Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Thrifty Gifty #10—Washer Necklaces

This is #10 in an ongoing series of inexpensive gift ideas. Be sure to check out #1-9, and come back on Friday for a linky party where you can show your own thrifty gift ideas, or something you've made using my ideas.

This one would be a fun activity for tween girls to make for gifts for their friends. It’s fun, easy, quick and inexpensive. Again, this isn’t original with me, but this is the first time I’ve tried them.

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The materials you will need are Mod Podge, Diamond Glaze, pretty paper (scrapbook paper, wrapping paper, whatever), thin leather cord or something similar, and plain old washers from the hardware store. I don’t think I’d go any smaller than 1” on the washers, but you could go bigger and bolder if you like.

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Cut a small square of paper a little larger than the washer. Apply Mod Podge to the flat side of the washer. The edges on the other side are just slightly rounded off and smoother for laying against skin or fabric. Then apply the square of paper, design up, to the Mod Podged side.

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That’s a terrible photo, but it’s the only one I took of this step. When the Mod Podge has sufficiently dried, use a craft knife to cut the paper, using the edges of the washer as a guide.

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I used an emery board to smooth down any rough edges of paper.

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Next is the Diamond Glaze. Just cover the papered side with it. This stuff is pretty cool and creates a smooth, rounded surface, but will not drip off the edges. If there are any bubbles, slide them off with a pin. Let it dry over night; it will dry clear.

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Cut your leather cord to your desired length (found mine at Hobby Lobby with the necklace making stuff), tie the ends with a square knot, and loop it around the washer.

Washers are about 4/$1; if you buy scrapbook paper that’s another .50 or so, but you probably have pretty paper somewhere around the house. If you don’t have Mod Podge, I’m sure you could just use regular white glue. The leather cord was about $1.50 for enough for two necklaces, and Diamond Glaze was about $5 for a bottle that will last for many projects . As always, use HL or Michaels coupons.

DIY Day @ ASPTL

Joining DIY Day at A Soft Place to Land.

14 comments:

Shannon said...

Great idea! Very thrifty indeed!

Wishes and Whimsy said...

This IS a great idea--I'm already making some for my 'tween and teen nieces. Yours turned out great!

steffany said...

We made these with my daughter and used two coordinating papers, one for each side. Since necklaces tend to twist,it will look great regardless of the side that it is on.

Rocio @ Casa Haus said...

It's great; I love them! I need to know where to find Mod Podge here, though. I love it for being so simple and beautiful!

Leah Hall said...

The girls and I did some of these a few weeks ago and they didn't turn out like I wanted, so I will try your way...it looks easier:) You've got such great ideas, Holly:) God has blest you with such talent:) Love to you today!

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

This is such a cute and easy idea! So thrifty too!

Manuela

cindy said...

Tween girls??? How 'bout the mamas! I love this, and will make some for all the grownup girls on my side of the family...thanks for the tute!

Tamara Jansen said...

What a great craft! I should show my daughter's this idea :)

Melinda said...

Neat idea!

Melinda

gail@My Repurposed Life said...

looks great!
I've seen these before, but never a "how to", thanks for sharing!
gail

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

Cute, Holly! :) I don't think I ever make a trip to Michaels without a coupon anymore. ;)

seven thirty three said...

OooooooOOOooo! Is that your front door in your header? I love that! Simple and classy. My front door is this terrible rose color and I've been trying to think of a color to paint it... why did I not think about BLACK??? our shutters are black so it is perfect... and did you make the vinyl lettering or purchase it? I hope you don't mind, but I am SOOO stealing this idea!

Mama Thompson said...

I made these the other day, using resin...I hadn't thought to use diamond glaze until someone referred me to your blog...I decided to try that too..worked great. I ended putting a matching paper on the back side since the diamond glaze stays put (unlike resin). I hope you don't mind, but I linked your post to mine on washer necklaces.

Connie said...

Love the decoration!