A guide to making your own Organza ribbon necklaces, including step by step instructions for this fun jewelry crafts project.
To make this, you'll need a few items. 1/4th inch thick organza ribbon is the best to work with, as many crafters have told me. You'll need beads in any design or shape you please, this item is completely customizable. Also needed is fold-over crimp, some split rings (jump rings) and a clasp. Some not-so-needed but helpful items include a dental floss needle (much bigger eye) and Fraycheck.
Most necks are about 12". It's the average size for a female adult. But, to make the necklace more custom, I'd recommend measuring your neck first. Cut the ribbon to your neck specification + 1". You will need to cut the tips of each side to a point to bead it. Put some Fraycheck at the ends of your ribbon if you can to prevent fraying while you bead.
My favorite beads are Swarovski crystal beads. They are a slightly more expensive but glamorous and timeless design. Start in the middle when you begin beading your beads. This makes it easier for you as the ribbon will have less of a chance to "˜stretch'. Put your ribbon into the needle and bead your beads! They should easily stay in place wherever you thread them.
If you wish, adding a pendant to the middle is pretty simple. Get one of your split rings and open it by using your pliers to pull it to the side, not the back. If you pull it back it may cause some damage to the ring. Add the item you wish to use as your pendant. You may need two split rings if it turns sideways. Slide it through one of the "˜holes' in the middle bottom of the organza ribbon. Close the split ring the same way you opened it to make the closure nice and firm.
Cut off the ends of the ribbon where you threaded it and grab your fold-over crimp. Don't worry about finding this item, it's at any craft store nearby! If your store is sold out, many online stores offer it at a wonderful price. At the ends of the ribbon, use your pliers too crimp the fold-over crimp. Make sure it's nice and firm. Attach a ring on either side. If you want it to be fully adjustable, add about ten rings more to one side.
Finish off the necklace by adding the clasp.
You can make many of these for a wonderful price that can also make wonderful gifts. Measure your wrist and make a smaller version for matching sets. Another idea would be to add a watch face to the middle of one sized for your wrist so you have a lovely and decorative organza wrist watch. Your imagination, really, is the only thing that limits you in this situation. Your designs will be beautiful and add a sparkle to your wardrobe.
