On the eve of one of my rare Saturday nights off, I decided to make myself a new necklace to wear out on the town. I’ve seen lots of the multi-chain necklaces for $15 or $20, but it didn’t cost me nearly that much to make one.

In stores, a similar necklace might cost 0, but it's much cheaper to make one yourself.

Supplies

• Jewelry chains
• Large jump rings
• Wire cutter
• Pliers
• 2 yards ribbon
• Scissors
• Hand-sewing needle
• Matching thread

Instructions

1. Decide what length of chains you want and how many you want to use. I used two 60-inch lengths and cut them into eight chains total, using the wire cutters to take out links. The lengths were staggered so it would drape nicely.
2. Once the chains are cut, open a jump ring with pliers and add the end link of each chain. Close the ring. Repeat for the other side.
3. Decide how long you want the ribbon and add 6 inches to 12 inches for tying a bow. My ribbons are 20 inches each. If you want to add a bow, save some ribbon for that, too.
4. Slip one end of the ribbon through the jump ring. Fold the end of the ribbon under about half an inch. Fold that end back to the rest of the ribbon so a loop encloses the jump ring. Hand-sew a straight stitch across the ribbon to close the loop. Repeat with the second piece of ribbon on the other jump ring.
5. At the loose end of one ribbon, turn the end under half an inch, then turn that under half an inch. Hand sew a straight stitch across the ribbon to finish the end. Repeat on the other ribbon.
6. To add a bow, tie the extra length of ribbon onto the necklace tie near one jump ring. Tie the ribbon into a bow. Clip the ends if they’re too long. When you’re happy with the bow, turn the ends of the ribbon under to finish them like in step 5. Then on the back of the bow, sew a few stitches to secure it to the tying ribbon.