain white acrylic paint. 

*Tip Leather has 2 sides, one will is more smooth and one is more textured. The more you prime the less the texture will show.

Step 5 Paint One Side

Paint one side how ever you want With acrylic paint. I used a brush that left thick brush marks on the arrow. You could use a sponge brush for smooth look. Like the way I painted these suede shoes 

Step 6 Nail Polish Time

When the acrylic paint drys. Flip the arrow over and paint the second side with silver nail polish. Paint the more textured side of the leather so the leather will look more like metal. (the silver and texture together create this look)

Step 7 Silver Trim(optional)

After the silver nail polish side dries. Flip the arrow back over (purple side up) Then paint a silver trim all the way around. This adds dimension. *tip You could also add stripes or dots

 Step 8 

Poke holes for jump rings.

LAST
Attach your jump rings and chain. Then you are all done with this cute double sided necklace.