DIY : Making a Bib Necklace

I wanted a necklace that was bold and different, and since i couldn't find one that matched what i wanted exactly, on a bored Sunday afternoon, i decided to make one. So, i went to Joann's and Walmart where i picked up these materials:

~Sateen Fabric
~Black Satin Ribbon
~Rhinestones
~Fabric Glue

The Process:

~I think it would be good to have a general idea of a pattern that you want to use. I wanted the rounded square shape i saw that my paper clip holder had.
~Then i traced the shape of the design (using pencil) onto the fabric.


~After i traced the shape, i proceeded to cut out the design. Then i cut out the length of ribbon that i wanted to use as the straps/closure for my necklace and glued it onto the neckpiece.
~I let the ribbon dry for 5 minutes.
~Then i arranged the rhinestones in the pattern that i intended to glue it on, allowing me to see what the final product would look like. Afterwhich, i attached the rhinestones, and allowed it to dry.
~This is how it turned out...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------* Being that i am a total newbie @ working w/ fabrics, i did not know until after i'd finished my project that i should have used fabric stiffener . That would have made the neckpiece less flimsy and a lot sturdier.

* The edges of my necklace show fraying and i've just embraced the fraying as part of the design. I do plan on returning to Joann's and speaking w/ some of the fabric specialists to see if they have cloth that will be less likely to fray, or if there's something i can do to make the fraying less or prevent it in future projects.

*If anyone has any suggestions or tips or ideas that may work better, please feel free to do so.

pics of me wearing the necklace...