Tuesday, May 11, 2010

A Necklace for Debra


About a week ago my mother in law came over with a sale paper from The Bon Ton. She was in love with the pearl and ribbon necklace it featured on the cover, however the $49.99 price tag that went along with it was a bit too steep. And so she asked me to make it for her.

(The Inspiration)

And really, any reason to tuck myself away in my craft room is a good reason, especially when I had a project like this one.

I had everything I needed on hand already minus the ribbon which I picked up from Jo-Ann's for $2.39. The pearls I had were a bit smaller than the picture, so to compensate I added a silver flower connector to each side of the necklace for a little flair. I, personally, think that it turned out really fabulous, even more fabulous than that $50.00 one in the sales paper. Oh, and my mother in law ... well she loved it too.

So if you feel like making yourself an elegant ribbon and pearl necklace, here's all of the things you'll need.

Chain
Swarovski Pearls
Ribbon (sewing quality, so that it won't fray easily)
Jump Rings
Clasp
Flower Connectors (Optional)
26mm Jewelry Wire

1. Start by folding the ribbon over inwardly two times to hide the raw seam and pierce with your prepared wire (have one end wrapped to form a loop)

2. Thread on a pearl and then loop the ribbon over the pearl, piercing it again. Repeat, only this time loop the ribbon under the pearl. Keep on going, alternating between over and under.

3. After your wire is almost full, clip off any remaining ribbon, leaving about 1 1/2 - 2 inches for closing. Again, inwardly fold the ribbon twice so that the seam is not showing, pierce with the wire, and close your wire with a pair of round nose pliers, creating another loop.

4. If desired, use your jump rings to attach the connectors. Then attach a length of chain on each side depending on the length you want to wear your necklace. I like to use a larger gauge chain and leave one side a bit longer than the one with the clasp on it to allow for the versatility of wearing it at different lengths.

Ta-da, a simple and romantic ribbon and pearl necklace, without that fancy department store price tag!


I'm linking up today!

DIY Day @ ASPTL

14 comments:

Noogal Creations said...

How gorgeous!! I think I may have to try out that style with my stuff. You did a fantastic job! :)

Chana@ Mamma Town said...

Are you kidding me!? That is just about the most beautiful thing EVER! Wow! Are you talented or what? Great job!

Mani on a Budget said...

That is simply elegant! And yours is WAY better than the pricey one. Well done!

~L~ said...

very cute and chic!
I'd love to have this linked to my weekly link party "Make my Style Mondays"

www.avidaccents.blogspot.com

Alyssa S. said...

I wish I had a way to leave an audio comment :) It would be filled with OOHs and AAHs. What a clever idea. It turned out beautifully! I've been wanting to play with ribbons and chain, but haven't gotten around to it. Thanks for the inspiration!!!

Unknown said...

As with EVERYTHING you make... LOVE IT!! Yours is WAY prettier than the cover one, Amanda!!

memakingdo said...

Very pretty good job recreating it!

Meg said...

Very nice!!
www.meagannorlund.blogspot.com

Devon said...

wow... really cool! you did a great job!!

Unknown said...

Very pretty! You did a great job redoing the necklace and I actually like the smaller pearls. I'm sure it will mean more to your MIL than if she had bought the original.

Melanie @ Whimsical Creations said...

That turned out beautiful!

Connie said...

Very nice. You did a great job.

Anonymous said...

This is adorable! Love it! I might have to try one!

Sum Kuller said...

wow, its so Beautiful and so easy to make..! thanks so much...! :) <3