Severed Neck Choker

A choker style necklace that will give me the illusion of having once been beheaded

Posted by Stephanie H.

About

I knew when I decided to be Marie Antoniette that I would want to "slit" my throat somehow for the costume. I'm really not into blood and gore, plus I didn't want to risk messing up my costume as fake blood can be quite messy. I decided to "fake" it with a choker style necklace that will give me the illusion of having once been beheaded and, like Humpty Dumpty, put back together again.

So as promised, here is my tutorial for a "severed neck" choker.

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You Will Need (6 things)

  • Red Stringing Beading Wire (I used 20 gauge but this is to your discretion)
  • Red "Blood Drop" Shaped Glass Beads
  • Necklace Clasp(s) (I used a toggle)
  • Wire Cutters
  • Small Pliers With A Flat Edge
  • Rounded Needle Nose Pliers

Steps (5 steps, 30 minutes)

  1. 1

    Measuring

    I used a dressmakers tape measure to measure the circumference of my neck. I then measured out a piece of my beading wire to the same length and added an extra inch. My neck circumference was 14.5 inches so I used my wire cutters to trim my wire to 15.5 inches long.

  2. 2

    Bead Placement

    Once my wire was cut to the proper length, I strung 3 of my red glass drop beads to figure out the placement of my "blood drops". I decided to place 1 bead on one side and 2 on the other for the most realistic effect. I checked the placement by wrapping the choker around my neck and looking in the mirror and making any adjustments.

  3. 3

    Wire Wrapping

    I needed a "stop" to keep my beads from sliding along the wire. You can buy ready made bead stops, but I didn't have one so I made my own by wrapping a few smaller cut pieces of wire very tightly around the choker wire. I think this also added a nice decorative element. The best way to do this is to hold the choker wire very tight with your fingers or the smaller flat headed pliers and then wrap both ends of the smaller wire using the rounded needlenose pliers. After a few tight wraps, use the wire cutters to snip off as close as you can get to the choker wire. Then curl the end piece over with your pliers.

  4. 4

    I placed a wire wrap stop on both sides of the beads to prevent sliding.

  5. 5

    Finish With A Closure

    I finished my choker with a toggle clasp. I attached the clasp parts to each end and then wrapped the wire I pulled through the attachment eye of the clasp around the choker wire and crimped it with my pliers. Then try it on and smooth out any kinks in the wire.

    And taaadaaa....

    Here's my Severed Neck Choker!