You may remember my very first jewelry project posted here on the blog was a Cherry quartz ribbon necklace. That was way back in Feb. This weekend I made a new Cherry ribbon necklace and took a look back at my original. Oh my, I have come a long way lol!
Here is the original Ribbon necklace Do it Yourself instructions, using craft store supplies
The new necklace is 1000 times better quality than the original. I decided to use light grey silk ribbon instead of the grosgrain that JC normally uses. I left the ribbons removable since there are so many lovely silk colors that the gray can be swapped out for to match your outfit.
I know many of you were intrigued by the DIY post. Did you ever try your hand at a ribbon necklace? Have you forsaken JC’s and other retail jewelry for your own designs?
It's nice, but personally I prefer the grosgrain ribbon.
I was going to make my own necklace, but found a ribbon necklace at jcrew for next to nothing.
I really like the silky grosgrain too but I like the airiness of the silk ribbon with the pink beads. I'm going to order some of the grosgrain for a couple fall pieces
Since I was being a copycat
my rose quartz ribbon necklace was my first project too–have come a long way since then. I made a version with a triple strand of freshwater pearls and black grosgrain ribbon that I'm very fond of too.
Love the smoky-toned bracelet–I hope that JC comes out with some chocolate or espresso sweaters for fall.
I love this bead combination but prefer the grosgrain ribbon — no wrinkles…you can see how the silk wrinkles up. But, again, love the beads. Beautiful!
Your Cherry Quartz ribbon necklace project inspried me to start making my own jewelry. Since you posted the instructions for that piece, I've made about 7 necklaces! I love the new version with the delicate silk ribbon. Actually, your timing is really good. I was planning to try this project again now that I've learned a few things about beaded jewelry. I gave up on the ribbon necklace because I was struggling with the knots, but I've finally learned how to make knots between beads, and I think I can give this another try.
I am a type of person, I'd like to try everything. But sadly, found that lack of time does inhibit many of my aspirations. In a meantime, it's fun to see you making new pieces. May be one day 'll follow the footsteps.
In terms of ribbon, I have a felling that silk ribbon is very pretty IRL, it just did not translate well into a photo pic. Great idea with being able to change teh ribbons to suit the mood.
Omg I've been totally brainwashed by jcrew lol!! I don't mind the wrinkles in silk, I think it looks less fussy . But it is a look more appropriate to a frilly Anthro blouse or dress than work attire.
Your right Slastena, I need to re-do my pic to convey that better.
Sounds like grosgrain will be more popular. So I will definitely stop being lazy and order up some. Thanks for the feedback ladies!
Hex- Thanks about the bracelet! I'm looking forward to wearing it a ton this fall/winter. Your pearl ribbon necklace sounds gorgeous!
JKW- It's been fun seeing pics of your beautiful creations! Good luck on the ribbon necklace. Are you using tweezers for the knots? I find that so much easier
Yep, I'm using tweezers. Once I discovered the trick of using them for the knots, it all fell into place. Last night I made a glass pearl necklace to use as a layering piece with J. Crew's Ribboned-pearl necklace in Champagne. I'll send you a pic. I was really pleased with the outcome. And, to answer your question about forsaking J. Crew jewelry for my own, I'd say I am definitely doing that. But, I'm also learning to make pieces to layer with my J. Crew stuff, too.
I think the silk ribbon is really pretty – I would love it in black with some type of antique brass beads/findings.
Like Slastena, I don't think I have the time to make my own (or maybe I just don't have the patience–LOL) but I really enjoy seeing what beautiful pieces you are able to create, Shannon. I do see the crinkled silk ribbon as having more of an Anthro vibe. Maybe you could offer either option as some people are more into Anthro and some are more JCrew/preppy??
Petunia- Great idea! I added a drop down menu on the site to select silk or grosgrain ribbon