by: Maureen Wilson
Combine ribbon with pearls for an inexpensive, trendy DIY necklace that works equally well for an evening out and at the office. This ribbon necklace DIY is simple enough for a beginner jewelry crafter.
Materials: - Thin wire
- Ribbon (2 yards)
- Needle
- Pearl beads (about 12 inches worth)
- Crimp beads
- Pliers
- Lighter
Supply Tips:
You’ll need some thin wire, about 2 1/2 feet. You could also use clear monofilament or fishing line, but it’s a little more difficult to work with because it’s harder to see.
You’ll need a strand of pearl beads. They come in a variety of sizes and colors, and can be found at craft stores. This strand cost $6 on sale, and I’ll have some beads left over. You’ll need a sewing needle.
And, you’ll need about 2 yards of ribbon. Make sure that it’s two-sided– that is, you don’t want to choose a ribbon with a pattern on only one side. I chose a gray satin.
It’s also a good idea to buy crimp beads for extra durability.
Instructions:
Cut about two yards of ribbon. Thread a needle with your wire. You can either tie a knot at the end of your wire, or you can leave it on the spool until you’re finished.
Poke the needle through the ribbon, about 20 inches from one end. Pull the wire through, then thread a bead onto the wire. Poke the needle back through the ribbon, close to the bead.
Now take the loose end of the ribbon and fold it over at a right angle. Poke the needle up through the ribbon triangle this creates.
Pull the wire taut and thread another bead on. Repeat the previous steps of poking the needle down through the ribbon close to the bead, folding the ribbon up over itself at a right angle, and threading the needle up through it.
Continue adding pearls in this manner until it’s the length you desire. The beaded portion of my ribbon measures 12 inches.
Now tie a knot in each end of the wire, close to the last pearl. Thread a crimp bead onto the wire. Then loop the end of the wire and tuck it back through the crimp bead. Use pliers to pinch the bead, securing it in place.
Then, tie a knot in the ribbon to cover the crimp bead. Repeat on the other end of the necklace.
I left my ribbon long to tie a pretty bow. I decided I like it on the side, rather than the back, so I trimmed one end shorter. It’s best to try your necklace on, then cut the ends of the ribbon to the desired length.
Finally, singe the ends of the ribbon with a lighter to prevent fraying.