Tutorial: Beads & Bow Necklace

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This necklace was less than an hour's work, and - besides a few standard jewellery-making findings - used only items I had been given or had lying around the house!

Here's a simple tutorial on how to make your own necklace using ribbon and beads, with a detachable bow.

Time needed: 30-60 minutes

You'll need:

• 1m ribbon
• Beads*
• 1 button
• 2 split rings
• 2 crimp beads
• 40cm bead-stringing wire/thread
• Needle and thread that matches the ribbon
• Scissors and pliers (cutters and flat-nosed)

*I used 19 13mm beads from a broken necklace, plus 18 0.4mm beads

1.  Thread a crimp bead and one of the split rings onto one end of the bead-stringing wire and make a small loop by pushing the end of the wire back through the crimp bead. Close the crimp bead with flat-nosed pliers.

2. Thread your beads onto the necklace and make another loop at the other end of the wire as in part one. You should now have a length of beads with a split ring on either end. 

3. Cut 50cm of ribbon and thread about 12cm through one of the split rings. Put a couple of stitches into the ribbon to secure it. 

4. Wrap the end of the ribbon twice around the split ring (it will also cover the stitch you added in step 3). 

5. Fold over the cut end at the back to conceal and stitch securely at the back. Repeat steps 3-5 for the other side of the necklace. 

6. Make a bow with the remaining ribbon and add a couple of stitches in the back to secure it. Sew on the button.

7. For a detachable bow, sew or glue on a brooch back and pin to one side of the necklace. Otherwise, sew the bow directly to the necklace. 

8. Most importantly, enjoy!