This Brass Bullet Casing Rose Pendant project is a pretty cool project because it doesn't take too many materials or tools to complete. It also makes a great gift!

The best part is that the tools you'll use are probably tools you already own. While there are other awesome and spectacular bullet Instructables, the thing about some of those is that they may require either big, specialized, or expensive equipment, such as metal lathes, drills, or rivet setters. I'm particularly excited to share this method I use for cutting bullet casings because it's extremely easy and relatively quick.

NOTE: As with other bullet or metal projects, please use PPE (Proper Protective Equipment). You wouldn't want to risk cutting yourself or getting a piece of metal stuck in your eye! Safety first!

Step 1: Oh Shoot! Don't Forget Your Materials and Tools

These are the materials and basic tools that can be used to complete this project:

Materials:

.22 caliber bullet casing
9 mm bullet casing
.45 caliber bullet casing
Size SS 16 Swarovksi crystal (optional)
E6000 glue

Tools:

Marker
Ruler/Measuring Tape
Tin Snips
Needle Nose Pliers
Round Nose Pliers (optional), but make smoother curves/bends
Regular Pliers
Nail
Hammer
Rotary Tool (optional) such as a hand held Dremel
Sanding Drum (if using rotary tool)
Grinding Stone (optional if using rotary tool)
Sanding Paper (if sanding by hand)
Tweezers (if adding Swarosvki crystal)

Step 2: Measure Twice, Cut....several Times

Measure the casings to these lengths:

.22 -> 1/2 inch
9 mm->1/2 inch
.45 -> 5/8 inch

2. Using the tin snips, slowly cut into the bullet casing at an angle until you work your way down to the marked length. See the video for a demonstration.

3. Cut vertical slits as far as the inside base of the casing.

Make two slits to make two petals on the .22
Make three slits to make three petals on the 9 mm
Make four slits to make four petals on the .45

See the last picture showing what the casings should look like at the end of this step.

Step 3: Cutting Corners. No, Really, It's an Actual Step!

Each petal will now have two corners.

Using the tin snips, cut a small bit of each corner.

I used a marker to show you where to cut the corners of the petals, although you can eyeball it if you want for an even more asymmetric and organic look.

The second picture shows what the casings will look like after finishing this step.

Step 4: Bending the Petals

I started by slightly rolling the petal from the very top using the round nose pliers.

I then used regular pliers to hold the casing in place while bending each petal a little further with needle nose pliers.

I went back to the round nose pliers to get rid of the sharp bends made by the needle nose pliers

The last picture shows what each of the casings will look like after you complete this step.

Step 5: Drum Roll, Please

I used a sanding drum on the edges from each casing to smooth them out and around the sides on the .45 caliber casing to give it a shiny, brushed look.

While still using the sanding drum, sand over the flat end of the .22 and 9 mm casing just to clean it up.

Step 6: Grind It!

Using a cylindrical grinding stone, grind the inside of the .45 and 9 mm casings until they're shiny. This shouldn't take more than 10 seconds for each casing.

This is a totally optional step, but I included it because it makes the inside of the casing look cleaner and it may help the E6000 bind better to the metal.

Step 7: Hole-y Mole!

In this step, you make the hole for the loop you'll use to feed your necklace through.

Flip the .45 casing over and tap a nail through one petal. Stay as close as possible to the edges, but be careful not to make the hole too big so that its barely noticeable.

Step 8: Assembly

Add a couple of drops of E6000 to the inside base of the .45 and 9 mm casings.

Insert the 9 mm casing into the .45 casing. Align it so the petals of the 9 mm casing do not obstruct the hole on the petal of the .45 casing.

Insert the .22 casing into the 9 mm casing.

You can end right here and still be finished, but if you want to add some bling to your rose, simply add a drop of E6000 to a flat back SS 16 Swarovski crystal and insert it inside the .22 casing. Bling-bling!

Step 9: Final Product

If you followed these steps, then you'll end up with an awesome and unique brass bullet rose pendant like this one I made.

If you're not able to make one or simply just want to buy one, then I'll be selling this and other cool bullet and non-bullet wearables on my Etsy store! Check it out at https://www.etsy.com/shop/MyWearableCreations

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