Oh yeah, that's right. Then the Army happened.
Oh yeah, I forgot, then kids happened.
Anyway, I thought these simple, crafty, personalized, necklaces were perfect for me! They're made from washers! You know, little things that slip under a nut or a bolt. You know....found at hardware stores! But they're spruced up with scrapbooking paper and stamped with any message your little heart desires!
Here's one I made for myself.
I stamped "Mom" on the back. I bought the metal alphabet stamp set at Harbor Freight for like $5. Get yourself a hammer, a couple taps later, you've got yourself a nice little personalized necklace.
This one I made for a loved one. It's a present and I haven't given it yet, so I won't reveal what's written on the back. It's special :-)
To give credit where credit is due, I saw this idea on a few blogs. I'm not sure of every one, but the step by step method is found here, on Crafting Chicks.
What I've found:
~ I used Glossy Accents to make the paper glass-like. Next time I'll try Mod Podge because I think it will dry harder. The Glossy Accents seems to remain a little tacky and soft.
~ I'm not 100% thrilled with any of the necklace material I found. At first I used a leather rope from the jewelry section of Michael's, but it never laid flat, even after wearing it for hours. Then I got this string stuff as pictured and it's ok, but I don't know how to add a clasp, so I just tie it.
Anyway, I'm really happy with the project and I can envision a collection of these, adorned with any kind of patterned paper, to go with absolutely anything I'm wearing.
I'm going to add this project to Somewhat Simple Strut Your Stuff Thursday. Click the button to see what everyone else has been doing!
Good idea on the modge podge. This craft is featured on Little Birdie's SEcrets too and she uses Crystal effects from STampin Up..but I think I'll try the modge podge first.
ReplyDeleteThey look great and I'm with you on the jewelry thing. I wear my cross and my wedding rings.
What a darling project! You are such fun, Mzzz Bethy! What wonderful treasures you are sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog! I used a 1 mm leatherette cording, which sounds like what you tried first. I'm not sure what you mean by it not lying flat. I haven't seemed to have any issues with that.
ReplyDeleteI used a barrel clasp, which worked really well. http://www.landofodds.com/servlet/Categories?category=BARREL+CLASPS
I tied each end of the cord on and then trimmed it as close as I could and used super glue to secure the knot and to make sure the cording wouldn't fray.
This is probably only the second or third piece of jewelry I've made, so I'm not an expert, but I hope it helps!
I love how you stamped the back. I think I need to get one of those sets at Harbor Freight.