DIY: Beaded Bib Necklace

I recently came across a tutorial for making this necklace on Pinterest and wanted to give it a try. I've never made any kind of jewelry before, but the instructions were fairly simple and easy to follow. The necklace turned out pretty good, so I thought I would share it on here so you can make your own. 

Here's what you will need:

Round beads (if I counted right, I used 118 beads)

Nylon-coated beading wire

Metal crimps

Needle-nose pliers

Ribbon

Step 1: Make Center Piece

Cut an 18-inch length of nylon-coated beading wire. String 12 beads onto the middle of wire, and thread opposite end through last bead to make the bottom circle. For middle circle, string 5 beads onto each end. Add 1 more, and thread opposite end through it. For top circle, string 5 beads onto each end. Add 1 more bead and a metal crimp, and thread opposite end through each. Close crimp with needle-nose pliers; trim ends.

Step 2: Make Right and Left Pieces

 Cut a 55-inch length of wire. String 7 beads onto the middle of wire, then loop in far-right bead of center piece's middle circle. Add 3 more beads to left end, and thread opposite end through last bead to make bottom circle. For second circle, add 5 beads to right end. Add 2 beads to left end, then loop in far-right bead of top-center circle. Add 3 more beads to left end, and thread opposite end through last bead. For third circle, thread 5 beads onto each end. Add 1 more, and thread opposite end through it. Repeat to add more circles to reach nape of neck, and close final circle with a crimp. To make the left piece, follow steps above.

Once you have all the beading completed, simply tie on some ribbon and you're finished! Obviously you don't have to use yellow beads like I did; you can use any color(s) that tickle your fancy.

This project has really wet my appetite for jewelry-making. It's fun and easy, and the possibilities are virtually endless. Be on the look-out for more in the future!