DIY: Hardware Store Rose Gold Necklace

I know I’ve said it before but the hardware store is one of my absolute favorite places to seek inspiration.  I’ll roam the aisles, pretending that I’m at the bead store or shopping for craft supplies.  Plumbing parts turn into beads, and before I know it, I’ll have a basket full of supplies for a new project or two.  Today’s project is one of those ideas that came out of a trip to Home Depot… and I couldn’t be more pleased with how it turned out.  This is fairly easy to do… while the weaving might appear to be a little bit difficult at first, it’s actually very simple (and quite relaxing, I might add!)

finalface

{would you believe I made this from crimp ends from the hardware store!?}

supplies

You’ll need:  A few yards of black satin ribbon (1/4″ wide) and 2 packages of crimp sleeve connectors (I used two different sizes)

 Start by tying a knot and sliding on three connectors.  Weave the end back through the first connector and pull tightly.

Continue this pattern by pushing one end through a connector on each side and then putting both ends through an additional connector.  When you reach your desired length, tie a knot and then weave your ribbon back through the last connector.  Slip on an additional connector, and weave your ribbon back through the adjacent connector.

Continue the pattern of adding on one connector and then weaving your thread through the adjacent connector.   Once you have two full rows of connectors, you will want to begin tapering it on each side by threading your ribbon through two connectors on each side before adding a third row (as demonstrated in the bottom left.)  Continue making rows.

Continue along, forming a crescent shape.

Continue going along.  After three full rows of connectors, I opted to start using a smaller size to add a little bit of interest.  This is not necessary but adds just a little extra texture.  Continue tapering and adding rows until you get to the center.

weave

Once you reach the center, finish the necklace off by weaving your ribbon back up through the right side of the necklace.  Tie a knot at the end, and leave about 14″ of ribbon on each side… you are done!

{pictured with J.Crew silk blouse}

Leave a Comment

Leave a Comment

36 Comments

  1. Hitha Palepu:

    Great DIY!  Love the necklace paired with the navy blouse.  

    10.24.12 Reply
  2. Elizabeth Schneider:

    So pretty! Love it with your navy blouse. 

    10.24.12 Reply
  3. Drew Elizabeth:

    Such an awesome idea! Looks tough but I’m sure I can tackle it with a bottle of wine 🙂

    10.24.12 Reply
  4. Austenhillrichmond:

    How adorable is that necklace?! I love the look of industrial items in jewelry. I just started doing my own DIY projects and you’re ideas give me so much inspiration:).

    http://www.austenhill.com/

    10.24.12 Reply
  5. Donatella:

    Love it!! I love these “rose gold” “beads” 🙂 I used them as well in a bracelet!http://www.inspirationrealisation.com/2012/04/diy-matthew-williamson-neon-drawstring.html

    10.24.12 Reply
  6. RealGirlGlam:

    AMAZING AS ALWAYS!!!! love it!

    10.24.12 Reply
  7. lici:

    All I can add is, that I love that DIY, too!! So well done!
    lici

    10.24.12 Reply
  8. Jewel:

    This is so cute! 

    10.24.12 Reply
  9. Caitlinsirico:

    What a fantastic DIY! I love your blog!

    – Caitlin from Pumps to Pumas

    10.24.12 Reply
  10. Emily VanderBeek:

    What a GREAT idea! So pretty. Love a great DIY project 🙂
    Isn’t That Charming.

    10.24.12 Reply
  11. Denise Atwood:

    love it, so clever!!

    10.24.12 Reply
  12. Julie & Lauren:

    Love the use of copper in this DIY!

    10.24.12 Reply
  13. See Song Designs:

    Love this! I’m having a DIY party with some girl friends soon, so I’ll definitely put this on our list of projects!

    10.24.12 Reply
  14. Klaudia Majewska:

    Love these type of posts! I havve to try this! <3 xo

    http://styleitwithme.blogspot.co.uk/http://styleitwithme.blogspot.co.uk/

    10.24.12 Reply
  15. Erin @ Thanks, I Made It:

    very cool Grace! The weaving is a great touch.

    10.24.12 Reply
  16. Sarah:

    So cute, Grace!

    10.24.12 Reply
  17. tanya_caines:

    Looks so awesome, Love it.
    xx Tanya    http://aciddreamsandsugarhighs.blogspot.com/

    10.24.12 Reply
  18. Jaclyn:

    Such a great idea, I love how you wove the pieces together. Rose gold is such a pretty color too.

    Stay in the Lines

    10.24.12 Reply
  19. Erica:

    Isn’t it amazing the things you can find at the hardware store?!! I recently bought some neon twine and I’m trying to decide what to do with it. Oh, the possibilities…

    10.24.12 Reply
  20. Jordan - Queen of LA:

    youre so creative! and ps i love that nail polish, what color is it?

    10.25.12 Reply
  21. Jolanda:

    I love this idea!
    I’m not sure I’m clear on the steps in the weave though—is there a name for this type of weave?
    Thanks for sharing!

    11.5.13 Reply
  22. Moonstone Mary:

    Cute variation on what is actually a peyote stitch in the bead weaving world. Could also be done with a round cord, either soft (flexible) leather or satin. I use hex nuts in many of my jewelry designs so appreciate the hardware angle. I also buy raw copper and brass wire from the hardware store for wire wrapping and hand wrought jewelry components.

    7.24.15 Reply
  23. Kelly:

    Love the creativity of this! I just discovered your lifestyle brand today! It’s great.

    7.24.15 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      aw, thank you for stopping by – and for commenting! xx

      7.25.15 Reply
  24. Catherine:

    I Iove your very different necklace its lovely, thank you for showing us.

    9.25.17 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      So glad you liked it!

      9.25.17 Reply