Make a Humanities Project; high gloss beaded necklace and bracelet

I was assigned a creative project for my humanities class, and since detailed instructions were required, and it turned out so great, I just had to make an instructable.

Step 1 What you will need. . .

Here is what you will need

*A concept for what you want the piece to look like.
*Patience
*A clean work station
*Assortment of filler beads
*images you would like to put on the beads
*Mod Podge sealer/glue
*Embossing fluid (I used inkssentials Glossy accents)
*Bracelet clasps
*A beading board

The following items are optional depending on whether or not you are making a necklace or a bracelet or depending on what style you choose.

*.5mm/.019" diameter stretchy jewelry cord (Pepperell crafts Stretch Magic) [used for bracelets]
*Nylon coated stainless steel Jewelry wire (tiger tail) [used for necklaces]

*A centerpiece (preferably flat)
or
*Flat beads (larger than fillers)
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If you don't already have a collection of beads it may take some time to find them, but all of these products can be found at Michael's or Joann's reletively easy and inexpensively

Comments

[dchall8]

This is a great project. Here's the deal: I'm looking for a way to put my own designs (or pictures) into pendant blanks. It would be nice to be able to cover them with something glossy and sort of raised up. Please tell me more about the embossing fluid you covered the pictures with. Is it a gel? Does it dry cloudy? Some of your beads looks very clear and others look a little cloudy. Could the milky appearance be from the Mod Podge not being completely dry?? Can you apply more if you don't get enough the first time? Is it self leveling or does it form a bubble shape by itself? If you get some on the edge, will it flow off? Do you get that stuff in the scrapbooking department of places that have scrapbooking supplies? What happens if the embossing fluid gets wet after it has dried?

[Ninzerbean]

Have you looked into 2 part epoxy resin? I bought some at a Marine store but it must be sold at a Home Depot type store or a hardware store. It will give you a shiny finish and will be very durable. To get a domed top you need a mold and release agent. I'll bet you can google this subject under epoxy molded jewelry. I just did and there is lots of info.

[startfresh]

Thanks for the tip!

[startfresh]

Good Job!

[debpix]

Nice job! Using your method, I'll be making a single bead with a photo for a necklace I'm making of paper beads. The bead will be a nice focal point. Wish I could see a photo of your necklace on someone to get an idea of scale. Good job.

[SandySprueill]

Yes, it works as a fine glue, its usually used in decoupage, I wouldn't normally use it only for glue, however I had it on hand, and it dries clear, and slower than super glue so in the event that it spilled over it wouldn't look bad. You can use something else if you want. I like working with it better than most glues.

And thank you so much for the advice, but there isn't another bracelet over the medic alert tag, the tag, is the bracelet. Although it hadn't occurred to me that they might look over it because of how it looks.

[porcupinemamma]

So does the "Modge Pod work as a glue? I've never used it, but I thought it made a glossy top coat. Also, thanks very much for sharing your project. BTW In another life, I was an EMT ; your medical alert might be missed because it's under your bracelet. Please consider putting it on your other wrist without any other jewelry.

[jrodehickey]

It's always a plus when your class project is useful. Not to mention BEAUTIFUL!

[dulcigal]

Diamond Glaze works well, too (from Judikins). It can be colored with ink or other pigments and dries to a hard glazed surface. You can texture it as it dries or leave it alone for a smooth finish. It dries VERY quickly if you put on a thin coat. I'm not affiliated with Judikins, just having a lot of fun with it recently. Epic necklace - what a delightful project!

[cathy sweeney]

i really like this. lovely.

[canida]

The shiny picture beads look great!