Simple Ribbon Choker With Custom Bottle Tab Clasp

This is an instructable walking you through the method I used to create my choker. It's simple, fairly easy, and doesn't require any special tools or materials to make. I hope you enjoy it!

• Some Ribbon, preferably 5/8" wide (we'll measure length later on)
• Two Bottle Tabs
• A Paper Clip
• Super Glue (craft glue or any other strong glue will work)

Tools:

• Tape Measure
• Scissors
• A Candle or Match
• Tongs
• Pliers
• Wire Cutters
• A Toothpick

Measure the circumference of your neck where you want the choker to sit. This is the length you'll cut your ribbon. After your ribbon is cut, hold it up to your neck to make sure it fits properly.

After your ribbon's cut, melt the edges to prevent fraying. Quickly slide the edge of the ribbon over the flame. (Make sure you don't let it touch the flame!) It should look smooth and shiny on the edge when it's done. Repeat this step on both sides.

(Note: If your edge is a little warped that's okay. The clasp should cover it up.)

One side of the bottle tab should be longer than the other. Set the shorter side of the tab on the edge of the ribbon to measure where you'll need to make the bend. (Because one side of the tab is longer, the bend won't quite be in the middle.) With your pliers, grab the part of the bottle tab that's sticking over the side and bend it at about a 45° angle. Repeat this step with both tabs.

If you already have a hook, feel free to skip this step. If not, straighten your paper clip, fold about halfway, and bend to create a hook.

Hold the hook up to the back side of your tab-clasp to measure how long it needs to be. Cut the remaining wire. The hook should be long enough to glue to the back of the tab, but should not stick out at the back.

Put a dot of glue in the front corners of one of your tabs and spread with a toothpick. Push the ribbon all the way in and use your pliers to bend the tab around it. (Make sure you don't glue the other tab yet.)

On the inside of the longer side of your remaining tab, put a dot of glue and attach your hook. You will place it sticking out towards the bend in your tab and facing upwards. After the glue dries, repeat step seven to attach the second clasp.

(Note: In the second picture the hook is BACKWARDS. After I realized I had to go back and fix it, but don't make the same mistake I did!)

Here are some pictures of what the finished clasp should look like. Thanks for reading!