I am big on statement jewelery-pieces that just jump out at you and say “look at me!”. Big dangly earrings, unusual necklaces or bracelets. I love them all!
But of course although I love big pieces, I don’t love big price tags. I love things I can pick up at a pittance at the dollar store, thrift store etc, or even make myself.
When I saw this tutorial for a modern looking necklace made from washers and ribbon at The Small Object I knew I had to try it. I went to Lowes and picked up twenty 5/8″ washers for $.10 each. I had a roll of lime green satin ribbon that I had picked up at Walmart’s for $2 that was about the right width. So following the tutorial on The Small Object and for the low price of $4 I was able to make this necklace:
This is a great, modern piece.
I love how the washers lay next to each other.
Here it is on. You can change the legnth by adjusting where you tie the ribbon on the back.
My husband pointed out that galvanized washers should be used for this, otherwise the salt and moisture from your skin will cause the metal to tarnish. Honestly I’m not sure if the ones I bought were galvanized or not. . .
I found a washer choker selling on Etsy for $10 that you could make using the same directions and just 4 washers (so $.40 plus ribbon cost). I know several teens who would love one of those!
Another thought I had was that you could buy a single large washer-say 1 1/2″ or so across-and use that as a pendant by itself.
So what do you think of my hardware fashion statement?
Even if they tarnish they are still good for their original purpose.
Very cool!
LOVE it! Looks great!
Very cool. Now I only wish that I was allergic to metals! Hmm…have to keep it in mind for a cool gift though.
Try spraying metals with Krylon UV-Resistant Clear Acrylic Coating. You can find it at Michales or Curries. I make jewerly and use it on my metal chains. It seems to work.
Thanks for the tip!
I love this idea. It looks great.
This is fabulous! I’m definitely going to make up one (or more!) of these… thanks!
That is an awesome looking piece – good job!
Stainless steel or chrome as opposed to galvanized – they will last longer and look prettier (galvanized metals are usually ‘cloudy’ in appearance and not smooth to the touch).
YB
Love this idea. I have a daughter graduating from BCC this month so may go scoping out some ribbon and see what size washers I have laying around.
Glad you like it! I can guarantee she’ll be the only one of her friends who has one 🙂
love this!
Fab! – I have just made one from bright red ribbon and dark walnut 28mm round wooden rings – all from Spotlight – awesome!
love this look. Just saw tutorial on using alcohol ink to “finish” washers for jewelry – could be great with this project
They’re zinc plated. The galvanized will last a hair longer, but zinc will last plenty long. Longer than you’ll be wearing that necklace, for sure. I’m currently making one out of galvanized washers but I love the rough, less shiny nature of them. (Galvanizing is really just a different way of putting zinc on a metal object.)