I wanted to design a necklace that had a QR Code in it. I figured it would be an awesome conversation piece and also a great way of giving my information out at a jewelry show or at a party. I wanted to have a steampunk feel to the piece and that is why I went with the octopus leg with gears as the suckers. I debated on having the octopus leg curl around the QR Code but I decided to go with the leg holding up the QR Code. I figured this way would also allow me to also easily change the QR Code later.

I originally wanted to do this project out of wood. Unfortunately, I'm not very well good with using the wood burning iron. It would also been a wonderful project for laser cutter. Instead I was able to find some chipboard that I had from some brochures, so I decided to try it out.

Items I Used:

Chipboard
Glue
Embossing Powder (sterling silver & Pirate Gold)
Embossing Ink Pen
Heat Gun
Paper
Laser Printer
Head Pins
Chain
Toggle Clasp
Czech Fire-Polished Beads (4mm & 6mm)
ecraft (but you can use scissors)
Scissors
Rosary Pliers
Flat Nose Pliers
Tablet (or computer)

Step 1: Create a QR Code

I used our tablet with android to create and test my QR Code. For the information on it, I used my website for jewelry. There are also a bunch of websites dedicated to creating QR Codes if you search online. I made mine a little smaller in inkscape and printed it out with my laser printer.

I didn't want the paper to be too bright so I aged the paper by using a tea bag (that I already used for tea) and swiped it over the QR Code. Then I let it dry.

Step 2: Cut Your Shapes

First I created a pattern for the octopus leg and the drop holding the QR code using Inkscape. I then used my ecraft to cut out three octopus legs and three drops out of chipboard. You can trace out the pattern on chipboard and use scissors to cut it out if you don't have a craft cutter. The three of each piece will make the focals more sturdy.

I waited to cut the gears out till later because they will be vary small and it is easier to emboss the chipboard first.

Step 3: Emboss

To get the gold look of the piece I used an Embossing pen, powder, and a heat gun. I only embossed what will be the front and back of my pieces.

I also embossed an area on a piece of chipboard using a sterling silver emboss. Then used the ecraft to cut out the gears.

Step 4: Glue Together

I glued the pieces of chipboard together. I also cut the gears in half and glued them on top of the octopus leg. The last piece that I glued on was the QR code to the top of the drop.

Step 5: Make Necklace & Connect

I then used headpins, beads, chain, and rosary pliers to create the necklace. I also made the octopus leg and drop connect with a headpin and bead. Finally I finished it off with a toggle clasp. Then it was ready to wear and make a statement!