Ribbon-tied Pearl necklaces

This is one of those projects that we get questions on every spring. It seems like a trendy 'that's so last year' thing but then someone walks in with the new issue of InStyle or Glamour and there it is. I think that the feminine bow and shimmer of pearls never goes out of style. You can make this type of necklace with any beads, really. Try it with colored stone beads and a patterned ribbon or with metal beads and a metallic ribbon. The directions are for a 16 inch tied necklace.

You'll need the following materials:
24 glass pearl beads, 20 mm
22" bead stringing material (we like the .024 Softflex)
2 crimp beads
2 sterling toggle rings or soldered jump rings, 12 mm
36" ribbon (we used double-faced 3/4 inch satin but I do recommend a nice organza)

Thread one end of the stringing material with a crimp bead and one toggle end. Thread the stringing material back through the crimp bead and flatten the crimp with your crimping tool. See this link for a how-to on that technique or visit your local bead store.

Thread all glass pearls onto the stringing material. Feed on the remaining crimp and the remaining toggle ring. Thread the stringing material back through the crimp bead and flatten the crimp with your crimping tool.

Trim the ends of your ribbon to 45 degree angles to prevent fraying and thread them through the toggle rings. Loop the necklace over your head and tie to desired length to wear.

Here is a printable PDF of a similar project you can download for free.