Handmade Gifts With Jewelry Chain & Ribbon

A variety of items can be made with a jewelry chain and ribbon.

Handmade jewelry is a popular and relatively inexpensive choice for gift giving. It also offers a specialized and personalized look for the items rather than a generic store-bought appearance. Handmade jewelry can be made in a variety of styles, from rustic to elegant, depending on the supplies used. Along with a basic jewelry chain and ribbon, other common items used include beads, pendants and clasps.

Necklaces

One of the most common uses of a jewelry chain is for necklaces. Tie a pendant to a ribbon and hang that from the center of the necklace. Use antique brooches as pendants or purchase old pieces of jewelry and charms in marketplaces. The vintage look of the charms adds personality to the necklace. Add beads on either side of the pendant and along the ribbon as ornaments. Be sure to use the proper gauge of chain to support the weight of anything hung from it.

Chokers

Although it is not everyday jewelry to wear to work, a choker can be a stylish addition to an outfit. Make the choker out of thicker ribbon, being sure to have an accurate size of the wearer's neck. Slide a pendant or charm onto the ribbon so it sits and dangles in the middle. This also can hang from a jewelry chain connected to the ribbon. Once the pendant, charm or chain is in place, attach a fastener to the ends of the ribbon so the choker can be easily hooked in the back.

Bracelets

Bracelets are accessories that can go with a variety of outfits. They can be made either from a jewelry chain or a thick sash of ribbon. For a more elegant gift, use the chain as the base and add beads or charms to it. Use a thin ribbon to accent this type of bracelet. For a more versatile gift, use a wider ribbon as the base, overlapping it several times across the wrists. Attach charms or beads to give it some flare. Use a short jewelry chain to string several ornaments on the ribbon.

Key Chains

Key chains make fun gifts for both men and women. Ribbons can be used to tie bows or weave braids that attach to a short chain. Sturdy jewelry chains also can be strung with beads, which can serve as a strap for a cellular phone or wallet.

Earrings

Like necklaces and bracelets, earrings can be made from basic elements. However, do not overload them with too much weight when making them. Thin jewelry chains, thin satin ribbons and small beads attached to premade earring hooks offer unique designs for a personalized gift.