Tuesday, April 30, 2013

How to Make a Sea Glass Pendant (Jewelry Tutorial)

I have been really excited about making jewelry.
It seems to have reignited by fashion designer roots.
and I am currently designing head pieces for a childrens fashion show
(insert a "squeal with delight!").
I have a few other tricks up my sleeve too...
but today I am going to show you one of my happy accidents...
and perhaps an
AMAZING MOTHER'S DAY GIFT!
(hint, hint)


504 main by Holly Lefevre

Click on READ MORE for the rest of the tutorial!

I so often find myself over-thinking just about everything...
but late at night I grabbed some sea glass, a pendant tray,
and Mod Podge Dimensional Magic and created a sea glass pendant.
My friends loved this happy accident and, now, when I sell my things...
they are the first to be sold!

sea glass pendants 504 Main by Holly Lefevre


 These were created out of one of those truly uninhibited, 
"just try it" moments!
They are SO EASY to make.
Seriously, I walked away from the project...
and my 5 year old made this one!





Supplies
  • Sea Glass (grab it at the sea, or at craft stores...or ask me...I have small bags for sale)
  • Square pendant tray (or any shape you prefer) and chain for necklace. You can get these at craft stores or on etsy (search for "pendant tray")
  • Mod Podge Dimensional Magic
  • Seed beads (choice of colors). In the jewelry section at the craft store. I have also picked them up at Tuesday Morning and in the dollar section of my craft store.
  • Coffee filter (to collect the seed beads).
sea glass pendants 504 Main by Holly Lefevre

 
Make It!
  • (1) I like to lay out my supplies and dry fit the sea glass.
  • (2) Once I get a configuration I like, I "move" it to a blank piece of paper in (as close as I can) the formation.
  • (3) On the pendant tray, I fill the bottom with Mod Podge Dimensional Magic. I want the bottom covered, but not overflowing...I still need to put the sea glass in, and it does not need to overflow.
  • (4)Then I place my sea glass...sometimes it takes some finessing and moving around to get the right look...but that is the beauty of this...it is modern art and can change and adapt! Once I get my sea glass in place they way I like it, I add some more Dimensional Magic to fill in gaps and really to secure the pieces in the pendant. The small tip of the Dimensional Magic makes it easy to get into small spaces.
sea glass pendants 504 Main by Holly Lefevre
  • If necessary wipe any excess Dimensional Magic from the outside edges of the tray.
  • I transfer the pendant (carefully) to a coffee filter and sprinkle seed beads all over the tray. the seed beads adhere to the Dimensional Magic. I do NOT shake the excess beads off yet. I wait for the pendant to dry overnight (24 hours).
  • Once dry, shake off the excess beads.
 
Ta-da...all done!

sea glass pendants 504 Main by Holly Lefevre

sea glass pendants 504 Main by Holly Lefevre

Hang it on a simple necklace or a pretty piece of ribbon and let it sparkle!

What are you hoping for for Mother's Day?


Signature
This post is written and created at 504 Main by Holly Lefevre
 
LINKED TO:
Show & Tell Wednesday at SNAP!
Today's Creative Blog

9 comments:

  1. Such a beautiful gift idea, Holly!

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  2. I love the idea of a coffee filter to collect overflow beads! I have been bead sorting and that will make life so much easier for me. Thank yoU!

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  3. It's beautiful, Holly! You (and your son) did awesome :)

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  4. So, so beautiful, Holly! Such an elegant way to showcase the natural beauty of sea glass.

    Jenn

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  5. Anonymous12:21 AM

    Very pretty! I have some sea glass - somewhere - I'll have to give this a try.

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  6. I love sea glass when my family had a cabin right on the beach I would collect it. I think your idea for the use of sea glass is great.
    Denise

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  7. These are really pretty Holly! I love the way the glass looks with the beads!

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  8. Those are so pretty, Holly! I love the mix of the sea glass and those tiny beads. Thanks for linking up at Project Inspire{d}!

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  9. I love sea glass! My Mother would love something like this. Thanks so much for the inspiration! :)

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Thanks for stopping by and joining the conversation! I sure hope you come back for more!