Though it has broken free from its chains as well as some conventional notions of what jewelry is, the stunning strand we're making here won't escape from your neck (or wrist, or waist or ankle) and go on a rampage through your city, ripping up office buildings and tossing cars like so much confetti. It will however, give your favorite outfit a superhero-sized injection of chic.
Total cost for the project pictured here is about $20, but depending on the stones you select, you can do this for as little as $5 or as much as your budget will stand.
TIME:
Approximately 10 minutes with a sewing machine and 20-25 minutes if sewn by hand.
INGREDIENTS:
- SHEER CHIFFON RIBBON - Select the sheerest ribbon you can find. Ribbon width should be slightly more than double the size of the bead or "filling" you're using. For this project, I've chosen a 3" wide ribbon. The amount of ribbon and filling you'll need will depend on how long you want your necklace (or bracelet, etc.) to be. Make it least two times as long as you want your finished strand to measure. Definitely err on the side of too much here, since there are a lot of variables to consider including how snug, how often and how tight you want to make the knots between beads. To give you an example, we've bought 2' of ribbon to make the necklace pictured.
- THE "FILLING" - Here's the great part; you can pretty much use anything that's shiny or sparkly! Semi-precious stones, big pearls (fake or real!), ping-pong balls (yes, you read that right) large crystals, big glass pebbles, beautiful marbles, etc. You can purchase your filling at a bead or craft shop or the hardware store, or root around in your own keepsake box for small objects that you've kept over the years that you don't know what to do with, but can't bring yourself to throw away. One warning: When it comes to filling, anything with a sharp edge is best avoided as it could cut your chiffon ribbon casing and destroy your necklace when you least expect it.
- STRAIGHT PINS - The long ones with the balls on the end are easiest to work with.
- THREAD - Color should match the ribbon.
- NEEDLE
- SEWING MACHINE - Optional since this project can also be sewn by hand.
INSTRUCTIONS
STEP 1:
You need make the ribbon into a tube. Fold the ribbon in half width-wise and secure with straight pins. Make a 1/8 inch hem if you're using a sewing machine or just simply sew the sides together if you're sewing by hand.
STEP 2:
Once you're finished "hemming" your ribbon, turn the chiffon tube you've created inside out so the hem is on the inside. For a more informal, avant-garde look, leave it as is with the hem on the outside.
STEP 3:
You now have a chiffon casing; tie a tight knot equidistant from both ends.
STEP 4:
Drop one piece of "filling" into the casing and knot it securely right after the piece of filling. Repeat this step on both sides of your middle knot until you have 12" of empty casing left on each end.
STEP 5:
6" from your last "filling knot" make another knot on each side of your casing; outside of this knot is the part of the casing you will tie your necklace on with.
A FEW TIPS:Make sure your filling color contrasts with your casing color. Here we've used white stones inside a black casing. The best thing about this project; chiffon makes just about anything look elegant; meaning this project works with ping pong balls (as long as they have no markings) or glass marbles as well as with cultured pearls or Swarovski crystals. Once you've grasped the basic principles for this necklace, you can adjust lengths, fillings, fabrics, stitching to create bracelets, anklets, belts, doubled necklaces, chokers, whatever moves you.
Personal, elegant, unusual; the essence of chic.
Comments
I really like the contemporary jewelry that Jess Walton (Jill Abbott) wears. She was wearing a lovely necklace last week (industrial chic) and I'd love to know who designed it. Perhaps Restless Style can feature some of the actor's favorite outfits and jewelry?
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I just want to say that Phillis has a great storyline right now the only problem that I have with her she needs to stay out of her son's love life. He loves Amber but he don't know what to do. As for Ana and Tara I would love so see that little girl make it big she has a wonderful voice. But as for the issue that they have at hand Ana should for give Tara for not telling her the truth and thank her for rising her to be the young lady that she is. Now as for Neil and Tara I don't think that they should get together because Karen was there first now if it does not work out for Neil and Karen then maybe but then again maybe not it could be a lot of problems with the family not agreeing with the whole Neil and Tara thing. Cane just needs to slow things down with Choloe and tell her to pump her brake she is moving to fast. she is really starting to make me sick everytime I look around here she is. I feel bad for Lily she has been thourgh so much fisrt with Daniel and then the whole thing with the baby and now Choloe and her baby she really needs some HAPPINESS in her lift right now.
Great idea! I believe I saw Gloria wearing that ncklace on an Episode of Y&R a while back.
Thanks for the idea!!
What a great idea, thanks for sharing. Keep coming with the great, fashionable, easy to
make and not at all costly ideas. There are
a lot of people out here that will be waiting.
This is really cool! Good luck to you!!!
This makes a really cute handle for a purse:)
Love that idea.....Thanks for all the helpful tips and I can't wait to see what is next.
love this! thank you!!
I so love this how to page!!! thanks- I'll keep check back for more!!
totally made one! totally cute! Did one in the reverse (white ribbon, black stones)...love it!
that looks very easy to do I may even try it thanks for all your great ideas
What a really great idea! And so easy to make! Now I know what to do with my broken necklaces, earrings, smooth stones I found on the beach, etc. Thanks for sharing a really cool idea!
WOW! What a great idea. I definitely try this.
What a great way to use up left over lace or shear fabrics. I think that this is very neat and the color rocks that you can buy at craft stores would be beautiful objects and instead of tying knots you could sew half circles around the objects for a more defined look.
Cynthia
Great, fresh and new concept! Can't wait to make it -- thanks for sharing it ;)