Coin Felt Necklace

Coined jewelry is very big in the Arab world. Arab cultures have a practice of keeping large amounts of wealth stored in the form of jewelry. Brides would wear headpieces covered in coins. The coined jewelry was a financial investment, when times were tough, it was sold off to provide for their family. But when times were good, the women would add to her collection.

Even belly dancers would adorn hip scarves that had tiny coins that jingled when they danced. It was said that street dancers would sew the coins that were thrown at them when they danced in the street to show how successful and well liked they were.

Today we thought we'd be inspired by Arab coined jewelry and create a necklace with round felted pieces that looked like round coins. We hope you can make it too!

You'll need
Felt (four different colours)
Scissors
Ruler
Pen
Fabric Glue
Rubber Bands (Optional)
Needle
Embroidery thread
Thimble (Optional)
Buttons (Optional)

Cut a felt sheet into 5 x 4 rectangle and another contrasting colour in 5 x 3. Do the same with two other colours too.

Place smaller rectangle on top of larger rectangle and be sure to leave a 1/2 inch gap at both ends. Paste glue along the edge.

Roll up the felt from the glued edge.

Paste glue along the other edge and hold in place for a few minutes until the glue dries. If your little one is having a hard time holding the ends down until they dry, use rubber bands.

Lay your rolled felt piece along a ruler and make tiny marks on the 1/2 inch mark.

Cut your felt piece on these rolled marks.

Thread the beads onto the embroidery thread and needle to make the necklace.

You can also sew on buttons to some of the rolled felt beads for a fun contrast.