TUTORIAL-AWESOME ACRYLIC DIAMOND NECKLACE

Hi everyone! I have been fortunate enough to participate in the Totally Tutorials Exchange Program several times now! If you haven't heard about this AWESOME program, it basically matches up suppliers and artists. The suppliers offer supplies for free, in exchange for a tutorial using those supplies. For more information, tutorials, and chances to participate, please visit the Totally Tutorials blog!

On to my tutorial! I received a cool black Diamond Shape Pendant, a black Princess Crown Pendant, and a clear Heart Shape Pendant from Plexicutz on Etsy. I decided to use the Diamond Shape Pendant along with some clear faceted acrylic beads and silver toned chain to create a chunky, fun necklace!

Supplies:
Diamond Shape Pendant by Plexicutz

Twenty clear faceted acrylic beads

26 gauge silver toned wire (not pictured)
Medium weight silver toned chain, divided into twenty-one sets of three links each

Flat nosed pliers
Round nosed pliers

Begin by adding wire to the acrylic beads. Use your round nosed pliers to create loops on either end. You can use the wrapped loop method, but this is a bit faster and easier.

Separate the chain into twenty-one sections of three links each. Set one section aside; this will be for the pendant itself. Create the chain, alternating between three chain links and an acrylic bead. (Depending on the size of the chain you use you may need to use more link sections than this. The goal is to make the necklace long enough to slip over your head without needing a clasp or a toggle.)

Use your flat nosed pliers to attach the pendant to the chain with the three links you set aside earlier.

Enjoy!

This finished necklace is for sale in my Etsy store, Altered Beauty. Please visit Plexicutz for an awesome selection of laser cut acrylic components and pendants. Everything in the store is fun and funky!

TUTORIAL-DOMED COPPER PENDANT NECKLACE

Hi everyone! I have been fortunate enough to participate in the Totally Tutorials Exchange Program several times now! If you haven't heard about this AWESOME program, it basically matches up suppliers and artists. The suppliers offer supplies for free, in exchange for a tutorial using those supplies. For more information, tutorials, and chances to participate, please visit the Totally Tutorials blog!

On to my tutorial! I received a cool Wooden Dapping Block With Punches from Evies Tool Emporium on Etsy. I decided to use it along with a copper disc and some cool ribbon to create a necklace.

Supplies:
Wooden Dapping Block With Punches from Evie's Tool Emporium

One Inch Copper Blank Disc Set from Evie's Tool Emporium

1.25 mm metal hole punch

Flat nosed pliers
Round nosed pliers

Rubber Mallet (not pictured)

Dremel/rotary tool with buffer attachment (not pictured)
Fine grit sandpaper (not pictured)
Micro Torch

Ribbon (Pictured here in an awesome jar I got at a garage sale for fifty cents!)

Leather cord (I used brown)

Two ribbon crimps (I used silver toned)

Two 5mm jump rings (I used silver toned)

A lobster clasp (I used silver toned)

Begin by placing your copper disc into the dapping block. Place it into the depression that is closest to the size of the disc.

Place the punch that is closest to the size of the disc against it, and lightly hit the other end with the rubber mallet. Do this until a round, even dome is acheived.

Take your hole punch and place it over the place in the disc where you would like the hole to be. Don't punch it too close to the edge, but don't punch it too far in because then a bigger jump ring will be needed. I recommend punching about 2mm in. Apply firm, even pressure.

Now for the exciting part! Take your domed piece of copper outside or to an area where it will be safe to use flame. Place it on a piece of firebrick or other heat resistant surface. Turn on the micro torch and apply flame to the surface of the copper. It will change colors rapidly, so I recommend applying the flame gradually. You will see reds, golds, greens, and blues. Stop when you reach a color you like. If you apply too much heat you may darken the surface more than you would like. If this happens, don't worry! You can sand the surface with a fine grit sandpaper and start over.(I didn't take pictures of this step because I didn't think using a camera and open flame at the same time would be a good choice for me...I am a bit clumsy :-/) Here is what it could look like!

Use a buffer on a dremel or other rotary tool to smooth out the surface and add shine. (Again, no image because I couldn't use both at the same time.) Set the copper piece aside for now.

Take the ribbon you would like to use and cut it to the desired length.

Do the same with your leather cord.

Use your flat nosed pliers to close the ribbon crimps around the ends of your ribbon. Be sure each strand is firmly secured in place. You can add a drop of glue for more strength.

Attach a jump ring to one of the ribbon crimps.

Attach a lobster clasp to the jump ring.

Using your flat nosed pliers, attach your copper piece to the ribbon and cord with a jump ring.

Enjoy!

This finished necklace is for sale in my Etsy store, Altered Beauty. Please visit Evie's Tool Emporium for an awesome selection of supplies that are perfect for jewelery and craft projects! I absolutely love my Wooden Dapping Block With Punches! There is so much available there...I know I will be a repeat customer!

TUTORIAL-OCEAN CERAMIC AND FIBER PENDANT

Hi everyone! I have been fortunate enough to participate in the Totally Tutorials Exchange Program several times now! If you haven't heard about this AWESOME program, it basically matches up suppliers and artists. The suppliers offer supplies for free, in exchange for a tutorial using those supplies. For more information, tutorials, and chances to participate, please visit the Totally Tutorials blog!

On to my tutorial! I received an amazing ceramic pendant and ceramic beads from Shaterra on Etsy. I decided to use them along with some textiles I had to create a necklace that reminds me of the ocean. Please visit her shop and look at her beautiful beads, pendants, and supplies! I know that I will be a future customer.

Supplies:
Ceramic Pendant from Shaterra

Ceramic Beads from Shaterra

Eyelash yarn, ribbons, or other fun fibers that match the pendant

One jump ring (5mm or larger, I used silver toned)

Two ribbon crimps (I used silver toned)

One lobster clasp (I used silver toned)

One small paper clip (not pictured)

Flat nosed pliers

Round nosed pliers

Begin by deciding on a length for your necklace. Cut all of the fibers you are planning on using to the same length.

Take your paper clip and use your flat nosed pliers to create a V shape in one end. (You can also use any sort of wire that is small enough to fit through the opening to the pendant without damaging it; I just happened to have a paper clip sitting right next to me. )

Use the paper clip to grab the fibers and pull them through the opening of the pendant, creating a loop.

Pull the fibers through the loop to create a knot.

Use the paper clip to pull the fibers through each bead, placing them on either side of the pendant.

Use your flat nosed pliers to close the ribbon crimps around the ends of your fibers . Be sure each strand is firmly secured in place. You can add a drop of glue for more strength.

Attach a jump ring to one of the ribbon crimps and attach a lobster clasp to the jump ring.

Enjoy!

This finished necklace is for sale in my Etsy store, Altered Beauty. Please visit the amazing store Shaterra and see all of the beautiful pieces she has for sale! Trust me, when you see them, you will want to make something! They inspire creativity.