Finished handcrafted co-worker gifts

**NicJean** · 10-16-2011, 06:56 PM

Last year I was 'surprised' at holiday time by co-workers, who each had a present for me. (Yikes!)
This Friday, I happened to be "in the city" small though it may be, and had a plan in mind before heading to Michael's Craft Store. A few years ago, pearl necklackes interwoven with satin ribbon, and that tied with the ribbon, seemed the 'in' thing, at a boutique purchase price, of course.
Simple directions: use crimper bead to make a small loop with the beading wire (I used nylon coated silver - it was on sale), leave ribbon on spool, leave a foot or so of ribbon free then stitch three or four times catching the loop of wire. Tie a knot covering the loop and some of the crimper bead, put a needle on the end of the beading wire (it helps, trust me) and start folding ribbon back and forth, with one, two or more beads then ribbon. For safety's sake, every eight or so pearls I'd attach a crimper bead (if the necklace wire broke, only eight or so beads to trip on, not thirty). End the same way you began: loop stitched to ribbon, knot over it, leave foot long tails to tie behind neck. Necklace overall length about 48 inches, bracelet about 10 (includes ribbon tails to tie).
I did spend $25, (pearl beads on sale, plus a coupon from internet) but got enough pearls, crimping beads and wire for 6 necKlaces and 4 bracelets (same idea). Lots more wire and crimping beads than I needed, but I hardly ever get over this direction. Saturday, a couple hours of my time, and some of my huge stash of double faced satin (leftover from my floral shop), and all my co-workers are getting something from me, homemade, in their favorite colors. I do have to make scrapbook-paper boxes, and line those with something nice, but, wooohoo! I'm clever!

**Ramona** · 10-16-2011, 07:01 PM

Ooh, sounds lovely, will we get pictures?

**NicJean** · 10-16-2011, 07:48 PM

http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/...1&d=1318808582

(Hope this works. . .)

As you may? see, you do not see the beading wire at all, covered ends with knots, and pearls with ribbon all together.
Hey, look, it's my dining table - cleared off and ready for fall!!

**Sara Noel** · 10-16-2011, 08:04 PM

Your necklace is much prettier than the types I've seen where the ribbon is just strung through the beads.

**ncarr** · 10-16-2011, 08:58 PM

pretty

I really like them!

**Labontet** · 10-16-2011, 09:06 PM

Beautiful! I wish I worked with you. Your co-workers will be delighted.

**NicJean** · 10-16-2011, 09:09 PM

I asked my hunky honey what he thought - no response, so I'm really glad somebody likes them!

I'm not a jeweler at all - I do paper-stuff: scrapbook, signs, cards, etc. If I can do this, ANYONE can.

**Trishagirl** · 10-16-2011, 09:36 PM

You did a great on making that necklace! your coworkers will love it!!!

**Debbie-cat** · 10-16-2011, 10:13 PM

Those are adorable!! Thanks for the pictures. I think I am going to try making some of these!

**Ramona** · 10-17-2011, 02:13 PM

Oh, so pretty ♥

**JanieD** · 10-18-2011, 02:41 PM

Wow! You have lucky coworkers! They will be thrilled w/a necklace, in they're favorite color. Very thoughtful.

**mauimagic** · 10-18-2011, 07:30 PM

What a great and thoughtful gift!! What size pearl did you use?

**ravenmaniac** · 10-18-2011, 09:44 PM

They are sooo pretty. You did a fabulous job. Your co-workers are getting a wonderful, thoughtful, beautiful, handmade gift.

**NicJean** · 10-19-2011, 06:17 AM

I used 10 and 12 mm pearls, and some "freshwater" style that were a little smaller. Directions in an older life:beautiful magazine said to use 19 mm for necklace - thought it would look too chunky. The ribbon shown in the picture is a #5, or about three-quarters of an inch wide, I also used some thinner ribbon for not-so-girly, girls.