Hello, friends! I'm Adrianne, and I'm going to share a patriotic-themed pendant with you today. This piece is easy to make, and lets you share your red white and blue with your own style and flair!
The silver frame is a pre-made jewelry tray available in the jewelry section of your favorite craft store, and it showcases your tiny work of art. I'm going to share my minimalist star design today, but you can put your own spin on your design to wear a piece that is one of a kind!
You can get the watercolor look you love easily using Art GRIP® Aquarelle Watercolor Pencils. Draw or trace a single star on a 1" square piece of white watercolor paper, and color it in shades of blue (see supply list below for the colors used here). With a paintbrush and water, gently blend the colors.
In addition to the watercolors, you can add your favorite textures, too! I painted the star with Pearl Texture Luxe to set it off just a little more.
Note: my pendant tray has a 1" square opening, but consider other shapes and sizes! You can trim your paper to the correct size, and place it in the tray to ensure it's sized properly before you begin.
Once the elements of your tiny work of art have dried, give the backside of the square a generous coat of glaze to adhere it to the inside of the pendant tray. Coat the top with a heavy layer of glaze as well, and leave it flat to dry.
When dry, string the pendant on a long necklace chain. If you would like to add a handmade beaded charm, I'll show you the steps to create one! These beads add a pop of red to the muted blue design for a simple and elegant look for Independence Day.
Stack a few coordinating beads onto a 2" jewelry head pin (see below for exact supplies used). Grip the pin just above the beads with a pair of round nose jewelry pliers. Wrap the wire end over one side of the pliers, forming a loop.
Next, wrap the wire end of the pin around the base of the pin, filling the space between the top of the bead and the loop you created. Cut off any excess wire with wire cutters. Attach a 15mm jump ring to the charm's loop, ensuring it's twisted fully closed to complete your beaded charm. Alternately, you could use pre-made bead or metal charms to accent your art pendant!
String the art pendant and charm onto a necklace chain, and be prepared for the compliments you'll receive! I prefer a long chain of 30" to hang at the ribcage area, but a standard 18" necklace will work with most necklines. (It's your art - wear it the way you love it!)
Thanks for joining me for today's wearable art project! Don't forget - this technique works well for all kinds of seasonal or personalized jewelry.
Supplies Used:
White watercolor paper, trimmed to 1" square
Art GRIP® Aquarelle Watercolor Pencils #141 and #144
Fine tip paintbrush and water
1" square silver pendant tray
26" silver necklace chain
2" silver jewelry head pin
8mm faceted glass rondelle bead, red
6mm faceted glass rondelle bead, white
4mm silver spacer bead
15mm silver jump ring
Jewelry pliers
Round nose pliers
Wire cutters
Fabulous project - some fast, easy & wonderful! Will have to try. Thanks for the tutorial :)
Posted by: MargieH | 07/01/2016 at 10:08 AM
Very cute! Love your necklace!
Posted by: Tiare | 07/01/2016 at 01:58 PM
I lvoe this!
Posted by: Jean Marmo | 07/08/2016 at 08:49 AM
this is really wonderful! thanks for the inspiration! xo
Posted by: michele s | 07/09/2016 at 07:53 PM