When it is 106 outside there is no reason to go out there...

Project 11: Industrial Necklace

So summer has hit the south hard this past weekend.  When it feels like it is 115 outside there is really no reason to leave inside.  Now I prefer winter to summer so I was not happy about the prospect of triple digit temps but this did allow for some much missed craft time.  Here is the first of my 3 projects this weekend... a necklace made of industrial materials (sort of).

Materials:

• Satin Ribbon of any color
• Various sized washers (though little metal rings you get at the hardware stores)
• Safety Pins
• Scissors for cutting the ribbon

Steps:

• Travel to your local hardware store for washers.  Finding them in Home Depot was the hardest part of this project.
• Pick the size and quantity on the washers you would like. (See things I learned below for notes). I used various sizes on this necklace.
• Pick out a ribbon that you would like to use with this project.  I used a 5/8in black satin one. (I still have not measured any length of ribbon yet, one day)
• String on the washers like we did for the pop top bracelets
• I set the design out and started at one end and then strung them all together.  
• Take the end of the ribbon and attach the safety pin.  This will make it easier to get the ribbon through the holes.
• To start pull the ribbon through the hole of the first one.
• Lay the second washer over that so that the holes over lap.  Pull the ribbon though the 2 over lapped holes.
• Then pull the ribbon up through the hole of the second washer.  Repeat theses steps as you add more washers.  See the post on the pop top bracelets more detail.
• When you are done decide how long you want the ribbon and the ends to be and cut.  
• Tie the necklace together with a bow and you are done :)

Things I learned:

• On first inspections washers seem to weigh next to nothing... when you string a bunch together not so much.  Keep that in mind when you make a design plan.
• It is easier to get ribbons through washers with larger holes...
• There are codes that are imprinted on the washers, make sure they all face the back (oops).

There are a few other ideas for some projects with these industrial pieces.  It will be a little bit before I do another one though.  When the guy in Home Depot asked me what project I was doing with washer and I told him crafting he looked at me like I was nuts.  He clearly needs to follow my blog to understand better.  More ideas to come. 

Craft on my Friends...